Leitz M1
The Leitz M1 is a 35mm rangefinder-body camera introduced in 1959 as a simplified member of the Leica M-series. It was positioned as a working camera for scientific, technical and school use, supplied without a rangefinder mechanism and fitted with 35mm and 50mm viewfinder framelines only.
At UK auction in 2026, hammer prices for the standard M1 span roughly £240 to £6,000, with the median sitting near £580 — those figures are wholesale saleroom results before commission, not retail asking prices. The wide range reflects the strong premiums paid for scarce variants: standard chrome bodies typically sell for a few hundred pounds today, while the Bundeseigentum olive military issue and the Royal Danish Navy examples are what drive the top end of the value curve.
Variants
Select a variant to filter the sales history below.
| Variant | Years | Edition | Sales | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bundeseigentum Olive | — | — | 1 | £6,000 – £6,000 |
| experimental | — | — | 0 | — |
| grey | — | — | 0 | — |
| military | — | — | 0 | — |
| no Type | — | — | 4 | £240 – £517 |
| olive | — | — | 0 | — |
| Royal Danish Navy | — | — | 0 | — |
| Special Fitting | — | — | 2 | £1,700 – £2,000 |
| Wolf Set (endoscopy) | — | — | 0 | — |
Sales History
Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.
Prices updated: November 2025
| Date | Price | Source | Variant | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2025 | EUR 20,000 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 47 (Lot A02315) Title: Leica M1 olive Bundeseigentum with Elmar 2.8/50mm
Description:
Fully original, second type M1 green engraved 'Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739', rare version with '5+13,5cm' engraving near the eyepiece, with MP top plate (only 75 of these cameras were produced and delivered to Wilhelmshaven and Kiel in 1961), in good condition, with original green vulcanite with fine pattern, with chrome Elmar 2,8/5cm no.1724973 without military engravings (front lens cap), optics showing cleaning marks, the camera has been delivered to German Marine in Kiel on 25.10.1961. |
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| Nov 2025 | EUR 32,000 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 47 (Lot A02018) Title: Leica M1 The First
Description:
The very first Leica M1 ever made, introduced in 1959 with serial number 950001. This historically significant camera was delivered on March 6, 1959, to Manca in New York. It remains in excellent condition and fully functional, and comes equipped with an Elmar 2.8/5cm lens (no.1575287). A remarkable piece of Leica history. |
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| Nov 2025 | EUR 1,500 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 47 (Lot A02614) Title: Leica M1 chrome with M39 Super-Angulon 4/21mm
Description:
Chrome Leica M1 in very good condition, with OZTNO screw mount shutter release adapter and body cap, delivered to retailer Manca, New York, on 25.01.1962, together with rare Super-Angulon 4/21mm no.1675053 with SBKOO finder and M39/M adapter. |
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| Jun 2025 | EUR 1,900 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 46 (Lot A01997) Title: Leica M1 First Batch no.950062
Description:
The 62nd Leica M1 ever produced (!) note the early button rewind knob, in almost mint condition, delivered on 22.06.1959, with feet scale Elmar 2.8/50mm no.1727585 (front lens cap). Estimate: EUR 3,200 - EUR 3,600 |
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| Jun 2025 | EUR 22,000 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 46 (Lot A01906) Title: Leica M1 olive Bundeseigentum with Elmar 2.8/5cm
Description:
Fully original, early-type German military M1 green engraved 'Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739', rare version with '5+13,5cm' engraving near the eyepiece, special stamp on the bottom plate, camera no. 980467 can be seen in James L. Lager I - Cameras on page 219, with MP top plate, only 75 of these cameras were produced and delivered to Wilhelmshaven in 1961, in very good condition, original green Vulkanite with coarse pattern (only found on these early M1 cameras), with matching Elmar 2.8/5cm no.1727646 engraved 'Bundeseigentum 12-121-5971' (front lens cap), together with matching Leica-Meter MR no.95279 with special stamp, with rare green leather case, one of the best examples of this rare camera we have seen! Estimate: EUR 20,000 - EUR 24,000 |
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| Jun 2025 | EUR 800 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 46 (Lot A01488) Title: Leica M1/MD Post 24x36mm
Description:
