Why so many Italian Leica historians and collectors?

[Studienkamera]

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When I got interested in Leica history, I noticed that there are many very knowledgeable Italian Leica collectors and historians. To name just a few (in alphabetical order): Luigi Bertolotti, Giulio Bigazzi, JC Braconi, Avv. Cavalieri, Marco Cavina, Pierpaolo Ghisetti, Fabrizio Pangrazi, Gianni Rogliatti, Ghester Sartorius, Claudio Trezzani. I certainly forgot many names that should be in this list, my apologies! I have learned a lot about Leica from this distinguished list of collectors and enthusiasts and have bookmarked many of their Leica pages on the internet. We are very lucky that some of these gentlemen are participating in this forum.

I am just curious, why is there so much interest in Leica history in Italy, as compared to many other European countries? I even would find it hard to come up with an equally influential list of German Leica collectors, not to mention any other country. Anyone has an explanation for this? Thanks!

[jaques]

maybe it's because Italy has such a history and love of fine design? They appreciate the good things. Just look at Milanese coffee machines of the 1950's and 1960's. Stunning! Form and Function united.

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[Studienkamera]

1 minute ago, jaques said:

maybe it's because Italy has such a history and love of fine design? They appreciate the good things.

That's a possibility, thanks. And yes, that machine is certainly beautiful.

[jc_braconi]

We love beautiful creations, cars cameras, movies architecture, music, opera, sculptures, paints, cooking what else ?

[romualdo]

6 hours ago, jc_braconi said:

We love beautiful creations, cars cameras, movies architecture, music, opera, sculptures, paints, cooking what else ?

and not to mention their motorcycles - sublimely aesthetic creations - been riding since 1979 (Ducati, Gilera, BMW) and adore italian bikes and the people. I visited the Ducati factory in Bologna back in 2016 & what totally blew me away (in the museum) were my first views (and knowledge) of Ducati cameras - had no idea of their existence. I met the curator and had a long conversation and when he found out I was from Brisbane (Australia) he amazingly eluded to our famous WWI tank "The Mephisto", the only one of its kind left in the world. It was brought back to Australia after WWI as a "trophy" & has been at the Queensland Museum for many years but occasionally goes out on loan. As children in the 1960's we used to climb all over & explore it (was permitted then), a favourite part of our museum sojourns - not the case anymore.

https://www.awm.gov.au/about/our-work/projects/mephisto

[luigi bertolotti]

On 7/30/2023 at 8:19 PM, jc_braconi said:

We love beautiful creations, cars cameras, movies architecture, music, opera, sculptures, paints, cooking what else ?

... And you are surely proud to be quoted as Italian 😎😊

(Studienkamera... I like your observation on Italian leicists.. But JC is a distinct Frenchman..😉) 

[Studienkamera]

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Well, thanks for the correction. In this case, I know what JC stands for. In my view, he has been an honorary Italian for the past few days.

[jc_braconi]

Just making things clear :
My family is French since 1900 but the origin for grand fathers and grand mothers are both from the same town in Tuscany..
I am living half time in Italy /France. We are now at the 6th generation