When you think of Leica, one of the words to pop to mind is probably “expensive” (even if it’s not even a real camera). At the 32nd WestLicht camera auction in Vienna, a Leica camera set a new world record for the most expensive camera ever sold at an auction. A rare Leica 0-series from 1923 was sold for €2.4 million (approximately $2.95 million).
Museum of Modern Arts puts these iconic photos up for sale
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Starting this month, the Museum of Modern Art is putting up over 400 prints from their collection up for sale. Among these photos, there will be iconic prints of Man Ray, Ansel Adams and Henri Cartier-Bresson. If you have deep pockets, you’ll have a chance to have one of them in a series of auctions, and some of them are expected to reach up to $300,000.
Oldest known production model Nikon camera goes up for auction
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Made in 1948, this Nikon I rangefinder camera, serial number 60924, represents the oldest known surviving production model Nikon in the world. The very first Nikon I held the serial number 60922, making this the third Nikon camera of all time off the production line. It is one of two cameras made in 1948 still known exist, and it has gone up for auction at WestLicht Photographica.
It’s an incredible piece of history, and not one that many of us are likely to afford, short of selling our homes. The starting price for this Nikon I is €90,000 (around $98,000) with the value estimated to be €160,000-180,000 ($175,000-196,000). Then you’ve got 20-24% to add on top of that for taxes, commission, etc. Of course, such a unique piece of photographic history has the potential to go much higher depending on who may be interested in it.
Extremely rare unopened military issue Leica KE-7A shows up on eBay for over $45,000
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Brand new unopened cameras are not uncommon on eBay, and usually aren’t that big a deal, unless that camera is something like a military issue Leica Leitz KE-7A. With a price tag of $45,300, it’s certainly aimed at a very special type of collector.
According to the eBay listing description, the Leica KE-7A was produced in both military and civilian models, but the military issues can be distinguished by having FSN (Federal Stock Number), Cont. (contract designation), and U.S. (United States) markings.
Controversial Mapplethorpe Photograph “Man In Polyester Suit” Just Sold For $478,000 At Auction
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The notorious photograph, Man In A Polyester Suit, taken in 1980 by photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, sold at a Sotheby’s (New York) auction on Wednesday for $478,000. The sale makes the photograph one of the most expenisve photos ever sold, though it’s still quite a ways off from list topper, Rhein II which sold for a whopping $4.3M.
As some of you may recall, Man In A Polyester Suit–a NSFW photo which shows a man wearing a three piece suit with his penis out has had a troubled history. In 1989, Cincinnati’s Contemporary Arts Center put the image on exhibition, which resulted in public outrage and criminal obscenity charges against the Center’s director. He was acquitted in 1990.[Read More…]
Leica Camera Rifle Prototype Expected to Sell For Up To $400,000 in Auction
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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.
