The Lidong Spring 2026 Auction will take place on 27 June 2026 in Shanghai

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