Leica results from the 27th WestLicht Camera Auction|ﾚﾝｽﾞ沼探検隊ライカ沼担当ﾌﾞﾛｸﾞ

2015年6月18日木曜日

Leica results from the 27th WestLicht Camera Auction

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.

This is followed by a number of rare Leica special editions, including the M-P Set ‘Correspondent’ by Lenny Kravitz Number 1 sold for €26,400/$30,000. The combination of a black paint Leica M-P with two lenses was designed together with the musician in the style of the legendary reportage cameras and is limited to 125 sets. Set Number 1 will be auctioned with a photograph showing Lenny Kravitz with the camera and dedicated to the buyer.

The Leica M and M-E featuring the “Children’s Laughter” Design have been donated by the Leica Company. The Munich-based artist Helmut Lutter designed these cameras, based on sketches by school children. The colorful, one-of-a-kind cameras are now being auctioned for a good cause: all proceeds will be donated to the organization Kinderlachen e.V. The final price was €28,800/$32,600 each.