One of the few Leica M1-allocated serial numbers with an MD top plate but without viewfinder and without blanked window, 24x36mm Post camera in very good condition, showing some typical dents on the top plate, shutter permanently set at flash sync. speed, with Summaron 2.8/35mm no.1931401 (fixed focus and aperture set at f: 4½) with front lens cap, this camera was supplied to Swiss Post Office authorities for recording telephone meters, Leica records reveal that both camera and lens were delivered to Zürich on 26.06.1963. Estimate: EUR 1,400 - EUR 1,600 |
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| Nov 2024 | EUR 11,000 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 45 (Lot A01334) Title: Leica M1 olive Bundeseigentum Special Order
Description:
Original, first batch Leica M1 olive engraved "Bundeseigentum 12-121-5418", rare version with '5+13.5cm' engraving near the eyepiece, with MP top plate (only 75 of these cameras were produced and delivered to Wilhelmshaven and Kiel in 1960/61), in very good condition, showing typical small bubbles in paint, the vulcanite was once replaced and the camera was modified by Leica with 35mm frames, it also comes with a matching 'Bundeseigentum' Summaron 2.8/35mm no.1810313, this rare lens was delivered to German Marine, Kiel on 25.10.1961. Estimate: EUR 20,000 - EUR 24,000 |
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| Nov 2024 | EUR 13,000 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 45 (Lot A01210) Title: Leica M1 olive Bundeseigentum
Description:
Fully original, second type M1 green engraved 'Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739', rare version with '5+13,5cm' engraving near the eyepiece, with MP top plate (only 75 of these cameras were produced and delivered to Wilhelmshaven and Kiel in 1961), in very good condition and working order, with original green vulcanite with fine pattern, with chrome Elmar 2,8/5cm no.1934879 without military engravings (with yellow filter and front lens cap), rare Leica-Meter MC chrome no.79820 with military engravings 'Bundeseignetum 12-121-5608', the camera has been delivered to German Marine in Wilhelmshaven on 25.10.1961. Estimate: EUR 16,000 - EUR 18,000 |
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| Aug 2024 | £475 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Auction (Lot 1) Title: A Leica M1 Camera Body
Description:
silver, serial number 980416, body VG, advances, shutter works, with body cap. |
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| Jun 2024 | EUR 700 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 44 (Lot A00492) Title: Leica M1/MD Post 24x36mm
Description:
One of the few Leica M1-allocated serial numbers with an MD top plate but without viewfinder and without blanked window, post camera in very good condition, showing some typical dents on the top plate, with fixed focus and aperture Summaron 2.8/35mm no.1931401 (front lens cap), this camera was supplied to Swiss Post Office authorities for recording telephone meters, Leica records reveal that both camera and lens were delivered to Zürich on 26.06.1963. Estimate: EUR 1,400 - EUR 1,600 |
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| Jun 2024 | EUR 2,000 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 44 (Lot A00850) Title: Leica M1 First Batch no.950017
Description:
The 17th Leica M1 produced! With button rewind knob, in excellent working condition. Delivered on 13.04.1954 to Helsinki. Estimate: EUR 4,000 - EUR 4,500 |
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| Jun 2024 | EUR 22,000 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 44 (Lot A00844) Title: Leica M1 olive Bundeseigentum
Description:
Original, second type Leica M1 olive engraved "Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739", rare version with '5+13.5cm' engraving near the eyepiece, with MP top plate (only 75 of these cameras were produced and delivered to Wilhelmshaven and Kiel in 1961), in excellent condition, showing typical small bubbles in paint, with original green vulcanite with fine pattern, with Summilux 1.4/50mm no.2073004 (good optics, with hood), the camera was delivered to the German Marine in Kiel on 25.10.1961. Estimate: EUR 24,000 - EUR 26,000 |
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| Nov 2023 | £650 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 32) Title: A Leica M1 Rangefinder Body
Description:
1959, chrome, serial no. 966601, body, G-VG, Sutter working |
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| Apr 2023 | £525 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 9) Title: A Leica M1 Camera Body
Description:
1961, chrome, serial no. 1017245, body, F, shutter working, recovered in faux snakeskin finish |
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| Nov 2021 | EUR 550 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 39 (Lot AI_39_39526) Title: Leica M1
Description:
