How did a wide aperture and short exposure time help Leica photographers capture motion?

The Leica camera was instrumental in the development of street photography because it allowed photographers to capture spontaneous movement rather than static, posed subjects.1

The camera’s wide aperture was a key technical feature that necessitated a short exposure time, particularly for outdoor photography. By allowing a larger volume of light to enter the lens, the wide aperture enabled the use of faster shutter speeds. This combination was essential for "freezing" action, as it minimized the duration the shutter remained open, thereby preventing the motion blur that had previously plagued photography with longer exposure requirements.12

This technological advancement empowered photographers to move freely and capture fleeting, candid moments of real life with clarity, a capability that became central to the genre.13