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3w ago

Leica 0-Series Prototype Fetches €7.2 Million in Centennial Auction

Delivered to inventor Oskar Barnack in 1923, the prototype far surpassed its €2 million estimate when it opened at €800,000 in a Wetzlar auction.

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Eine Leica-Kamera aus dem Jahr 1923 ist für 7,2 Millionen Euro versteigert worden. Damit ist sie die zweitteuerste Kamera aller Zeiten. Im Jahr 2022 war bereits eine Leica-Kamera der 0-Serie für 14,4 Millionen Euro unter den Hammer gekommen.

Overview

  • Number 112 is one of 22 0-Series cameras produced in 1923 and counts among the few surviving prototypes.
  • It fetched €7.2 million, making it the second-most expensive camera ever sold after a 2022 record of €14.4 million.
  • The winning bid far exceeded the €1.5 to €2 million pre-sale estimate and the €800,000 starting price.
  • Originally delivered to Oskar Barnack, the model pioneered 35mm film and laid the groundwork for the Leica I.
  • Leica Camera AG hosted the auction as part of its centennial celebrations, reported record 2024/25 revenue of nearly €600 million and plans to launch a Leica-optics smartphone in Europe.