Leica Cameras

Leitz, Camera, Action!

It is no secret that what Nazi Germany did to the Jewish community between World Wars One and Two was a complete catastrophe. Only one man, however, can recount the story of what one German family did to help out hundreds of Jewish families during that time.

George Gilbert has practiced the art of photography his entire life. It was how he met an old colleague, Norman Lipton, a previous editor for the magazine Popular Photography in 1952. Before he passed away, Lipton told Gilbert in the 1990s of his experiences at Leica and what was known as the "Leica Freedom Train."

Gilbert began speaking without much ado of the tale Lipton told him. He cracked some jokes ("Are there any English majors in here? Get out!"), made up words ("Is universalization even a word?") and proved to be an interesting speaker. Gilbert began with a brief history of Germany's history, then began the courageous tale of the Leitz's family's work.

In 1925, the Leitz manufacturers created a pocket-sized camera called the Leica Camera which could take brief shots of moving pictures and changed the entire photographic world.

The Leitz family were horrified at the ruckus caused by the Nazis, and decided to take action. Their work began when their manager revealed he needed to be relocated because he didn't want his Jewish wife to be exposed to any harm. The Leitzs then relocated him France on the premise that he made part of the Leica's French establishment. The Leica Industry later employed phony workers (Jews, anti-Nazis, and the like), putting them under two weeks of rigorous training to help them understand the Leica jargon, and sent them out of Germany, never to be heard from again.

Many people wonder why the Leitz's story is not as famous as Schindler's List, a famous biographical movie of Oskar Schindler who saved over one thousand Polish Jews during the Holocaust.

The Leitz relayed to Lipton that their story must not be printed while the family was still alive. They have all passed away, and now the tale of their noble subterfuge is being retold all over the United States.

The story was first published in 1998 in England by the Reform Jewish, and once more by Lipton in Photo International in December 1999.

Unknown German Family Revealed to Have Helped Jewish Families Escape Nazi Germany

San Jose State University’s chapel was the meeting point for George Gilbert, one of the few men who knows the story of the Leica Freedom Train.

George Gilbert has practiced the art of photography his entire life. It was how he met an old colleague, Norman Lipton, a previous editor for the magazine Popular Photography in 1952. Before he passed away, Lipton told Gilbert in the 1990s of his experiences at Leica and what was known as the "Leica Freedom Train."

In 1925, the Leitz manufacturers created a pocket-sized camera called the Leica Camera which could take brief shots of moving pictures and changed the entire photographic world.

The Leitz family were horrified at the ruckus caused by the Nazis, and decided to take action. Their work began when their manager revealed he needed to be relocated because he didn't want his Jewish wife to be exposed to any harm. The Leitzs then relocated him France on the premise that he made part of the Leica's French establishment. The Leica Industry later employed phony workers (Jews, anti-Nazis, and the like), putting them under two weeks of rigorous training to help them understand the Leica jargon, and sent them out of Germany, never to be heard from again.

Many people wonder why the Leitz's story is not as famous as Schindler's List, a famous biographical movie of Oskar Schindler who saved over one thousand Polish Jews during the Holocaust.

The Leitz relayed to Lipton that their story must not be printed while the family was still alive. They have all passed away, and now the tale of their noble subterfuge is being retold all over the United States.

The story was first published in 1998 in England by the Reform Jewish, and once more by Lipton in Photo International in December 1999.

Gilbert now travels across America in order to retell the Leitz family's tale.

Missing work

Apple Rewrite

Ten tons of apples showered Highway 101 in Sonoma County yesterday morning when a trucker lost control of his tractor while navigating over partially repaired pavement.

The overturned apples cause the road crew to shut down one northbound lane, severely backing up the morning commute. A morning mist made the already-slick, apple-coated pavement even more hazardous.

According to California Highway Patrol officer Wayne Ziese, truck driver Robert Urbins was transporting the apples to Sebastopol when he said he heard a cable snap. While navigating over the uneven pavement, the rear flatbed started "whipping" when apples started scattering over the asphalt.

The road crews arrived at 9:45 am to clear the mess, according to Ziese. The apples piled two feet high and covered 200 to 300 feet of pavement, landing nearly 1,000 feet away in the median and on the shoulder of the highway.

Barn Fire –

A barn fire was reported at 4 a.m., killing fifteen horses and injuring two.

