World’s most expensive camera has been set by one of the first Leicas ever produced – a 1932 Leica 0-Series camera (serial number 122) – after fetching a historic €2.4m at auction.  

It is one of the 25 prototypes manufactured in 1923. After almost a century, only 12 pieces from this series which branded as “null-series” or 0-Series are known to have survived. There are only 3 out of 12 are kept in perfect original condition, and the one offered at the sale is one of three.

The auction was held in WestLicht Vienna. Started at a price of €400,000, the Leica 0-series attracted strong interest from bidders in the room and telephone bidders. A private collector from Asia emerged victorious from the exciting bidding war with a winning hammer price of €2m. The Leica 0-series realized €2.4m with buyer’s premium, becoming the world’s most expensive camera to date.

World’s most expensive camera: A 1932 Leica 0-Series camera (serial number 122)

The previous record was held by another Leica 0-series, with a serial no. 116, which was auctioned at WestLicht in 2012 for €2.16m. In fact, WestLicht has sold a number of recording-breaking cameras in recent years.

World’s most expensive camera: Leica 0 series (no. 122)

Auction house:  WestLicht Vienna
Sale: 32th WestLicht Camera Auction

Lot no.: 3
Year: 1932
Estimate: €700,000 - 900,000
Hammer price: €2,000,000
Price realized: €2,400,000