This Vintage Leica Is Now The Most Expensive Camera In The World

If you thought you had a shot at getting your hands on this vintage early-1900s Leica, it’s probably just a little out of your reach. 

The century-old relic recently sold for an astonishing €14.4 million (US$15.1 million) at the 20th-anniversary Leitz Photographica Auction, making it the most expensive camera ever sold in the world.

Incredibly, the winning bid was nearly five times the original estimate of US$3.2 million, surpassing the previous record-holder—which as per Robb Report was another 0-Series (serial number 122) that sold for US$2.9 million in 2018—by over US$10 million.

According to the auction house, only 23 of this particular 0-Series Leicas were ever produced in 1923, preceding the official introduction of the Leica A into the market. Only a dozen or so cameras have survived to the present day.

Not to mention, this camera—serial number 105—bears a distinctive engraving showing it belonged to Oskar Barnack, the inventor of the Leica, making it among the most historically significant and important artifacts in photography. 

Naturally, having weathered over 100 years, the black-painted camera looks worn for wear, with some of its parts having been exchanged by the owner. It’s believed Barnack used it till 1930 before giving it to his son, and stayed within the family until 1960, when it was sold to a collector.

Aside from the camera itself, the lot came with numerous documents and letters written by Barnack, allowing the owner a glimpse into the mind of one of the titans of the history of photography. 

Still dreaming of owning a limited-edition Leica? Check out this camera with gold and ostrich-leather details, with bids starting from US$8,500.

[via Robb Report and Leitz Photographica Auction, images via Leitz Photographica Auction]