Owning a Leica camera is equivalent to buying your first Porsche or Ferrari. But getting a limited edition is no easier than working with a Rolls-Royce. That’s because the device is engineered to perfection, an item of luxury, a legacy and a tradition. So, imagine what it must feel like to hold the Leica I prototypes, the first true 35mm cameras today, which reflect the history of not just the company but the medium itself. Now that you understand this, we are here to reveal the results of Leica’s Leitz Photographica Auction, which took place on June 27. The results were staggering but not entirely unpredictable.
Leitz Photographica Auction has finally unveiled its catalogue (via Leica Rumours) and the Leica 0-series No. 112 now wears the crown to the second most expensive camera in the world. The cameras estimate was 800,000 euros but the hammer price was 7,200,000 euros (approximately 8,434,666 USD dollar). This is quite exciting since the camera came close to another Leica 0-series no. 105 device, which fetched 14.4 million euros in 2022.
But the Leica 0-series was not the only star. Some other devices also made a considerable mark on the audience. Leica M3 no.700000 Kruckenhauser went under the hammer at 3,360,000 euros (approximately 3,936,122 dollars), Leica M4 olive Bundeswehr fetched 4,56,000 euros (approximately 5,34,279 dollars), and Leica M prototype was auctioned at 432,000 euros (approximately 506,192). Similarly, Leica M3 no.700027 Double Corner ‘Günther Leitz’ also fetched 360,000 euros (approximately 421,821).
On the lens front, Noctilux 0.95/50mm ASPH. 11612 Edition ‘Titan’ had the highest hammer price, at 240,000 euros (approximately 281,175). Some other lenses to get higher prices include Summicron 2/50mm 11817 prototype (108,000 euros), Zavod Arsenal Rekord-4 0.9/52mm prototype (90,000 euros), and Summicron 2/35mm black paint M3 Brass Mount (84,000).
The demand for older technology seems not only limited to Leica, but also compact cameras. However, in this case, these devices showcase craftsmanship, and the perfection with which they were created. Even today, holding these models could mean a lot to many, allowing them to relieve history and understand how the brand progressed gradually to be what it is today — something most photographers aspire to have.
While the Leica 0-series no. 112 was sold at almost $8 million, the chances of the device fetching more in the future as far higher. However, it remains to be seen what the future holds for them. Until then, this is as good as it can get.