The barn burned down one day before the opening of the fall racing season at the Bay Meadows Racecourse in San Mateo.

The fire smoldered until midday, where it was reported that arson is suspected as the cause of fire. Fire chief Bernard Perry said, “The fire exploded near the center of the barn. Flames were shooting out of the building when we got here. The fire is definitely suspicious.”

“Those are my best friends,” said Albert Ramos, a jockey from San Diego, “I love horses more than I do people. I feel like I want to cry.”

No word yet on any leads for the suspected arson.

Got what it takes to be a reporter?

I enjoy reading. I consume a lot of books and magazines.
Mostly true - 2 pts

For me, writing is rewarding. And I am confident that people genuinely enjoy the stuff I write.
Not true

I don't pay much attention to spelling. My grammar and punctuation probably ain't great, either.
Not true - 2pts

I'm generally adept at computer technology: sending email, downloading files, shooting digital photos, etc.
Mostly true - 1pt

I can organize my ideas and write quickly when I need to.
Mostly true - 2 pts

I'd make a good game show contestant because I'm pretty good at remembering facts and trivia.
Not true

I'm efficient and self-sufficient when it comes to doing extensive library or Internet research.
Mostly true - 2pts

I'm generally more curious than most people I know.
Not true.

In public situations, I'm pretty shy; I avoid asking questions in class, for instance.
Mostly true

I think it's unpatriotic to question or criticize our government.
Not true - 1 pt

When I choose a career, I'll require a stable, 9-to-5 job where my workday is routine and I make big money.
Not true - 3 pts

If I really want something, I'm tenacious until I get it.
Not true

When I'm under pressure, I can keep my cool and stay focused without losing my temper.
Mostly true - 1 pt

When strangers or teachers criticize what I write, it really bugs me. I mean, who do they think they are?
Not true - 2 pts



I feel that the test asked the right questions, but that it didn't give enough wiggle room. I'm at a point in my life where a lot of things are changing for me, so some of the answers I agreed with while the other half I didn't. I believe that once I've become more outgoing and organized then I'll be able to manage a job as a reporter or journalist.

Top News 4

The news story I thought was important was the shutting down of the MLK library's database. This set back tons of students who rely on the database for research. The computer system has been shut down since this past Sunday and the problem has yet to be resolved.

This definitely has impact on students who attend SJSU and also residents of San Jose who prefer this library or who regularly check out books from there.

It has proximity for SJSU students, as the building is on campus.

There is timeliness and currency, because it happened just recently. Some people aren't even aware yet that the databases are down.

It conflicts with students' research capabilities through the school's library network.

Also, the Body Worlds exhibit at the Tech Museum has had a lot of controversy because the exhibit displays real human bodies.

It has bizarreness/controversy, because people aren’t used to seeing dead human bodies so close.

There is conflict, because people are not comfortable with that.

It has proximity for Bay Area residents, and especially for San Jose State students and down town San Jose residents.

There is currency because it was recently added.

I have added this here because I forgot to post it last week.

Magazine Day –

The lecture was not something I expected. I was waiting to hear more of the magazine's structure, how they form articles and other ways that magazines function. Instead, we learned more about the evolution of photojournalism since 9/11 and how we view photography as opposed to videos.

He had a lot of interesting things to say, although he took a while to process his thoughts in order to present his information correctly. All of the photographs he presented on his PowerPoint lecture each had a point to prove. I especially enjoyed the ones with people who seemed apathetic/indifferent to the plane crashes. It showed that people don't always react the same way to a tragic situation.

This is all the work I had done that you didn't have a grade for.

Smith and Carlos Statues

Tommie Smith and John Carlos Statues Honored

Despite the clouds promising rain, students stopped near the lawn outside of Clark Hall to recognize the second anniversary of the erection of the Tommie Smith and John Carlos statutes, which have recently been vandalized.

Loud congo and reggae music played into dreary afternoon while students and passersby gathered before a speech was made to recognize the protests the two Olympians had made. Speakers honored the two men the statues represented and spoke about the racial and class issues which the two athletes protested. To further honor the men, students wrote inspirational words and sayings on red flags that were planted near the foot of the statue. Many shared the same important idea: "I stand for equality and freedom for all races and genders," as well as "social tolerance and liberty." A plaque dedicated to both men was placed just in front of the flags, representing the appreciation for their protests and hard work.

