1923 Leica 0-Series Camera
Westlicht, well-known photographic auction, will be staged May 28 in Vienna, Austria and have unveiled a few samples of what to expect in its Leica section. By now, you should be familiar with Leica and its reputation for producing much-sought-after cameras at premium prices. But you should also note that they’re in the business for quite a while now and one of their rarest pieces just turned up for auction.
Taking the chunk of the limelight will be the 1923 Leica 0-Serie Nr.107. This is the 7th camera of the Leica 0-series. Only approximately 25 of these cameras were produced to test the market in 1923, 2 years before the commercial introduction of the Leica A. It is the only camera known with “Germany” engraving on the top plate. The factory record indicates delivery to New York for patent applies. This means that this camera is not only one of the major existing rarities, it is also the first Leica being exported. The 1923 Leica 0-Serie Camera is estimated to fetch between €350,000 and €450,000 ($500,000 – $650,000).
1958 Leica MP2 Chrome
The auction will also have 1958 Leica MP2 Chrome No. 952009, the first experimental Leica M-camera that used electric motor and just 21 of these were created, of which only around 10 remains. This is estimated to fetch €120,000 – €140,000 ($170,000 – $200,000).
1960 Leica M2 Grey
The 1960 Leica M2 grey Nr. 1005767, was one of 20 M2 grey painted cameras that were delivered for the US Air Force. Only around 10 of these are believed to exist. Camera is in 100% original condition, with nice patina. This is estimated to fetch €80,000 – €120,000 ($115,000 – $170,000).
2010 Leica M9 Titanium Prototype
Last but not the least is the 2010 Leica M9 Titan Prototype. Fully working prototype no.2 of the famous Titanium edition designed by Walter de’Silva, this camera has an analog viewfinder (the edition of 500 cameras was equipped with LED illumination of the bright-line frames in the viewfinder), complete with the matching Titanium Summilux 1.4/35mm, all accessories and boxes. It is estimated to fetch between €35,000 – €45,000 ($50,000 – $65,000). [WestLicht via Leica Rumors]
