The highly anticipated Lidong Spring 2026 Auction (see previous coverage) will take place on 27 June 2026 (Saturday) in Shanghai and will showcase a collection of over 200 items (203 historic cameras and 166 photographic masterpieces). The full auction catalog is now available on the official website.
- Date: 27 June, 2026 (Saturday)
- Photo Auction: 13:00 (Beijing Time) / 07:00 (CEST)
- Camera Auction: 17:00 (Beijing Time) / 11:00 (CEST)
- Venue: Hengfu Art Center, 178 South Wulumuqi Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China
- A public preview exhibition will be held at the Hengfu Art Center: June 25-26, 2026, 10:30-20:00 and June 27, 2026: 10:30–13:00
Additional information:
The Second M3 Ever Made: Leica M3 No. 700002 Headlines Lidong Camera & Photo Auction · 2026 Spring
Shanghai Lidong Auction is thrilled to announce its 2026 Spring Camera & Photo Auction, taking place on 27 June, 2026, at the Hengfu Art Center. The auction is headlined by an extraordinary rarity: the Leica M3 with serial number 700002. As the second M3 camera ever produced, this near-mint, fully operational artifact serves as the centerpiece for a sale dedicated to the most significant milestones in photographic history.
The crown jewel: Leica M3 No. 700002
The highlight of the 2026 Spring Auction is undoubtedly the Leica M3 No. 700002 (Estimated: RMB 3,000,000 – 3,400,000). Manufactured in 1954, this is the second M3 ever produced and stands as a cornerstone of Leica’s heritage. While No. 700001 is recognized as the inaugural M-series camera, No. 700002 is a singular, highly coveted artifact from the very inception of the M-system. It features the historically significant chassis number “239” and a hand-engraved serial number on the shutter crate, consistent with the earliest production run. It remains in 100% original, near-mint condition and is fully functional.
Exceptional Camera Highlights
The auction features a prestigious selection of rare collectibles, including:
- Leica M3 ‘700592’ Corner: An early production example featuring the distinct “corner” on the top plate, double-stroke mechanism, and early-style viewfinder, preserved in very nice condition. (Estimated: RMB 240,000 – 280,000).
- Leica M3 Olive ‘Bundeseigentum’ (1st Batch): The 13th olive green M3 ever produced, delivered to the German Army in January 1958. This set includes the rare red ‘BMVtdg 30’ stamp and matching olive-engraved Elmar 3.5/5cm and Hektor 4.5/13.5cm lenses (Estimated: RMB 1,200,000 – 1,400,000).
- Leica IIIg Black Paint ‘Swedish Army’: One of only 125 units produced with the official Three “Crowns of Sweden” engraving. (Estimated: RMB 340,000 – 380,000).
- Leica M4-2 Olive Safari Prototype: A mint-condition 1977 rarity (Estimated: RMB 240,000 – 260,000).
- Leica M5 Chrome ‘0-Series’ (The Second): One of the first 50 units produced for the testing batch (Estimated: RMB 40,000 – 50,000).
About Shanghai Lidong Auction Co., Ltd.
Shanghai Lidong Auction Co., Ltd. is dedicated to elevating the appreciation of photographic arts and creating a global hub for collectors. As a cultural bridge between East and West, we share the rich histories and narratives behind every item we auction. Backed by a team of seasoned experts, Lidong is committed to delivering the highest level of professionalism and fostering a deeper admiration for collectible cameras and photographs.
See this PDF document for a comprehensive list of camera highlights:
Lidong Spring 2026 Auction by NikonRumors
