Written by Andrew Marshall
(Photo/Leica)
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The Leica 0-series no. 105 just sold at auction for $15 million, making it the most expensive camera of all time.
Leica isn’t exactly known for cheap cameras. But an early prototype of the world’s first 35mm camera just sold at the 40th Leitz Photographica Auction for $15 million. If you’re keeping count, that makes the camera in question, the 0-series no. 105, the world’s most expensive camera.
The 100-year-old camera belonged to Oskar Barnack, an engineer at the Leitz company (later to become Leica). He designed the no. 105 just before World War I, and the camera would go on to be instrumental in the future development of the commercially available 35mm camera. Barnack’s name is engraved across the top of the 0-series no. 105.
(Photo/Leica)What’s in a Name?
That’s quite a pedigree and goes a long way toward explaining why the 0-series no. 105 fetched such a high price at auction.
“To put these numbers into perspective, the most expensive camera in the world to date — also a 0-series, serial number 122 — was sold at the 32nd Leitz Photographica Auction in 2018 for €2.4 million including a buyer’s premium,” said Alexander Sedlak, managing director of Leica Camera Classics, an Austrian subsidiary of Leica Camera AG.
“We are fully specialized in historical cameras and accessories. It was, therefore, a special pleasure for us to be able to auction Oskar Barnack’s personal camera, a prototype of the camera generation that laid the foundation for modern photography in the mid-1920s, as part of our anniversary auction.”
What we love about Leica (other than the quality) is the timeless and stripped-down aesthetic its cameras employ. Taking a look at the 0-series no. 105, it’s evident that design philosophy goes right back to the very beginning.
Photo/LeicaCamera history nuts can read more about the sale.
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Andrew Marshall is a writer, illustrator, and photographer living and adventuring in the Smoky Mountains. His work across all three disciplines has earned Excellence in Craft awards from his colleagues in the Outdoor Writers Association of America for two years in a row.
Born and raised in the southern Appalachians, Andrew recently returned to his beloved home range after ten years in the American West. He’s relieved to once again have access to a decent pulled-pork barbeque sandwich with South Carolina-style mustard sauce, but the weather is more humid than he remembered. You can find him on the web at www.andrewmarshallimages.com, on Instagram @andrewmarshallimages, or on Twitter @pawn_andrew. Fair warning: social media content is frequently cat-related.
As a photography enthusiast and expert in camera history, I can attest to the significance of the Leica 0-series no. 105, which recently set a record as the most expensive camera ever sold. This remarkable camera, designed by Oskar Barnack, an engineer at the Leitz company (later to become Leica), represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of photography.
The Leica 0-series no. 105 is not just any camera; it is a 100-year-old prototype of the world's first 35mm camera. Barnack designed this camera just before World War I, and it played a crucial role in shaping the future development of commercially available 35mm cameras. The fact that Barnack's name is engraved across the top of the camera adds a personal touch and historical significance to this artifact.
The $15 million price tag it fetched at the 40th Leitz Photographica Auction underscores its rarity and importance in the realm of photography collectibles. To provide context, the previous record holder, another 0-series with serial number 122, was sold for €2.4 million in 2018. The steady increase in value over the years reflects the growing appreciation for the historical importance of these early Leica prototypes.
Alexander Sedlak, the managing director of Leica Camera Classics, highlighted the special nature of this auction, emphasizing the pleasure in auctioning Oskar Barnack's personal camera. This prototype represents the foundational era of modern photography in the mid-1920s, marking a milestone that photography enthusiasts and collectors deeply value.
The enduring appeal of Leica cameras, beyond their renowned quality, lies in their timeless and stripped-down aesthetic. Examining the 0-series no. 105, one can trace back the design philosophy that has characterized Leica cameras from their inception.
In conclusion, the sale of the Leica 0-series no. 105 for $15 million is a testament to its historical significance and the high regard it holds among collectors and photography enthusiasts alike. This camera not only marks a key moment in the history of photography but also exemplifies the enduring legacy of Leica as a brand dedicated to craftsmanship and innovation.
For those interested in exploring further, Andrew Marshall provides additional insights into camera history and related topics, showcasing his expertise as a writer, illustrator, and photographer. His extensive experience, as reflected in the Excellence in Craft awards from the Outdoor Writers Association of America, establishes him as a credible source in the field. You can find more of his work on his website www.andrewmarshallimages.com, on Instagram @andrewmarshallimages, or on Twitter @pawn_andrew, where he frequently shares content related to his passion for photography and adventure.
