peter-lik-phantom

Introduction

In the world of photography, the camera is more than just a tool—it’s a gateway to capturing moments, perspectives, and stories. While many photographers rely on affordable and practical cameras for everyday use, we all know it is possible to spend a lot on our camera gear! Some collectors spend collosal amounts on cameras that they probably never use. This is  a realm of cameras crafted with the finest materials, state-of-the-art technology, design in mind and also historical significance. From limited-edition models to vintage pieces that have shaped photographic history, here we delve into the top 10 most expensive cameras in the world, where craftsmanship, rarity, and performance converge to create masterpieces both inside and out.

 

1. Oskar Barnack’s 1923 0-Series Leica

World’s most expensive camera: Oskar Barnack’s 1923 0-Series Leica (© Image courtesy: Andy Westlake, AP)

Price as sold: €12 million (US$13 million)

Oskar Barnack’s 1923 0-Series Leica is one of the most iconic and valuable cameras in history. Barnack was a was a German inventor and photographer who built, in 1913, what would later become the first commercially successful 35mm still-camera. In 1924 the camera was named Leica, an acronym obtained from Leitz Camera. Only 25 of these prototypes were made, and they played a crucial role in the development of 35mm photography. In March 2018, one of these rare cameras set a world record when it was sold at auction for €2.4 million (approximately $2.97 million). This Leica model is particularly sought after due to its historical significance as a precursor to commercial Leica cameras. The camera’s auction price reflects its rarity, excellent condition, and pivotal role in photographic history. In June 2022, a Leica 0-series no. 105 camera shattered previous auction records, selling for an astounding €12,000,000 in Wetzlar. This particular camera was Oskar Barnack’s personal prototype and one of only around twenty made to test the viability of a
pocket camera using 35mm film. At the time, the concept of everyday people being interested in photography was uncertain, as it was largely seen as a niche hobby for a few enthusiasts. This sale highlights the profound impact of Barnack’s innovation on the world of photography.

PS: another of these Leica prototype sets new world record.  The Leica 0-series no.105 sold for € 14,4 million in 2022 but we liked the story of Barnack better!

2. Leica 0-Series No.122

Leica 0-Series No.122, Image courtesy: AP

Price as sold: €2.4 million (US$2.6million)

Another 0-Series Leica, No. 122, was auctioned in 2018. Although it didn’t have the personal connection to Oskar Barnack that propelled No. 105 to record-breaking heights, it was still a highly coveted collector’s piece. The camera was noted for being in remarkably good condition, with all original parts intact, including the paintwork and matching lens cover. A private collector in Asia acquired the camera for €2.4 million, roughly US$2.6 million today. It’s now likely only displayed as a prized artifact, rather than being used for capturing stunning shots!

3. Jony Ive and Marc Newson’s (RED) Leica M

Jony Ive and Marc Newson’s €2.4million (RED) Leica M, Image courtesy: Sotheby’s

Price as sold: $1.8 million 

Unique Leica cameras aren’t limited to antiques. In 2013, Apple designer Jony Ive and industrial designer Marc Newson created a one-of-a-kind Leica M for a charity auction. This camera, with its sleek curves reminiscent of an Apple product, was crafted from a single block of aluminum and featured over 21,900 laser-engraved holes. These holes not only enhanced the camera’s visual appeal but also improved grip. Leica engineers reportedly spent more than 97 hours meticulously engraving them. This redesign involved over 100 modifications to the original Leica M, released in 2012, with numerous prototypes tested before finalizing the design. Their efforts were well rewarded—the unique Leica M sold for $1,800,000 – around £1,500,000, more than doubling Sotheby’s initial estimate.

4. 1957 Leica MP Black Paint No. 55

1957 Leica MP Black Paint No. 55, Image courtesy: Leitz Photographica Auction

Price as sold: €1.2 million (US$1.3 million)

For decades, Leica has been known for releasing special editions of its iconic cameras, and one of the most elegant examples is from 1956—the Leica MP, first introduced at Photokina in Cologne. This model is particularly notable for being a rare “Black Paint”; version, an even scarcer variant of the already limited Leica MP. Only 412 units of the Leica MP were ever produced, and of those, just 141 featured the distinctive black finish. This extreme rarity significantly contributed to the camera’s value, pushing it past the million-dollar mark at Leitz Auction 39. The Leica MP was especially popular among press photographers of the era, largely due to its compatibility with the Leicavit manual fast winder. This accessory allowed skilled photographers to capture up to two frames per second—a remarkable feature at the time, making the Leica MP a highly sought-after tool for professionals.

