Leitz, Ernst, Sr. (1843-1920) and Jr. (1871-1956), German optical manufacturers. In 1849 Carl Kellner established an optical institute in Wetzlar, Germany, for the development of lenses and microscopes. Kellner died in 1855 and his widow continued the business with twelve employees. Ernst Leitz Sr. became a partner in the company in 1865 and took over sole management in 1869, renaming the business after himself. The 10, 000th microscope was produced in 1887 and the number of employees expanded to 120. Leitz was an enlightened employer whose paternalistic attitude was demonstrated by the introduction of health insurance, pension and housing schemes, and, by 1899, an eight-hour day.
Ernst Leitz Jr. became sole owner of the business in 1920, continuing the traditions established by his father. By 1924 the number of employees had risen to 1, 000, and Leitz's decision to proceed with the manufacture of the Leica camera was instrumental in strengthening the company as sales of scientific equipment were falling. During the Third Reich Leitz and his daughter, Dr Elsie Kühn-Leitz (1903-85), quietly arranged for Jewish employees to be transferred overseas and supported by the firm's branches, and endeavoured to assist forced labourers assigned to the plant. After their father's death in 1956 his sons, Ernst III, Ludwig, and Günther, took over the management of the firm. The last remaining family member retired from the board in 1986.