The Charles M. Messer Leica Camera Collection

Introduction

Welcome to The Charles M. Messer Leica Camera Collection. The Charles M. Messer Leica Camera Collection consists of Leica cameras, lenses, accessories, and written material.

Charles Messer was the head of Frank Messer & Sons, a Cincinnati based construction company.  Frank Messer & Sons actually built many of the buildings on Miami University's campus that still stand to this day, including the Richard & Carole Cocks Art Museum.

Charles Messer became interested in Leica photographic equipment after his physician instructed him to take up a hobby.  Initially, Messer pursued photography but soon found he had no interest in it.  However, Messer would become enamored by the craftsmanship and build quality of Leica equipment, leading him to transition from amateur photographer to collector.  While there are approximately 120 items on display the entirety of Messer's collection numbers over 1200 pieces.  It is believed to be the largest private collection of Leica photographic equipment in North America.     

The Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum is pleased to introduce the first entirely digital exhibition of the collection, featuring a small selection of the items that are currently on display.

Initial exhibit created by Kenneth DeCrosta, Collections Intern Fall 2022