early M1 body in excellent cosmetic condition and good working order, 'Norman Ray' name engraved on the back of the top plate, with body cap Estimate: EUR 600 - EUR 700 |
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| Nov 2021 | EUR 22,000 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 39 (Lot AI_39_39573) Title: Leica M1 olive Bundeseigentum
Description:
fully original, second type M1 green engraved "Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739", rare version with '5+13,5cm' engraving near the eyepiece, with MP top plate (only 75 of these cameras were produced and delivered to Wilhelmshaven and Kiel in 1961), in excellent condition, with original green vulcanite with fine pattern, with matching Elmar 3.5/5cm no.1335755 engraved "Bundeseigentum 12-121-5419", the camera has been delivered to German Marine in Kiel on 25.10.1961 Estimate: EUR 24,000 - EUR 28,000 |
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| Nov 2021 | USD 800 | 🇺🇸 pedia_sales_tamarkin | — | |
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Auction: November 2021 Auction Results (Lot 148) Title: Leica M1 Nr. 1102333
Description:
Leica M1 Nr. 1102333 |
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| Jun 2021 | EUR 10,000 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 38 (Lot AI_38_39363) Title: Leica M1 olive 'Bundeseigentum'
Description:
rare original second version M1 olive with original MP-type top plate, engraved with 'Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739', and with the focal lengths '5+13.5cm' engraved near the eyepiece, with matching Elmar 3.5/5cm no.1334989 (engraved 'Bundeseigentum 12-121-5419' on the lens mount, in very good condition), original military olive-green eveready case stamped on the back with 'Bundeseigentum 12-121-5423', a beautiful original military Leica outfit Estimate: EUR 20,000 - EUR 24,000 |
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| Jun 2021 | EUR 24,000 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 38 (Lot AI_38_38466) Title: Leica M1 olive Bundeseigentum
Description:
fully original, early-type M1 green engraved "Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739", rare version with '5+13,5cm' engraving near the eyepiece, with MP top plate (only 75 of these cameras were produced and delivered to Wilhelmshaven in 1961), in excellent condition, with original green vulcanite with coarse pattern (only found on these early M1 cameras), with matching Elmar 3.5/5cm no.1335755 engraved "Bundeseigentum 12-121-5419", ITOOY hood engraved "Bundeseigentum 12-130-0927", green ever-ready leather case stamped "Bundeseigentum 12-121-5423", one of the best examples of this rare camera we have seen! Estimate: EUR 24,000 - EUR 28,000 |
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| Jun 2021 | EUR 1,500 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 38 (Lot AI_38_39286) Title: Leica M1
Description:
Quite rare and late body in beautiful, mint condition, the Leica M1 was intended for use with a Visoflex chamber and is based on the M2 without the coupled rangefinder or the delayed action, with body cap Estimate: EUR 3,000 - EUR 3,500 |
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| Nov 2020 | EUR 32,000 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 37 (Lot AI_37_38560) Title: Leica M1 olive Bundeseigentum
Description:
Fully original, early-type German military M1 green engraved "Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739", rare version with '5+13,5cm' engraving near the eyepiece (the camera with consecutive number 980467 can be seen in Lager I 'Cameras' on page 219), with MP top plate (only 75 of these cameras were produced and delivered to Wilhelmshaven in 1961), in excellent condition, with original green Vulkanite with coarse pattern (only found on these early M1 cameras), with matching Elmar 3.5/5cm no.1335755 engraved "Bundeseigentum 12-121-5419", green ever-ready leather case stamped "Bundeseigentum 12-121-5423", one of the best examples of this rare camera we have seen! Estimate: EUR 20,000 - EUR 24,000 |
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| Nov 2020 | EUR 1,100 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 37 (Lot AI_37_38687) Title: Leica M1
Description:
body in near mint cosmetic condition and good working order, with near.mint Elmar 2.8/50mm no.2162235 (clean optics, front cap), incl. German instructions and matching maker's box (worn) Estimate: EUR 1,000 - EUR 1,200 |
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| Nov 2020 | EUR 8,000 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 37 (Lot AI_37_39039) Title: Leica M1 olive Bundeseigentum
Description:
