Leica is well-known for its meticulously handcrafted limited edition cameras.Besides the new designer editions the company releases every now and then, there is a whole lot of vintage collectible cameras for the photographers and collectors to drool over at the 20th Westlicht Photographica auction. Infact, the auction had sold over 650 lots this year. With more than 300 bidders at the auction, the complete sale fetched nearly $3.56 million. As usual, Leica cameras made several heads turn at the auction by fetching more than the expected prices. Earlier, we had also told you about the 19th WestLicht camera auction held on May 28, that recorded the most expensive Leica camera sold at auction for $1.9 million.
Rare Leica cameras sold at auction
1. Leica I Mod.A Elmar ‘Calfskin’ from 1930
Leica I Mod.A Elmar ‘Calfskin’ from 1930
Expected Price : $20,492
Fetched Price:$ 163,939
The 9th lot of the auction, this rare Leica I Mod.A Elmar ‘Calfskin’ from 1930 is a limited edition as only three are known to be existent and none of the others are in working condition. The black paint camera, covered with colored calfskin was expected to fetch $20,492, but fetched much more i.e. $163,939.
2. MP black paint (1958), no. MP-28
MP black paint (1958), no. MP-28
Expected Price: $68,304
Fetched Price: $165,567
The rare and original MP No. 28 was built around 1958 for professional photographers and was expected to be sold at $68,304. This rare camera seems to be the bidders favorite as it was sold at an unexpected price of $165,567.
3. Leica KE-7A
Leica KE-7A
Expected Price: $16,384
Fetched Price: $90,120
The camera was specially made for the US military around 1954 with special Elcan 2/66mm lens and was expected to draw a price of $16,384 but went up for sale at $90,120.
4. Leica UW Underwater housing (1970), no. 240-0043
Leica UW Underwater housing (1970), no. 240-0043
Expected Price: $34,142
Fetched Price: $204,841
This is an extremely rare red painted underwater housing for the US Army. This camera is the most new looking camera of the lot with the original Leitz Canada users manual. The camera also has a special Samsonite case marked KG-24. The camera can be used at least 35 mm underwater with Elcan 90°/2.8.
5. KE-7A + Elcan 2/66mm (1948), no. 1294559
KE-7A + Elcan 2/66mm (1948), no. 1294559
Expected Price: $32,772
Fetched Price:NA
This rare camera was also produced for the US army and is still in a very good working condition. The back side of the camera is engraved with the ‘Serial No 1294559 FSN 6720-165-7115 CONT. F42600-71-C-2429 US’. The camera is equipped with a rare Elcan 2/66mm no.283-0025 and unique camera lenses.
6. M3-P chrome + Noctilux 0.95/50mm chrome (2011), no. 20/20
M3-P chrome + Noctilux 0.95/50mm chrome (2011), no. 20/20
Expected Price: $ 34,105
Fetched Price:$ 81,835
This one is a special edition limited camera that was created in order to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Leica Shop in Vienna. These cameras are limited to 20 units. Leica MP silver chrome has vulcanite cladding finish and the top cover is designed in the typical Leica M3 style. The top of the camera is inscribed with Classic Leica Script and the serial number of the camera. The camera comes with the Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH lens in silver anodized finish.
Via: Westlicht/Leica
