Leica is one of the few companies where tradition is at the center of their product portfolio. From launching the first 35mm rangefinder camera to being the first to include content credentials in their higher-end devices, Leica has achieved this and much more. As the company celebrates its centennial anniversary this year, it is auctioning some of its most iconic cameras at the 46th Leitz Photographica Auction. Held twice a year, in June and November, Leitz Photographica Auction is the world’s biggest event for vintage cameras around the world. Let’s see which cameras are the highlight in 2025.
Will Leica 0-Series Make the Mark Again?
According to the company, the most prized camera of the year is the Leica 0-Series No. 112, a rare prototype of the iconic Leica I. For the uninitiated, the camera is a milestone in the company’s rich legacy. Since the prototypes were produced before Leica was officially introduced to the masses, there are only a handful of them available today in the world. “These cameras were given the serial numbers 101 to 125,” says Alexander Sedlak, Managing Director of Leitz Photographica Auction. Sedlak says that only about half of the original two dozen pieces are available to people today. In fact, the Leica 0 is estimated to fetch 1.5 to 2 million euros (about $1.5 to $2.3 million).
However, back in 2022, Leica 0-Series no.105 was one of the lead cameras from the company to hold the highest record. The camera was estimated to cost 2 to 3 million euros, but under the hammer, it fetched 14.4 million euros. In fact, it was said to be the world’s most expensive camera of its time. “To put these numbers into perspective: The most expensive camera in the world to date – also a 0-series, serial number 122 – was sold at the 32nd Leitz Photographica Auction in 2018 for 2.4 million euros including buyers’ premium,” Sedlak had said back then.
Other Cameras to Be Present at The Auction
Leica 0 is not the only series; Leica I Mod and Leica MP are two more cameras, amongst many others, to be auctioned. The I Mod features an A Anastigmat lens, which is quite rare. and with serial number 225. The “Anastigmat” lens usually has 5 elements, and the A models had various built-in lens versions during their initial production. In fact, this model is said to have been created for Ogilvy, a British marketing and advertising agency, in 1925. In all likelihood, this is the first Leica to be sent to the United Kingdom. The estimated price is between 100,000 and 120,000 euros.
In addition, there is also a popular MP, which has the engravings of British designer John Dowell, also known as King Nerd. The estimated value of the piece is 14,000 to 15,000 euros. Joining this is M3 with serial number 700,000, which is the number given to the first series of M-series cameras. This particular camera was also once owned by sports photographer and ski pioneer Prof. Stefan Kruckenhauser.
The Leitz Photographica Auction will host a total of 445 items, ranging from cameras to lenses, and much more. The auction will take place on June 27, 2025, at 12:00 PM CEST at Leica World in Wetzlar. Those interested can place their bids in advance at Leitz Auction’s website.
Since interest in vintage cameras has not faded, the Leit Auction seems like an ideal place for camera lovers to convene and enjoy finer innovations in the industry. In fact, both seasoned and beginner photographers stand to gain a lot by reading up on the models further. It remains to be seen whether the company makes history again this June. If not, they still have a lot going on in their favour.