A unique Leica IIIg camera, produced as a one-off prototype for the German Army in 1960, sold for an astounding 3.62 million euros (approximately $3.8 million) at the OstLicht Camera and Photo Auction in Shanghai on November 16.
The camera, which is in pristine, “like new” condition and includes a 50mm f/2.8 Elmar lens, was never mass-produced and drew intense bidding from collectors. After starting at 80,000 euros, the price soared during a 14-minute bidding war, ending far above the estimated value of 140,000 to 180,000 euros.
This sale is part of a broader auction featuring rare and vintage cameras, with other high bids including a Leica M3 Chrome No. 8 camera, which fetched 945,000 euros ($991,173).
Another standout item, a Leica MP Black Paint camera, sold for 710,000 euros ($745,000). An unusual Leica rifle camera, one of only a dozen in existence, also made waves, selling for 533,400 euros ($560,000).
The auction, held at the Fotografiska Museum in Shanghai, featured 164 lots, with nearly all of them sold.
Collectors eagerly competed for these highly sought-after items, demonstrating the enduring appeal of Leica’s legendary craftsmanship and history in the photography world.
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