The world’s largest auction of historic cameras opens on June 11 at Leitz Park in Wetzlar, Germany, offering unique examples of camera history and other collectibles.
The Leica 0-Series No. 105 camera, which is up for auction on 11 June. (Source: Leica.)
Now in its 40th iteration, the annual list of items includes the Leica 0-Series No. 105 produced in 1923. The 0-Series, a batch of prototypes, holds a special appeal for collectors because of its rarity and historical significance. It was also one of the personal cameras of Oskar Barnack – the inventor of 35 mm photography whose name adorns the viewfinder of the camera. Before the Leitz Camera (‘Leica’ for short) went into series production in the mid-1920s and made the 35 mm format the new standard for professional photographers, approximately 20 examples of the 0-Series were manufactured. Around a dozen of them are estimated to still be in existence today. The historical significance of the 0-Series No. 105 as well as its famous previous owner are reflected in its estimated price of 2,000,000 to 3,000,000 euros. The starting bid is 1,000,000 euros.
In addition, to celebrate Leitz Photographica Auction’s anniversary, a unique camera set will be auctioneered for a good cause. The analogue Leica MP with the serial number 5630769 and the Leica Elmar-M 1:2.8/50 with the serial number 3739015 are unique pieces that stem from a cooperation between Leica Camera AG and Leitz Photographica Auction. Bids for the upcoming auction on June 11 can be submitted in advance – online via http://www.leitz-auction.com/, in written form or by telephone. Live bidding during the auction is possible on site at Hotel Bristol in Vienna or at www.liveauctioneers.com.
