It’s quite a stunning day for Leica fans. With its 100-year legacy, the company still dominates the luxury camera market. And they rightly should, as their cameras are some of the best-constructed devices in the medium’s history. That says a lot about not just the durable build but also the impeccable quality of the cameras. Without further ado, here’s a look at the cameras and how much they were sold for.
Historic Leica IIIg Bundeswehr
The first-ever camera auction in Shanghai, China, has received some excellent results. The Ostlicht Camera Auction (via Kosmo Foto) has named the iconic Leica IIIg the most expensive camera sold in the region. The olive edition fetched 3,620,000 euros (about $3,793,296). The device’s original estimated price was between 140,000 and 180,000 euros. Naturally, the camera fetches double the price, thanks to an overseas bidder. According to Ostlicht’s website, the camera was produced as a prototype for the German Army (Bundeswehr) but never produced in mass numbers. It also features an Elmar 2.8/5cm.
But this was not the only camera that got all the attention. The 8th Leica M3 Chrome also fetched 945,000 euros ($991,173). This is one of the earliest Leica M3s ever created in 1953, making it one of the initial Leica M series models. The cameras were in production until 1967, and until then, about a million units were sold. Till today, the Leica M series is revered by many professional photographers.
The third most expensive item on the list was the Leica MP Black Paint. Recently, Leica announced the M11 Black Paint edition, which is quite costly. Similarly, the Leica MP, which was the company’s first Black Paint edition, fetched 710,000 euros, nearly $745,000.
Iconic Leica M Prototype
In our initial report on the Leitz Photographica Auction, we mentioned that the rare Leica M prototype is estimated to fetch €600,000 ($652,590) and €700,000 ($761,355). However, the camera was worth a lot more, with the final hammer price going at 2,040,000 euros ($2,143,509). The device was not sellable and was one of the initial designs without a serial number. The Leica M2 grey paint also sold for more than its original estimated price of 600,000 euros ($630,367) to 900,000 euros (about $950,000).
Leica’s Value Will Continue To Grow
There is a reason why we at The Phoblographer have often spoken so highly of Leica. You get a great device for a price that may seem too much, but hey, you get a camera that can last your lifetime. In fact, Leica is quite sought after in the premium camera market. Because of this, they also saw the best fiscal year in their 100-year history.
There are several factors why Leica will continue to grow even further. Many companies are too focused on the megapixel race and are shifting their focus to high-end professional cameras instead of premium ones. The difference is not just the price but also firmware updates and after-service. So those who can afford a full-frame camera kit may prefer to switch to a Leica by spending a few more thousand. Not only do they get a distinct quality of images but also a social status. A Canon EOS R5 Mk II costs about $4,299; however, a Leica q3, their highest-demanded camera, costs about $6,295.
Today, purchasing a camera has varied factors, which include longevity and dedication to the craft. This is also why people who have been using Sony or Canon may get bored of the cameras and instead switch to a range finder that is small and easy to carry. The popularity of vintage digital cameras indicates that many people are growing weary of their smartphones and the mid-tier camera market. While it’s uncertain how long this trend will last, it’s clear that a fresh change is needed.