Leica Camera Rifle Prototype Expected to Sell For Up To $400,000 in Auction
Jun 9, 2015
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Described as “one of the rarest and most unusual Leitz accessories”, a New York Leica gun rifle prototype will be auctioned by WestLicht with bids beginning at € 150,000 (~$170,000).
The Kit, including a camera and lenses, dates back to as early as 1939 and is expected to sell for for $370,000-$400,000.
The auction will take place later this month so hurry up and get your money ready.
The happy buyer will get more than just a wooden helve for the obscene amount of money, as the auction house states the following is included:
- Modified Wetzlar PLOOT mirror housing
- Special bayonet mount Wetzlar viewfinder engraved ‘Ernst Leitz Wetzlar Germany’ in condenser logo
- Chrome Leica Standard body with modified baseplate
- Telyt 4.5/20cm no.272854 with hood
- Hektor 4.5/13.5cm with hood in short focusing mount and matching red maker’s box
- Original and extremely rare carrying case RIFUN
I can appreciate the historic value this kit carries and its importance among collectors, but it seems like a lot of money for a bunch of Leica items that don’t even include the company’s famous red dot.
Seriously though, the items are said to be “in beautiful and 100% original condition” so knock yourself out if you can afford to buy this cool accessory.
You might also be interested in the collection of 600 vintage cameras we previously featured. Apparently they are once again up for grabs over on eBay.
Liron Samuels
Liron Samuels is a wildlife and commercial photographer based in Israel. When he isn’t waking up at 4am to take photos of nature, he stays awake until 4am taking photos of the night skies or time lapses. You can see more of his work on his website or follow him on Facebook.
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8 responses to “Leica Camera Rifle Prototype Expected to Sell For Up To $400,000 in Auction”
Similar idea to photo sniper from Zenit (Made in USSR)
Something to die for…especially the way things are in America…
I find this a distasteful reference to killing instead of taking photos. Make it look like what it is – a photography enhancement tool.
This might help clarify why a rifle stock would be necessary for a camera, and who’s most likely to use it — http://gizmodo.com/5142970/us-soldier-explains-why-he-uses-a-rifle-stock-to-shoot-photographs
Creeps me out. Either shoot to kill with your guns or take a photo…make up your mind.
Try to take a photo of a police officer with that thing, and you’ll immediately become a statistic.
Brings a whole new meaning to the term photo shoot.
I think the sawed-off version is easier to conceal.
Best for New Year’s Eve office parties; unless you’re handsomely paid (and the Christmas Bonus was not an insult).
Useful for Paparazzi revenge photos (of wet pants).