Leica M prototype sells for €2.04m

Leitz Photographica Auction 45, which celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Leica M series, showcased an array of notable items, including prototypes and rare editions.

Most expensive Leica at the auction

The top lot of the auction was an unnumbered Leica M prototype from 1948–1949. Constructed with a combination of hand-crafted and machine-made parts, the camera is a significant artefact from the M series’ development.

Auction organisers highlighted its historical importance, noting it as one of the earliest examples of the Leica M series’ engineering evolution and this was reflected in its final sale price.

Accompanied by a rare M-Mount Elmar 3.5/3.5cm lens, it surpassed its pre-sale estimate of €600,000-€700,000, ultimately selling for €2.04 million, including the buyer’s premium.

Other notable Leica sales

Another noteworthy sale was a collection of ten Leica prototype chassis that traced the series’ development from 1936 to 1953. Estimated to fetch between €300,000 and €340,000, the collection sold for €432,000.

Additionally, a Leica M2 in grey paint, produced in limited quantities for the US Air Force in 1960, achieved €900,000, well above its estimate of €500,000-€600,000.

Next Leitz Photographica Auction

The next Leitz Photographica Auction is set to take place on 26 June 2025 at Leitz Park in Wetzlar, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the Leica I. For more information, visit Leitz Photographica Auction website.