From Digital Camera World · · 1m 20s
Leica 0-Series Camera Sells for AU$7 Million
A 103-year-old Leica 0-Series camera sold for AU$7 million at auction, one of the rarest and most influential photographic tools ever made.
In brief
A 103-year-old Leica 0-Series camera sold for AU$7 million at auction, one of the rarest and most influential photographic tools ever made. The Leica 0-Series camera with serial number 103 sold for AU$7 million at Wetzlar Camera Auctions, highlighting its historical significance and rarity. Originally reported by…
Leica 0-Series Camera Sale
A 103-year-old Leica 0-Series camera sold for AU$7 million at Wetzlar Camera Auctions in Germany.
Historical Significance
Produced in 1923, the camera helped establish the foundations of the Leica system we know today.
Rarity and Provenance
Only 16 of 22 to 25 original cameras survive today, with serial number 103 in a private American collection for over 50 years.
Auction Details
The camera sold for AU$7 million, more than double its pre-sale estimate of AU$4.25 million.
Historical Context
Developed by Oskar Barnack at Ernst Leitz, the camera tested 35mm film in a compact, portable design.
Impact on Photography
The camera's success led to the Leica I in 1925, changing photography forever.
Previous Record
Another 0-Series camera sold for AU$14.4 million in 2022, setting a record for early Leica models.
Historical Value
The camera represents a tangible piece of photographic history that helped change how we document the world.
What matters most
The Leica 0-Series camera with serial number 103 sold for AU$7 million at Wetzlar Camera Auctions, highlighting its historical significance and rarity.
