The next Wetzlar Camera Auctions will take place on October 10th, 2026, in Wetzlar, Germany:
Here are the Leica highlights:
Leica 0 series (1923)
Estimated price: €1,500,000 – €2,000,000.
Two years before the market launch of the Leica, 22 to 25 cameras of what is now known as the Leica 0 series were produced for testing purposes, of which 16 examples are currently known to exist worldwide. The Leica 0 series represents the prototypes of all Leica 35mm cameras to date. The Leica 0 series cameras are indeed the most significant Leica cameras after the original Leica, and no major collection can be considered complete without at least one example.
Leica IA with Anastigmat – The Schäfer Handmuster (1923/24)
Estimated price €150,000 – €200,000.
The first handcrafted Leica IA, which served as the template for the final artwork by Barnack’s colleague Wilhelm Schäfer. A unique piece of immense historical significance.
Leica IC Luxus (1931)
Estimated price €300,000 – €400,000.
Original Leica IC Luxus with “0” calibration and light brown leatherette in exceptionally beautiful condition. To the best of our knowledge, only two examples of this model were ever produced.
Leitz prototype camera 24×24 mm (approx. 1947-50)
Estimated price €12,000–15,000.
Experimental Leica camera for the 24×24 mm format, circa 1946–48 – with central shutter and separate rangefinder, this example seems to embody the idea for an affordable entry-level model. From the estate of Barnack’s employee Wilhelm Schäfer.
Leica M3 black lacquered (1958)
Estimated price €200,000 – €250,000.
One of the very early Leica M3 cameras, specially ordered by Leitz Wetzlar and delivered in a black lacquered finish. Only about 90 of these unique examples were produced, even before the first officially black-lacquered Leica M3 series. An extremely rare find, with a double-spring winding mechanism and a black frame counter.
Leica MP black lacquered (1957)
Estimated price €300,000 – €350,000.
A camera in beautiful condition, restored at the factory in the 1970s. Typical MP repair body shell with round, chrome-plated carrying lugs.
With Leicavit MP and matching black lacquered Summicron 1:2/50 mm.
Leica M4 Prototype (ca. 1965)
Estimated price €200,000 – €250,000.
The Leica M4, released in 1968, combined the advantages of the M3 and M2, and additionally featured a 4-frame viewfinder, a rapid-loading spool, and, for the first time, an angled rewind crank with a fold-out handle. The prototype offered here still clearly shows certain hand-crafted details in its workmanship.
Leica MP grey lacquered (ca. 2015)
Estimated price €10,000 – €15,000.
Blue-grey lacquered prototype, very likely a parallel design for an analog camera to the digital Leica MP (Type 240) “Grey” Edition for the Leica Store Frankfurt. One of the most beautiful versions among modern Leica cameras.
