Leica was the leading manufacturer of quality cameras in the early part of the twentieth century. Some of their cameras have survived over the decades and a sort of a collection of vintage Leica cameras are all set to go for auction later this year. It is being called the WestLicht Photographica Auction and is scheduled to be held on May 12 this year. There are several cameras in the collection but the highlight is a 1923 Leica 0-series camera and justifiably it has been valued the highest in the collection.
The collectors and the camera buffs will be eagerly waiting for this piece as it is one of the limited edition of 25 cameras that were made by the company at the time. There is not much information available about the other pieces from the lot but this camera has retained much of its original glory. The camera is in fully working condition and has the original paintwork and parts except a Galian finder that has been fitted in the camera in place of the folding version found on the original. The pre sale estimate puts its value at $807,755.
The other camera in the collection which is sure to attract a lot of attention from the bidders is the Leica M3 gold camera. It is part of the limited edition of just two cameras that were gold plated by the company. The pre sale estimate puts the value of the camera at US$94,156. Another important camera in the collection is a Leica 250FF. It is a reporter’s camera from the early 20th century and is still in mint-condition. The experts have estimated its value to be around $26,902. A full catalog with the details of the cameras in the collection is being prepared and will become available sometime next month. The auction surely promises to be exciting.
