Perhaps one of the most exciting events for any camera fanatic to attend is the Wetzlar Camera Auctions. Historically, this occasion offers various extraordinary Leica cameras and lenses, which are quite significant to the world of photography. This is not only the best place to find collector’s items but also to delve into the rich history of the innovative genius of one of the best camera manufacturing companies. The auction has some exceptional pieces in store, including the sought-after Leica M3 Prototype.
The lead image is courtesy of Jo Geier, owner of Mint and Rare camera shop. All images are used with permission.
The Best of Leica at Wetzlar Camera Auctions
This year, the auction offers some of the rarest jewels in Leica’s crown. For instance, the first Leica camera (1933/34) utilized an injection-molded shutter frame. Some of its features were later seen on icons such as Leica IIIc and Leica M3. The camera could easily fetch 300,000 and 400,000 euros (approx $330,000 – $440,000). Other gear also includes the Leica M3 Prototype, the Leica M4 Christo “Wrapped Leica,” and the Leitz Summitar 1:2/5 cm prototype with M bayonet.
But that’s not all. The Wetzlar Camera Auctions will also feature some historic gear from Canon, Zeiss, Rolliflex, Voigtländer, Leitz, and Nikon on sale. For instance, the Canon EF 1:5.6/1200mm L lens, which is only close to 20 units, is also on sale. Similarly, the Nikon 320-1200mm Fll super-telephoto lens from 1976 will also be up for auction. In total, the Wetzlar Camera Auctions offer 248 photographic equipment, all of which are set to go on sale on October 12. If you want to see the offerings, please download the digital PDF.
What Makes the Leica M3 Prototype so Popular?
The Wetzlar Camera Auctions offers exceptional gems. As much as we would like to discuss them, we possibly can’t. So, the Phoblographer decided to narrow it down to one device and, through it, highlight the significance of Leica’s ingenuity and its impact on photography. The device that caught our attention was the 1953 Leica M3 Prototype.
According to the auction’s website, Leica only made sixty M3 prototypes in 1953, each numbered 001 to 0067. However, only a handful remain today. The devices offered a unique winding and self-timer lever and a rear panel with a button for a film marking pin.
But that is not all. According to Jo Gier, the owner of Mint & Rare, an exclusive camera shop dedicated to collector’s items in Vienna, Austria, the M3 was first introduced at a photo trade show. “The Leica M3 (3 stands for 3 focal lengths: 50mm, 90mm, and 135mm) introduced at the Photokina in April 1954,” he told us in an email conversation, “(and) was the first Leica with a bayonet mount.” The latter, Jo states, is useful for quickly changing lenses. Another highlight of this device is the “large viewfinder with a 0.91 viewfinder magnification,” which offers an almost 1:1 ratio. This is a great deal as the user can keep both their “eyes open while shooting.”
The Leica M3 Prototype’s body is equally iconic. Jo comments that the shape and the bayonet remain the same, except for the M5. “So, you can mount modern Leica M lenses on every M camera and vintage lenses on modern digital Leica M cameras.” The camera at the Wetzlar Camera Auctions is a “very late prototype.” It features a top plate with “different engraving of the manufacturer’s designation” and “corners at the front and back.” Jo also reminds us that this prototype has features that were seen on the early Leica M3 models, and it includes a “matching Summicron 5 cm f/2 with double lever focusing mount, which did not go into serial production.”
We also contacted Leica to highlight what makes this particular camera significant to their legacy. According to Nathan Kellum-Pathe, Product Communication Specialist, Leica Camera Inc., and his team, the device was created “with the help of Heinrich Janke.” For the uninitiated, Janke was Leica’s Head of Design, who was also responsible for creating all subsequent M models, from the R4 to Leica’s Trinovid binoculars. Nathan adds that the reason Leica M3 is considered a legend is because “it does not hide the photographer when taking a picture.” This year happens to mark the 70th Anniversary of the Leica M, and Nathan notes that celebrating this occasion with the “Leica M3 as the first Leica M, as well as the Leica M system as a whole, with a lens mount that has not changed since 1954.”
The Leica M3 Prototype is estimated to fetch 150,000 – 200,000 euros (approximately $165,000 – $220,000). However, Jo believes that the chances of it exceeding this expectation are also high.