photography
Camera for 7.2 million euros – Leica prototype auctioned
Rare Leica cameras always achieve high prices at auctions. Now a prototype has come under the hammer. The price is higher than expected.
It is one of the few prototypes of the LEICA I small image camera that still preserved today – and has now been auctioned for 7.2 million euros at an auction. The 0 series camera with number 112 is the “second-tax camera ever,” said a spokesman for the Leitz Photographica auction. After production, the play was once delivered to the inventor of the small image camera, Oskar Barnack. Whoever belonged last and who bought her has not yet been announced.
Estimate far exceeded
Before the auction, the value of the camera was estimated at 1.5 to 2 million euros, the starting price was 800,000 euros. In 2022, a copy of the 0 series with the number 105 for 14.4 million euros changed the owner as the most expensive piece. In 1923 a total of 22 cameras of the 0 series were produced, of only half of which is known today.
The auction took place on the occasion of the anniversary celebrations of Leica Camera AG. 100 years ago, the first small picture camera made in series was presented at the spring fair in Leipzig. In the past financial year 2024/25, the company had a sales record of almost 600 million euros and soon wants to bring a smartphone with a Leica look to the European market. Leica celebrates the anniversary with exhibitions and other events.
dpa
Source: Stern
