Leica Freedom Train Video / Must see

[Guest guy_mancuso]

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Check this out

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6j0ynkR8Ic

[jonoslack]

Hi Guy

Thanks for this - I did know about it, but good to see the trailer as well.

Hope you're well

[tashley]

Check this out

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6j0ynkR8Ic

 

 

That bought a tear to my eye - yet another reason to like a Leica.

 

Thanks!

 

Tim

[rsh]

Nice Video. Peter A. Thomas, Sr. would have been a better narrator than Ed Ames.

[Guest guy_mancuso]

After watching this it seems trival the money we spend on leica gear. It actually feels good to be a part of leica history when a company can pull off such humanitary feats like this in very trying times. I am sure every past and present employee of leica is very proud of this heritage. I certainly know i would be very proud to work for a company that has done so much for the world.

[eronald]

Impressive.

 

Edmund

[tjphoto]

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Didn't know about that. Cool.

Thanks,

Tim

Tim Jones Photography

[HetDraakje]

Indeed impressive. for those sceptics: Leica FAQ - Leica and the Nazis gives some more info and bibliography

 

Boen

[sm23221]

I feel honored to support Leica. What a brave and forthright individual he was!

[Jaka Skorjanc]

Strong,

 

Jaka

[Overgaard]

Thanks for the link. I'll be linking to it from my http://leica.overgaard.dk Leica History site.

 

Here is what I had so far in case anybody wanted to know a little more on this subject:

 

Leica and the Jews during Second World War and Holocaust

While Leica was a major supplier to the German war during World War II and was highlighted by Minister of Propaganda, Joseph Goebbels as a German model company, it was also a company where the top management was systematically saving Jews.

These activities, enabling Jews to emigrate, began shortly after Adolf Hitler became Chancellor in 1933 and was intensified aftrer the nationwide "Kristallnach" in November 1938. But with Germany's invasion of Poland and the sealing of borders in August 1939, these activities more og less came to an end.

Frank Dabba Smith has written a very intersting story about this in a document available on the internet, presenting many stories about Jews who's lifes were saved by the help of Leica.

[scanner]

Check this out

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6j0ynkR8Ic

Dear Guy, I know the great effort from Leitz to save these Jews and it is good that many people around the world will hear this message !! Thanks Guy, greetings Rob, Netherlands.

[JohnM]

Thanks Guy.You are right,it is a must see.I am sure not many people are aware of this.

[bayerische]

I've heard about it, but didn't know he saved so many lives.

 

Great stuff! Makes me Love my camera even more:)

[Guest guy_mancuso]

I thought i read somewhere else that even after the border closing they were still smuggling people out of the country. I have to see if i can find that data. Regardless great stuff and amazing . Yes i agree a must see

[newyorkone]

I had heard about this...

 

Thanks for the link.

[chrisweeks]

thank you so much for the link! i'd always heard about it but never "saw" anything.

 

btw, is there a longer version coming?

 

like others ... it does feel nice to be part of something -- by using Leica gear -- which is beautiful.

 

cheers!

[hpu]

Thanks very much for bringing this to my attention.

Last week I saw on television "Schndlers List". I admit that this film got me moved as well the "Leica video".

Thanks again.

[Smallcreep]

I think it's worth remembering that Ernst Leitz's sister was also active in the work of opposition, particularly in caring for the slave workers drafted into the factory by the SS. I believe that at one stage she was arrested and beaten, an experience from which she seems never to have recovered. From what I've read it appears that Ernst Leitz himself was ashamed of his enforced collaboration with the regime, particularly during the war, when Leitz cameras were used to trumpet Nazi domination. This submission to state power does not diminish his standing, of course, but shows how totalitarian regimes will exact obedience with brutality and in that way seek to undermine the consciences of those with the courage to stand against them.

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Interesting Leica gear

[Guest leica_mage]

I don't post here anymore, but I pop in from time to time.

 

Guy, thank you for this; I know the story well, but I wasn't aware of the video.

 

Thanks and be well.