fielden Posted October 25, 2007 Share #1 Posted October 25, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) I am going to Frankfurt in a couple of weeks time and would have the opportunity to go to Solms and wondered if there is anything to see there at the factory. Do they do factory tours or is there a factory shop or exhibition or museum. Anyone know. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted October 25, 2007 Posted October 25, 2007 Hi fielden, Take a look here anyone been to Solms. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Guest voyeur Posted October 25, 2007 Share #2 Posted October 25, 2007 sure... they offer tours, but as far as i know they prefer small groups, though... i would definitely recommend a short trip to solms regards Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marknorton Posted October 25, 2007 Share #3 Posted October 25, 2007 Yes, there are tours but not every day and not necessarily in English and I've never mangaged to get the timing right. There is a museum, mainly a wall detailing the Leica evolution and a shop which may or may not have what you are looking for in stock. Mind you, don't think that just because a lens is made in the same building it's any cheaper to buy. I think the factory shop is probably one of the most expensive places to buy. Still, worth a visit; I go there when I'm driving from Leipzig back to the UK, it's a small detour. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
c6gowin Posted October 25, 2007 Share #4 Posted October 25, 2007 If you have time, I would also recommend a visit to the town of Wetzlar. It is a very nice town to walk and photograph. It is close (~10 min.) to Solms. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimmyKnopf Posted October 26, 2007 Share #5 Posted October 26, 2007 Yes, give them a call front up at Leica Camera AG - Leica Factory Germany If you are in Frankfurt, visit also the Leica Gallery of Foto-Rahn. Details at Foto Hobby Rahn - Home they are fully stuffed with L-iron ;-) Regards J Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gabriel Posted October 26, 2007 Share #6 Posted October 26, 2007 There is a lot to see in the old town of Wetzlar. The best place to buy Leica gear in Solms-Wetzlar is Lars Netopils store Lars Netopil Classic Cameras Wetzlar He is extremely knowledgeable, speaks excellent English and is also a nice guy. Make sure to book if you want to be sure of getting a place on an English factory tour. The factory Shop pricing is as described above but is a good place to buy Leica T shirts Baseball caps and a range of other non photographic items with the Leica logo which are otherwise impossible to find in normal retail outlets. When travelling in Germany consider using the excellent rail network, Wetzlar which is quite near to Solms has a station. Look ar the German Railways website which is also in English http://www.bahn.de/-S:PtVOSN:dvGrK9NNlxlQw9NNNRNM/pv/view/int_guest/subhome/international_guests.shtml Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gabriel Posted October 26, 2007 Share #7 Posted October 26, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) There is also the Leica Museum in Wetzlar (which was the birthplace of Leica) I think that it is in part of the Municipal buildings but I cannot be sure. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
fursan Posted October 29, 2007 Share #8 Posted October 29, 2007 I am sure it would be a nice tour. However, I would enjoy it more if the products from their pristine environs worked as well as their antiseptic assembly areas. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NZDavid Posted November 2, 2007 Share #9 Posted November 2, 2007 I visited in September. Well worthwhile, and Karl-Hans Welcker, who organizes the factory tours is a nice guy with a wealth of knowledge (He used to head the Leica Academy). Bring all your questions on technology and lens choice, etc. You'll need to book ahead before you leave for Germany (do asearch on the main Leica site for more details on factory tours). Be aware the factory is in Solms, not Wetzlar, and you have to take a taxi there. It takes about 15-20 minutes and costs 10 euros. Try mobil24 for taxis. Best Western is a good choice to stay in Wetzlar, but there are some others. Very easy to get to by train from Frankfurt direct or via Giessen. If you need any more info, please email me off forum. Enjoy your trip! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
norbertnl Posted November 2, 2007 Share #10 Posted November 2, 2007 There's also a railway station in Solms with relatively frequent service from Wetzlar and Limburg (1 or 2 trains per hour, each direction). Takes only 8 or 9 minutes. Walking time from the station to the customer service about 10 minutes, to the factory ca. 20 minutes. For a tour of the factory it would be good to email mr. Welcker in advance. I should have his card at home, so if you like to know just drop me a PM. Norbert Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NZDavid Posted November 3, 2007 Share #11 Posted November 3, 2007 Railway station is not the best bet -- it would only 20 minutes if you don't mind traipsing up a steep hill through the suburbs for some way. The factory really is quite some way out of town. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rubenkok Posted November 7, 2007 Share #12 Posted November 7, 2007 I have been there a few times. Last year I went for a course to the Leica Academy. It’s a nice place and great surroundings. Some pictures are here I hope you will enjoy your stay. Ruben Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
fielden Posted November 13, 2007 Author Share #13 Posted November 13, 2007 Thanks everyone for your help. I will be going to Solms on Wed 28th november. I will be picked up at the airport by my German colleague. I am awaiting Karl's response re: the factory tour. But we will be going anyway as we have some time before travelling to Simmern for a meeting on Thursday. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.