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Not Just for Collectors
Not Just for Collectors
June 19, 2026
Leica MP black paint no. MP-33
The 48th Leitz Photographica Auction was held at the Leica World in Wetzlar on June 13, 2026. Although no new record was set this time, the auction shows that enthusiasm for historic cameras and accessories remains as strong as ever. The auction catalogue encompassed a total of 401 lots, ranging from rare prototypes and Leica replicas from the 1940s, all the way to mechanical devices from the earliest days of photography.
Rarities in black paint
With a total production volume of just 402 units – of which only 141 were finished in black paint – the “M Professional” (MP) ranks among the rarest Leica cameras ever made. Developed specifically for reportage photography, it was conceptualised in response to American press photographers such as Alfred Eisenstaedt and David Douglas Duncan, who wanted to use their M cameras with the added benefit of the Leicavit rapid winder – which, at the time, was only available for the Leica IIIf. This particular model (with the serial no. MP-33) was originally delivered to Brandt, a Swedish Leica retailer, on July 29, 1957. Auctioned complete with a black paint Leicavit and brass-mount Summicron 2/5cm (serial no. 1474885), it changed hands for 600,000 euros including buyer’s premium.
Among the greatest surprises of the morning were a Leica IIIb black paint from 1938, which sold for 312,000 euros including premium (nearly ten times its estimated value), and the Leica MP 10323 “Meister Edition Berlin” outfit from 2017. Estimated at 26,000 to 30,000 euros, the comparatively recent model sold for 132,000 euros including premium.
The charity lot – a Leica MP10-P Safari prototype from 2018 – raised 16,000 euros for a good cause.
Experimental prototype with special serial number
The Leica Ig prototype no. 750000 is an extraordinary piece of photography history. Built in around 1953, it represents a developmental step in the evolution of the screw-mount Leicas, which were manufactured until the 1950s. The experimental camera features a completely unique top plate that brings together stylistic and constructional elements of the Leica Ic, If and Ig in one transitional configuration. Its special, round serial number makes it particularly interesting for collectors – as was reflected in the pre-auction bids. The milestone prototype went to a new owner for 540,000 euros including buyer’s premium.
Leitz Photographica Auction will hold two more events in the autumn: the Perspectives auction, dedicated to photography from the 1920s onwards (October 9, Leica Gallery Vienna), and the 49th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 28, once again at the Leica World in Wetzlar.
David RojkowskiRarities in black paint
With a total production volume of just 402 units – of which only 141 were finished in black paint – the “M Professional” (MP) ranks among the rarest Leica cameras ever made. Developed specifically for reportage photography, it was conceptualised in response to American press photographers such as Alfred Eisenstaedt and David Douglas Duncan, who wanted to use their M cameras with the added benefit of the Leicavit rapid winder – which, at the time, was only available for the Leica IIIf. This particular model (with the serial no. MP-33) was originally delivered to Brandt, a Swedish Leica retailer, on July 29, 1957. Auctioned complete with a black paint Leicavit and brass-mount Summicron 2/5cm (serial no. 1474885), it changed hands for 600,000 euros including buyer’s premium.
Among the greatest surprises of the morning were a Leica IIIb black paint from 1938, which sold for 312,000 euros including premium (nearly ten times its estimated value), and the Leica MP 10323 “Meister Edition Berlin” outfit from 2017. Estimated at 26,000 to 30,000 euros, the comparatively recent model sold for 132,000 euros including premium.
The charity lot – a Leica MP10-P Safari prototype from 2018 – raised 16,000 euros for a good cause.
Experimental prototype with special serial number
The Leica Ig prototype no. 750000 is an extraordinary piece of photography history. Built in around 1953, it represents a developmental step in the evolution of the screw-mount Leicas, which were manufactured until the 1950s. The experimental camera features a completely unique top plate that brings together stylistic and constructional elements of the Leica Ic, If and Ig in one transitional configuration. Its special, round serial number makes it particularly interesting for collectors – as was reflected in the pre-auction bids. The milestone prototype went to a new owner for 540,000 euros including buyer’s premium.
Leitz Photographica Auction will hold two more events in the autumn: the Perspectives auction, dedicated to photography from the 1920s onwards (October 9, Leica Gallery Vienna), and the 49th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 28, once again at the Leica World in Wetzlar.
Leica MP black paint no. MP-33
48th Leitz Photographica Auction
Leica Ig prototype no.750000
Leica IIIb black paint
Leica MP 10323 Meister Edition Berlin
Charity Lot: Leica M10-P Safari prototype