An ultra-rare Leica MP2 black paint camera was sold for 1.56 million euros (about $1.68 million) at the 44th Leitz Photographica Auction in Wetzlar, Germany, which concluded last week. The 66-year-old Leica MP2 black paint camera was one of the most desirable items up for grabs at the auction, resulting in a bidding war. The Leica MP2 is a modified, professional version of the M2 rangefinder, fitted with a special electric motor drive. Just 27 examples of the camera were produced in the late 1950s as a test series, only 6 of which were in black lacquer. As a result, the Leica MP2 black paint is one of the rarest Leicas in existence.
The camera body of the MP2 is very similar to that of an early standard M2 camera, except for the rewind button. It can shoot at up to 3.5 frames per second thanks to its specialized electric motor drive. The sale price is considerably higher than the pre-auction estimate of 700,000 to 800,000 euros (around $752,000 to $860,000). “We are particularly pleased that our auction house was able to achieve a result of 1,560,000 euros for the Leica MP2 on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the legendary Leica M. The result emphasizes the exceptional popularity that the Leica M system still enjoys today, both among collectors and professional photographers. It also speaks for the high level of trust in our auction house”, said Alexander Sedlak, Managing Director of Leitz Photographica Auction.
Another important lot that was auctioned was an original condition Leica Luxus camera. Featuring a gold-plated body and special leather covering, the Leica I Mod A. Luxus had never been restored despite being manufactured almost a century ago. It was sold for 288,000 euros (about $310,000). A super rare Leitz Rifle Camera was also up for auction with a pre-sale estimate of €240,000 – 300,000 (~$256,000 to $320,000). However, the Leitz NY Rifle, described as one of the rarest camera accessories ever developed for Leica cameras, only managed to fetch €144,000 (about $154,000).
