Talk:Original designers of Leica products:
Paul Taylor , Jun 24, 2007; 06:11 p.m.
Wilhelm Stein (1906-1976)was the principal designer of the M-series. He began his career in engineering as an apprentice with the Iron & Steel Works of Buderus in his home town of Wetzlar. In 1936, he mover to Ernst Leits GmbH. Barnack, who initiated and supervised the development of the oringinal Leica, died in January of that year. This left a gap among the remaining engineers. Ludwig Leitz recognized Stein's talents and gave him an opportunity to make contributions with the company's design group.
Some credit Stein with the improvement of the focal plane shutter which Barnack invented in 1924. He was not drafted into the German Army but instead was sent to secret military development installations. After the second World War, Stein was made the head of Leica's design deparment.