5. Gold-plated Leica Luxus II

Gold-plated Leica Luxus II, Image courtesy: Bonhams

Price as sold: HK$ 4.84 million ($615,000)

This gold-plated Leica Luxus II, dating back to around 1932, is one of only four ever made. For years, it quietly remained in the possession of an owner in Bridport until it was featured on the TV program Antiques Roadshow, where experts initially valued it
at just £5,000. That estimate turned out to be quite conservative. The camera was later sold at Bonhams auction house, where it fetched 4.84 million Hong Kong dollars, roughly £512,000 today. Despite this impressive sum, the sale was actually considered somewhat disappointing, as it fell short of the £750,000 that auction house experts had anticipated. Nonetheless, the camera’s rarity and luxurious gold finish make it a remarkable piece in the history of Leica cameras.

6. Prototype Nikon L Rangefinder

  • Prototype Nikon L Rangefinder, Image courtesy: Wetzlar Camera Auctions (WCA)

Price as sold: US$468,850

This rare Nikon camera became the focus of an intense bidding war, ultimately selling for nearly half a million dollars. The Nikon L11004 prototype, as it’s formally known, is a particularly unique piece—a 1947 Nikon rangefinder that features a Leica screw mount.
Auctioneers believe this prototype represents a pivotal moment in Nikon’s history when the company was still deciding between a Leica screw mount and a Contax bayonet mount for its 35mm SLRs. The discovery of such an early Nikon prototype with a Leica screw mount was unprecedented, sparking fierce competition among collectors. The rarity and historical significance of this camera drove its value, making it a highly sought-after item that commanded a substantial price in the auction room.

7. Nikon I rangefinder

Nikon I rangefinder, Image courtesy: WestLicht Photographica

Price as sold: €384,000 (US$421,000)

In 2016, this camera was the oldest known Nikon in existence. Bearing the serial number 60922, it was the third Nikon I rangefinder to roll off the production line. Remarkably, it still had its original shutter, thanks to the careful preservation by
Japanese camera collector Tad Sato. When the auction took place, this piece of Nikon history more than doubled its initial estimate. Accompanied by a Nikkor-H 2/5cm no. 70811 lens, complete with its original cap, it represented the ultimate find for collectors. The camera’s pristine condition and historical significance made it an irresistible package, cementing its place as a prized collectible in the world of vintage photography.

8. Hasselblad 500C space camera

Hasselblad 500C space camera, Image courtesy: AP

Price as sold: US$281,250

While Leicas and Nikons are impressive, how many of them have been to space? This Hasselblad 500C holds that distinction, having orbited Earth with U.S. astronaut Wally Schirra during the Mercury-Atlas 8 mission in 1962. Schirra, an avid photography enthusiast, purchased the camera with an 80mm Zeiss Planar f/2.8 lens at a Houston camera shop—because who wouldn’t want to capture snapshots from space?
Before the mission, the camera was modified, most notably with a 100-exposure film container.

9. Alfred Eisenstaedt’s 1931 Leica IIIa

Alfred Eisenstaedt’s 1931 Leica IIIa, Image courtesy: WestLicht Photographica

Price as sold: €114,000 (US$125,000)

This Leica IIIa is arguably priceless. Once owned by the great Alfred Eisenstaedt, this was the camera that shot the iconic depicting a US sailor embracing and kissing a woman in a white medical uniform, on Victory over Japan Day in 1945. More on Eisenstaedt here. The image was published in Life magazine, and would go on to become one of the most famous shots of the 20th Century.

10. Andy Warhol’s Polaroid Camera

Andy Warhol’s Polaroid Camera, Image courtesy: Heritage Auctions

Price as sold: US$13,750

This Polaroid SX-70 Land Camera was used byiconic artist Andy Warhol in the 1970s. Warhol was notable for carrying a camera of some kind everywhere he went, and the Polaroid SX-70 was used to capture many portraits of celebrated people around him. Here is an great article about Warhol’s photography.

A glimpse into the world of collector’s cameras

As we’ve seen, the most expensive cameras in the world are not just tools for taking pictures but objects of art, innovation, and history. Whether it’s a limited-edition collector’s item or a vintage piece with historical significance, each of these cameras represents the extraordinary heights that photography can reach. For those with deep pockets, they are the ultimate expression of passion and prestige, merging functionality with timeless craftsmanship. But for all of us, they serve as a reminder of the incredible evolution of photography and the endless possibilities it holds.

Thank you for reading! Feel free to share this with the photography community.

 

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