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To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Leitz Photographic Auction is auctioning off a rare Leica 0-Series camera that once belonged to Oskar Barnack, an engineer who is considered the inventor of 35mm photography.
To better celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Leitz Photographic Auction, specializing in auctions, is putting a price on a Leica 0-Series with serial number 105. Produced in 1923, the latter has the particularity of having been the property of Oskar Barnack, the engineer behind the first prototype compact camera in 24×36 format.
Only 23 0-Series were produced by Leica. © Leitz Photographic Auction
Almost a century of history
Equipped with a 50mm lens with f/3.5 aperture, the 0-Series line was produced in only 23 copies, and half of them seem to have stood the test of time to us, almost a century later. Originally, the device was mainly used by Oskar Barnack as a prototype to improve the German brand’s future cameras.
The engineer used this camera until 1930 when he switched to a Leica I Model C, whose lens is interchangeable, transmitting the 0-Series to his son. The case remained in the family until 1960, when it was sold to a passionate American.
The engineer’s name is engraved on the optical sight. © Leitz Photographic Auction
At least 1 million euros
If modern Leica cameras are often expensive, older ones see their prices skyrocket. The auction to be held in June 2022 will thus see a starting price set at 1 million euros. The estimated final price should be between 2 and 3 million, the previous 0-Series model having been sold for 2.4 million euros in 2018.
Leica still retains an important heritage from its older cameras in the design of the new ones. © Leitz Photographic Auction
Coincidentally, we have just tested the latest Leica camera model, the M11. With exceptional image quality, it is much more affordable than this collector’s item, even if it is not really cheap…