Under the new name ‘Leitz Photographica Auction’ (formerly WestLicht Photographica Auction), the next, and now 35th, Camera Auction will be held in the Hotel Bristol in Vienna on 23 November 2019, starting at 11 a.m. ‘Leitz Photographica Auction’ is one of the world’s leading auction houses for classic and vintage cameras and photographica, and has firmly established itself on the international scene. The highly experienced and successful Viennese auction team works in close collaboration with the globally active and networked company Leica Camera AG, to offer even more potential buyers from around the globe the chance to bid for spectacular collector’s pieces and rarities at exciting auctions.
As this auction is inviting bids for numerous historically important pieces and interesting collector's items, it promises exciting battles on the part of bidders as they attempt to get the last call on much sought after rarities. A large proportion of the lots to be sold by auction are products manufactured by Leitz/Leica.
One of the most exceptional lots is the Leica MP-Nr. 2 (estimated hammer price 400,000 – 500,000 euros). With this sensational serial number, it is the second Leica MP ever built, and simultaneously the very first to be finished in black paint. The camera up for auction here also features another highlight, a corresponding Leicavit MP, also in black paint. Die Leica MP was first presented to the public at the photokina in Cologne in 1956, and was far more than just another version of the Leica M3. This was already shown by the different and individual serial numbers, which were totally different from the usual factory numbers of all other Leica cameras. With a total production of 412 examples (including 141 in black paint), the Leica MP is one of the rarest Leica models of all.
One of the other highlights of the more than 400 lots is almost certainly the Leica MD Grey Hammertone, with an estimated hammer price of 100,000 – 150,000 euros. The production documentation from Leitz Wetzlar lists a total of only ten Leica MD cameras in grey hammertone lacquer that where supplied to Leitz Canada in October 1964. This Leica is one of the rarest variations of the MD, and with certainty, one of the most aesthetic cameras ever to leave the factory in Wetzlar.
Also almost impossible to find with all the original parts is the Leica MP chrome (estimated hammer price: 40,000 – 50,000 euros). All the original features like the 1000 ASA film reminder dial on the back of the camera and easy film winding with the matching Leicavit MP in Chrome, have been preserved in almost pristine condition.
One of the rarest M-Bayonet lenses is the Elcan 2/66 mm, which, at an estimated hammer price of 60,000 – 70,000 euros, will be another highlight of the coming auction. Constructed by Walter Mandler, the lens was initially manufactured for the US Navy by Ernst Leitz Canada (ELCAN) and is up for auction here in excellent condition. This lens delivers exceptionally high resolution, and its nine glass elements in a robust metal barrel reflect the classic Leica design principles of its age.
Another premium lot at the auction is from Nikon. This very rare Nikon lens almost mint condition is an example of the Nikkor 5.6/13 mm in the AI-S version (estimated hammer price: 30,000 – 35,000 euros). With beautiful glass, both caps, a lens keeper, a CA-2 filter holder with the full set of filters, warranty card, user manual and the original box, this is an absolute rarity that hardly ever appears on the market in such excellent condition.
The exclusive lots can be viewed only a short distance from the auction rooms in the Leica Store Vienna (Walfischgasse 1, 1010 Vienna) on Thursday 21 November and Friday 22 November from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both days, and on Saturday 23 November from 8 a.m.
Bids for lots offered at the Camera Auction on 23 November 2019 can be placed online at www.leitz-auction.com, in written form, on the phone, live from around the globe with www.liveauctioneers.com or www.invaluable.com or in person in the auction rooms (Hotel Bristol, Salon Schönbrunn, Kärntner Ring 1, 1010 Vienna).