Leica’s significance in the world of photography cannot be understated. Some of the world’s most iconic images were made with a Leica – Thomas Hoepker’s portrait of Muhammad Ali in 1966, “Behind the Gare Saint-Lazare” by Henri Cartier Bresson, and Nick Ut’s “Napalm Girl” are just a few examples of the world that has been captured through the lens of a Leica. As part of their ongoing centennial, Leica has put together one of the most impressive lots for the 2025 Leitz Photographica Auction at Leica World in Wetzlar, Germany. Here’s a look at some of the most notable pieces up for auction this year.
Leitz Photographica Auction No. 46 June 2025
Set for June 27, 2025, the biannual auction is headed to Wetzlar, Germany, once again giving photography collectors a chance to own their own piece of history. The Leitz Photographica Auction consists of passionate enthusiasts whose interest goes far beyond the Leica brand. The first of this year’s auction events has us excited for a few pieces that are not just historic but downright beautiful.
Leica 0-series No. 112
Easily the rarest and most coveted lot, the Leica 0-Series No. 112 is the twelfth pre-production prototype that helped lay down the groundwork for the Leica I. According to Leica’s historical records, No. 112 was delivered directly to Oskar Barnack, the father of 35mm photography and inventor behind Leica’s revolutionary camera technology.
Leica 0-Series cameras are already extremely rare, having only produced 22 prototypes and with fewer than half known to be in existence today, a unit that was owned by Barnack will undoubtedly fetch a record-setting (if not record-breaking) bid at this year’s auction. The expected starting price of this camera is set for €800,000 and may easily sell for over €1,800,000.
The 100th Leica – Leica I Mod. A Anastigmat No. 225
A centennial wouldn’t be complete without a nod to the 100 years that they’re celebrating, and Leica knows how to party. The Leica I Mod. A Anastigmat No. 225 is the 100th serial production of the Leica cameras. Official production of the Leica I began in 1923, starting with serial number 126. The No. 225 camera was originally delivered to a renowned advertising agency, Ogilvy, on January 29, 1925, making it the first production Leica to be shipped to the United Kingdom (adding even more history to the lot).
No. 225 includes a flat eyepiece, pebble-shaped shutter release, and the original Anastigmat lens – all of which are highly sought-after features. The Leica I Mod. A Anastigmat No. 225 is expected to fetch around €800,000 at auction.
Leica M Prototype
Prototype Leicas are almost always instant collectors’ favorites, and the Leica M Prototype in this lot of cameras will be no different. Featuring one large window that incorporates both the viewfinder and the viewfinder illuminator, this Leica M incorporates features of the M2 and M4. This camera is believed to be an early experimental model designed to test the angled rewind knob and its top plate is highly customized in a way not found in any production Leica. The lens included with this piece is also a prototype Summacron 2.8/35mm lens – both in near-mint and working condition.
This prototype is expected to start at €120,000 and may easily go for double that.
A Personal Favorite: Leica M4 Olive Bundeswehr
There’s no way you can cover an auction like this and not pick out a personal favorite, that’s exactly what the Leica M4 Olive Bundeswehr represents on this list. According to Leica, this M4 is one of the rarest in existence, having only produced 31 M4 cameras in the olive-green paint, a special request by the West German Military in 1970.
This particular lot is in near-mint condition with an engraved back of the top plate reading “Bundeswehr,” an indication that it was property of the West German Military. This M4 comes with the Elmar 2.8/50mm lens. Leica has deemed this camera and lens in perfect technical order with a clean finder and working shutter – all for a starting bid of €120,000.
Owning a Piece of History
For a very deep-pocketed few, the Leitz Photographica Auction is an opportunity to own a piece of history. For Leica’s 100Years Celebration, this lot represents one of the greatest collections of rarities in the camera world – most will never be seen again by the public until they are auctioned off again. At this month’s 100th Anniversary Celebration in New York, I was privileged to see many of the cameras up for sale as close as you can get without needing to sell a kidney (or 10). It was truly an inspiring experience to see not only the technical history on display but to be surrounded by some of the works of art that these tools helped create.
If you’re among the 1% looking to acquire a piece of history, Leica welcomes bidders in person, online, and via telephone. You can find more information on the bidding process and even submit a pre-bid on May 9, 2025, by visiting their website.
