Vintage Leica cameras to go on auction at WestLicht
In may this year, at the WestLicht camera auction, classic photographers and collectors alike will have bonanza of sorts, when multiple classics from Leica will go up for auction. What many may think to be the Ferrari amongst cameras, Leica has traditionally produced the individual photographers’ favorite gadgets, many of which can still be used today. It’s no wonder that they managed to gather much more than their estimated price during the previous auctions like WestLicht 2011. This list covers a few of our favorites at the event:
1) 1923 Leica 0-series
Estimated bid: $807,755 (€600,000)
We had previously covered this camera, as one of the surviving specimens turned out to be the most expensive Leica to be sold at an auction. One of the main reasons is the exclusivity of the production, limiting it to just 25 pieces, and more so the rare surviving pieces in this time. Though mostly retained to its former glory, this particular piece has been fitted with a Galian finder instead of the original folding version.
2) Leica M3 gold
Estimated bid: $94,156 (€70,000)
One of the reasons for this camera being famous was the golden plating on it, and also the fact that this was one of the 2 to be ever given this unique treatment. Amongst the many parts that was especially bathed with the precious yellow metal, was the collapsible Summicron, gold plated lens cap, and also the gold plated Leica meter.
3) 1950 Yallu Opt. Yalluflex
Estimated bid: $60,528 (€45,000)
Though this one is not a Leica production, it still remains a star attraction at auction because of its Japanese origins, and also being one of the earliest specimens of this design. Though the total number of the production volume wasn’t really known, but historians estimate it to be around 50 at the most. The 35mm TLR was also sought after for the reason that it had an Excellsior 3.5/50mm lense, which still works in prime condition. The winner of this camera will also get the original brown leather pouch with branding on it.
4) Leica 250FF
Estimated bid: $26,902 (€20,000)
When one looks back the reporter equipment, especially in the first half of the 20th century, one of the main things which stand out, is the Leica 250FF camera. This particular piece, with the reference number 135609, is still known to be in prime condition, along with having its original parts such as the knobs and the nickel Elmar cap, film cassettes, case, rare ANZOO film trimming template and also the guarantee card by Tiranty, Paris.
These were some of our pickings, but this auction should see plenty more classics like the Leica I Mod A Elmax, Leica I Mod.A Elmar 'Snake-Skin, Leica M3 single stroke black paint, M7 Titan 50 years, and also the Hugo Meyer Makro Plasmat 2.7/5 cm going on sale. So, if anyone seems to be a camera collector or even invest in vintage models, then be sure to be there at the WestLitch Photographica event on May 12th, 2012.
Via: WestLicht/ Leica Rumour
