Farewell Erwin Puts (7Dec1944 - 13Mar2021)
30th March 2021
It was with great sadness that I learned of Erwin’s death earlier this month. He had reached 77 years and had been ill for some time.
Els and Erwin Puts, examining the results of a camera being tested in Bath UK Just visible is the top of his highly favoured film Leica camera.
Erwin was an honorary member of the Leica Fellowship and attended several meetings in the United Kingdom, which is where I met him and his lovely wife Els. He was a very modest man, quietly spoken, whose views and knowledge were eagerly sought and given. From time to time his authoritative books and writings are often quoted by photographers interested in Leica. There are members of the Leica community who possibly knew Erwin far better and for longer than I have known him. Maybe they would like to share their thoughts with us here.
Erwin Puts is possibly best known for his well-researched book 'Leica Compendium', a copious tome full of interesting facts, figures, photographs and diagrams of all Leica cameras and lenses launched from the 1920s up to his the first part of the 21st century. His website https://photo.imx.nl has recently been updated with an insightful tribute from Erwin’s brother-in-law, Frank Oudt. There is also a statement of intent to make Erwin’s archives available again. I am sure students in the future will appreciate that gesture. I do hope that it comes to pass.
Don Morley, who knew Erwin Puts very well, has written a touching tribute on this website https://www.macfilos.com/2021/03/22/farewell-to-erwin-puts-the-leica-legend-who-has-died-aged-76/ Furthermore, there is much discussion on this website https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/319128-farewell-erwin-puts-rip/
Erwin Puts, you will be long remembered by your friends and admirers of your richly expressed research into Leica lenses in particular, and technology progression in general. Rest in peace, dear friend. Our thoughts and prayers reach out to your wife Els and your family.
Els and Erwin Puts, examining the results of a camera being tested in Bath UK Just visible is the top of his highly favoured film Leica camera.
Erwin was an honorary member of the Leica Fellowship and attended several meetings in the United Kingdom, which is where I met him and his lovely wife Els. He was a very modest man, quietly spoken, whose views and knowledge were eagerly sought and given. From time to time his authoritative books and writings are often quoted by photographers interested in Leica. There are members of the Leica community who possibly knew Erwin far better and for longer than I have known him. Maybe they would like to share their thoughts with us here.
Erwin Puts is possibly best known for his well-researched book 'Leica Compendium', a copious tome full of interesting facts, figures, photographs and diagrams of all Leica cameras and lenses launched from the 1920s up to his the first part of the 21st century. His website https://photo.imx.nl has recently been updated with an insightful tribute from Erwin’s brother-in-law, Frank Oudt. There is also a statement of intent to make Erwin’s archives available again. I am sure students in the future will appreciate that gesture. I do hope that it comes to pass.
Don Morley, who knew Erwin Puts very well, has written a touching tribute on this website https://www.macfilos.com/2021/03/22/farewell-to-erwin-puts-the-leica-legend-who-has-died-aged-76/ Furthermore, there is much discussion on this website https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/319128-farewell-erwin-puts-rip/
Erwin Puts, you will be long remembered by your friends and admirers of your richly expressed research into Leica lenses in particular, and technology progression in general. Rest in peace, dear friend. Our thoughts and prayers reach out to your wife Els and your family.