Rare 1940s Leica M prototype sells for record-breaking $2.22 million

A rare Leica M prototype, dating back to the late 1940s, has set a new record at the 45th Leitz Photographica Auction, selling for an astonishing €2.04 million ($2.22 million USD). The auction, held on November 25, 2024, celebrated the 70th anniversary of Leica’s iconic M series, which revolutionized photography when it launched in 1954.

The prototype, identified as lot number 76, is one of the earliest known examples of the Leica M series. Constructed between 1948 and 1949, the camera features a unique combination of machine-made and hand-crafted parts and lacks a serial number. It was paired with an M-Mount Elmar 3.5/3.5cm lens. Initially estimated at €600,000 to €700,000, the final hammer price, including premium, more than tripled expectations.

Other auction highlights

In addition to the record-breaking prototype, another standout item, lot 79, offered a collection of ten prototype Leica M bodies, or “chassis,” created during the camera’s development over a 17-year period. This rare assemblage fetched €432,000, exceeding its pre-auction estimate of €300,000 to €340,000.

A Leica M2 in gray paint, serial number 1005769, also drew significant interest. One of only 20 units made for the U.S. Air Force in Europe in 1960, this rarity sold for €900,000, far surpassing its €500,000 to €600,000 estimate.

As part of its tradition, the auction included a charity item—this year, a Leica M6J. The camera, released in 1994 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the M series, was sold for €9,000. All the proceeds from the sale were donated to “Licht ins Dunkel.”

The next Leitz Photographica Auction is set to take place on June 26, 2025, at Leitz Park in Wetzlar. The event will coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Leica I, the camera that laid the foundation for Leica’s enduring legacy.