Over 14 million euros: that’s how much a rare 1923 Leica Series 0 sold for at the Leitz Photographica Auction on June 11th, 2022. A record sum, making it the world’s most expensive camera. Several other camera bodies and lenses also beat all estimates at this exceptional sale.
Putting a price on the priceless: the case of Oskar Barnack’s Leica Series 0
If you’re a fan of vintage cameras, you won’t want to miss the Leitz Photographica Auction. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, this event is one of the major gatherings for collectors.
The highlight of this 2022 edition is the extremely rare Leica Series 0 n°105. Part of a limited series of around 30 prototypes, this is none other than the personal camera of Oskar Barnack, the father of 35mm photography.
All of which explains why it is priced at a whopping 1 million euros. For more details on this exceptional case, please consult our previous article.
In the end, the Leica Series 0 was sold for 12 million euros (plus 2.4 million euros commission). A record amount, making it the most expensive camera in history.
Ironically, the record had previously been held by another Leica Series 0. Carrying copy number n°122, the latter had been auctioned for the sum of 2.4 million euros in 2018.
This year’s Leitz Photographica Auction will also feature a Leica MP. Launched at the Cologne Photokina in 1956, this model has been used by many professional photographers, including Magnum.
Produced in just 412 examples (including 141 in black lacquer finish), this model is one of the most sought-after cases among collectors. Priced at €150,000, it sold for €960,000.
A prototype of the Summilux 50 mm f/1.4 lens, dating from 1961, sold for €114,000 (with a starting price of €30,000).
The sale also featured a Japanese Zunow SLR, launched in 1958. An extremely rare body, its technical characteristics foreshadowed the 35mm SLRs of the 1970s.
Accompanied by a standard Zunow 50 mm f/1.8 lens, this model came with two extremely rare lenses: a 35 mm f/2.8 (a unique piece, made in only 2 copies), and a 100 mm f/2. Both lenses were produced solely for test purposes. The set sold for €120,000, 3 times its starting price.
Finally, a Leica MP, accompanied by a Leica Elmar-M 1:2.8/50 lens, was offered for sale as a “charity item”, and was acquired for €72,000. The only one of its kind in the world, the MP is distinguished by its gold finish. All proceeds will be donated to charity.
Beyond the historical value of these cameras, there is also a growing interest in vintage cameras, whose prices continue to soar.
For more information on this historic sale, visit the Leitz Photographica Auction website.