The speech relayed messages of equality and respect for all in the United States, and many in the audience seemed to reflect the sentiments that Smith and Carlos hoped to extend. The event was rather short and lasted only an hour, but in that time faculty and students alike were able to appreciate the work that not only Smith and Carlos performed, but also similar protesting acts that were made in the U.S. to counter racism and hate. Although the weather drove students away and seemed to drive the Associated Students team to pack their things fairly quickly, many were moved by the idea that two men made a huge difference (even at the risk of their own lives and reputations) to help mold the world into a better place.

Broadcast Day

I wasn't sure what to expect from the speakers, but I really enjoyed watching the slideshow (once it finally began working!).

It was interesting to see how long the group had been formed and the places they've traveled. I also enjoyed the radio show broadcast simulation. I found it amusing, but I also had a faint idea of how the people in the 1920s (I believe) felt when radio was their only form of entertainment.

I especially loved the video that showed how radio shows and segments were recorded. I love the sound effects room; it was all really creative. It reminded me of the last time I visited Universal Studios and was able to watch how black-and-white video sound effects and vocals were recorded. It was essentially the same idea as the radio broadcasts.

One guest I remember particularly in the audience was Lloyd Lacuesta, because I remember seeing him broadcasting on (if I remember correctly) KRON 4 news.

Overall, it was a nice experience. I don't think I would want to work in the broadcast segment, but as many people stated, if you're planning on working the mass communications department, it's best to know a little about everything, because you may end up changing your career.

Top News

Today's Spartan Daily front cover had an article that stated drug and alcohol violations have spiked. "...the total UPD arrests for drug violations went up 31.96 percent"

This article definitely has proximity and impact on SJSU students.

I also think it's slightly bizarre, since the arrest rates for drug violations jumped up over 1/3, which is almost double.

It has currency, because it is talking about recent arrests and drug/alcohol violations. Also, another article on the cover stated that one fraternity member was expelled because he was told he wasn't allowed alcohol due to a previous conflict, but continued to drink anyway.

REWRITE - Scholarship

A 14-year-old San Jose high school senior was awarded with $1 million scholarship. He plans to attend San Jose State University next fall, and major in electrical engineering.

Billy Bradley will graduate with honors this June from Lincoln High School as valedictorian.

Bradley lives with his uncle in downtown San Jose.

Top News (for 9/28)

The news story I found intriguing was the opening of the Body Worlds exhibit in the Tech Museum.

This exhibit is controversial and bizarre, as it uses real human bodies to depict healthy body parts versus ones infected with diseases, cancers, and other teratogenic factors.

It has currency and timeliness, because this exhibit opened very recently.

It has proximity, because it affects people in San Jose, and the Bay Area in general.

It has prominence, because the Tech Museum is very famous in this area.

It conflicts with peoples' ideas about whether it is morally acceptable to display dead human bodies.

Top News

The news story I thought was important was the shutting down of the MLK library's database. This set back tons of students who rely on the database for research. The computer system has been shut down since this past Sunday and the problem has yet to be resolved.

This definitely has impact on students who attend SJSU and also residents of San Jose who prefer this library or who regularly check out books from there.

It has proximity for SJSU students, as the building is on campus.

There is timeliness and currency, because it happened just recently. Some people aren't evevn aware yet that the databases are down.

It conflicts with students' research capabilities through the school's library network.

Also, the Body Worlds exhibit at the Tech Museum has had a lot of controversy because the exhibit displays real human bodies.

It has bizarreness/controversy, because people aren’t used to seeing dead human bodies so close.

There is conflict, because people are not comfortable with that.

It has proximity for Bay Area residents, and especially for San Jose State students and down town San Jose residents.

There is currency because it was recently added.

I have added this here because I forgot to post it last week.

Magazine Day

The lecture was not something I expected. I was waiting to hear more of the magazine's structure, how they form articles and other ways that magazines function. Instead, we learned more about the evolution of photojournalism since 9/11 and how we view photography as opposed to videos.

He had a lot of interesting things to say, although he took a while to process his thoughts in order to present his information correctly. All of the photographs he presented on his PowerPoint lecture each had a point to prove. I especially enjoyed the ones with people who seemed apathetic/indifferent to the plane crashes. It showed that people don't always react the same way to a tragic situation.