Super rare Leica cameras up for sale at massive auction – one will set you back $500,000… but there are some great affordable options too

The 49th Leitz Photographica Auction, scheduled for November 28th, promises to bring together a remarkable collection of Leica cameras, lenses, and equipment. Among the highlights are an exceptionally rare Leica BOX camera from the 1950s, a Leica R6 once owned by renowned photographer Sebastião Salgado, and a re-edition of the Elcan 66mm f/2 lens, the forerunner to the Summicron-M 66 lens. More than 400 lots are expected to be up for bid, with prices ranging from three-figure to six-figure euros.

The Leica BOX camera, a prototype with serial number 000.01, is particularly intriguing. Only two units were ever produced, and the one up for auction is fully operational. Its compact design, measuring just 100×64×48 millimetres, makes it one of the smallest Leica cameras ever built. This rare specimen is expected to fetch between €400,000 and €500,000 ($445,722 and $557,152).

Another notable item is a Leica R6 belonging to the late photographer Sebastião Salgado. Salgado used this camera to capture the burning oil fields of Kuwait during the Gulf War, contributing significantly to his reputation. The auction will feature two photographs from this series, along with a signed copy of Salgado's limited-edition photobook, Workers. The estimate for this lot ranges from €28,000 to €32,000 ($31,206 to $35,664).

For those with a more modest budget, Leica is also offering a selection of cameras and photographic equipment through its online auction, Leitz ON. This accessible entry point into the world of collecting features a diverse array of items from various manufacturers and photographers, dating back to the 1920s. Bidding for this auction begins on October 29th, and interested bidders can submit their bids through numerous methods.