Leica news, before it happens

Here are some of the Leica results from the 27th WestLicht Camera Auction that took place on June 13, 2015:

One of the first Leica cameras produced in series was the Leica I Mod. A with an Elmax lens sold for €20,400/$23,000. This collector’s item, in its original state, is exactly 90 years old.

The top lot is a prototype of the famous New York Leica rifle sold for €288,000/$326,000 – doubtlessly one of the most rare and unusual treasures in the history of photography.

A milestone of Leica history is the Leica M3 Prototype sold for €192,000/$217,000. In 1953 Leica built some pre-series cameras for the new M series, but only very few have survived.

The rarity of rarities is the black paint Leica MP-99 from 1957 in mint condition with matching black paint Summicron lens sold for €264,000/$300,000. A total of 412 Leica MP cameras were produced, only 141 of which were made in black paint finish. Many of the famous Magnum photographers worked with MP cameras. Today, it is among the most sought-after Leicas anywhere.

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