Barnack, Oskar (1879-1936), German instrument maker who became head of the microscope department of Ernst Leitz in Wetzlar soon after joining the company in 1911. After initial research on the construction of small cameras, Barnack began work on two prototypes of the Leitz Camera (Leica) in 1913, used by himself and Leitz. The Leica I was launched commercially in 1925. Barnack remained head of Leica's construction office until his death and developed many refinements of both cameras and lenses.

— Rolf Sachsse

Bibliography

• Eggert, J., ‘Deutsche Pioniere der Photographie’, Camera, 30 (1951), No. 11

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