SUMMARY
Leica developed autofocus technology as early as the 1950s, demonstrating working prototypes in the 1970s. Despite their innovations, Leica did not commercialize their autofocus system, believing it compromised manual focusing precision. They licensed their patents to Minolta, which led to the highly successful Minolta Maxxum 7000 in 1985, the first truly successful autofocus SLR. This camera also featured automated film handling and a plastic body. However, Minolta faced a lawsuit from Honeywell over patent infringement, resulting in a $96 million judgment that contributed to Minolta's later merger with Konica.
TAKEAWAYS
Leica invented autofocus technology in the 1970s but did not commercialize it.
Minolta's 1985 Maxxum 7000, built with Leica's patents, was the first successful autofocus SLR.
The Maxxum 7000 also introduced automated film handling and a plastic body.
Minolta paid $96 million in damages after a patent infringement lawsuit by Honeywell.