One was sold for 14.4 million vintage camera. The famous Leica 0 with serial number 105 was the world‘s first 35mm camera, considered a cornerstone of modern photography.
Before the first cameras were made available in the mid-1920s, Ernst Leitz produced around 23 examples of the 0 series prototype in 1923 and 1924. One of these rare cameras, the 0 series No. 105, which belonged to Oskar Barnackwas sold at the 40th Leitz Photographica Auction smashing the world record for the most expensive camera of all time.
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The former owner of number 105 was Oskar Barnack himself, who had designed the “Liliput camera” shortly before World War I broke out. Barnack has captured numerous moments in his own family life with Series 0 # 105. In doing this, he has used the experience gained for the further development of the camera and its later models. Barnack’s name is engraved on the top of the # 105’s front sight.
The traditional German camera manufacturer Leica Camera AG has two branches in Vienna: Leica Camera Austria and Leica Camera Classics. The latter is specializing in vintage cameras and has around 1,500 pieces on display in his shop on Westbahnstraße 40. This location also houses the world‘s largest spare parts warehouse for historic Leica cameras. Thanks to this unparalleled assortment, on-site technicians can examine historical Leica cameras to the highest standards of collectibles and, if necessary, restore them before the auction.
Twice a year – in mid-June and late November – Leica Camera Classics organizes the Leitz Photographica Auction, the world‘s most renowned vintage camera auction, attracting bidders from over 100 countries. In addition, around 5,000 products are always available for sale in the LCC online shop.