original Leica M1 olive, late version engraved on the rear of the top plate with 'Bundeseigentum' only, in very good condition, (two small pieces of Vulkanite missing), including written expertise from Mr. Ottmar Michaely Estimate: EUR 12,000 - EUR 14,000 |
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| Jun 2020 | EUR 22,000 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 36 (Lot AI_36_38053) Title: Leica M1 olive 'Bundeseigentum'
Description:
rare original M1 olive, engraved with 'Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739' on the top plate, with matching Elmar 2.8/5cm no.1633232 (engraved 'Bundeseigentum' on the lens mount, in very good condition), original military olive-green eveready case stamped on the back with 'Bundeseigentum 12-121-5423', a beautiful set and very hard to find in this good condition Estimate: EUR 16,000 - EUR 20,000 |
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| Apr 2019 | £576 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science & Medicine (Lot 159) Title: A Leica M1 Camera
Description:
1959, chrome, serial no. 952395, with Leitz Elmar f/2.8 50mm lens, 1930, chrome, serial no. 1724476, body, G-VG, shutter working, slowest speeds |
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| Apr 2019 | £504 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science & Medicine (Lot 160) Title: A Leica M1 Bellows Oufit
Description:
1959, chrome, serial no. 967046, body, VG, shutter fires automatically when advanced, complete with Visoflex II relfex house, bellows and more, in |
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| Nov 2018 | EUR 850 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 33 (Lot AI_33_36852) Title: Leica M1 + Summarit 1.5/5cm
Description:
body in mint condition and perfect working order, , with perfect Summarit 1.5/5cm no.1120122 (clean lenses, cap) Estimate: EUR 1,600 - EUR 1,800 |
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| Apr 2018 | £288 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science & Medicine (Lot 1061) Title: A Leica M1 Camera Body
Description:
1961, chrome, serial no. 1017311, body, E, shutter working, with original Leitz check card |
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| Apr 2018 | £5,040 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science & Medicine (Lot 1063) Title: A Leica M1 Bundeseigentum Body
Description:
1964, olive, serial no. 1098126, body, G-VG, shutter working; Military model engraved 'Bundeseigentum' (Federal Property) to the rear. Frame lines |
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| Mar 2018 | EUR 1,300 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 32 (Lot AI_32_35874) Title: Leica M1 'Bank Austria'
Description:
this special camera has been owned by Bank Austria and used to make photographs of bank notes, it survived a large fire in 2011 - it is now still fully functional and with unique patina on the metal parts Estimate: EUR 1,000 - EUR 1,200 |
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| Jun 2017 | EUR 9,500 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 31 (Lot AI_31_35340) Title: Leica M1 'Grey'
Description:
unknown and very interesting sample M1 body with original grey leather on body shell and back door, also the chassis of the camera is grey painted as well as the complete back door, possible sample for the German Luftwaffe, with inspection card, Elmar 3.5/5cm no.1140958, cap Estimate: EUR 15,000 - EUR 18,000 |
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| Jun 2017 | EUR 700 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 31 (Lot AI_31_35476) Title: Leica M1 + Elmar 3.5/5cm
Description:
body in mint condition and perfect working order, still 'L' sealed, with perfect early 1954 Elmar 3.5/5cm no.1145366 with clean lenses, cap Estimate: EUR 1,200 - EUR 1,400 |
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| Nov 2016 | EUR 6,000 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | Bundeseigentum Olive | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 29 (Lot AI_29_33605) Title: Leica M1 olive
Description:
original late type M1 green in like new condition, engraved 'Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739' and '5+13.5' on the top plate, perfect clean finder and working shutter Estimate: EUR 5,000 - EUR 6,000 |
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| Jun 2015 | EUR 19,000 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 27 (Lot AI_27_31968) Title: M1 + Leica Motor Camcraft N-5
Description:
Rare outfit with electric prototype motor “Camcraft N-5” no. 28 in excellent condition, only the hand grip with some small cracks, with original battery case with connection cord and strap, Camcraft maker’s case, with mint M1 no. 1067783, modified “Camcraft Z Housing” Visoflex III with pellical mirror, 90° magnifier, 16466M adapter and Telyt 4/20 cm no. 1899918, two original brochures. provenance: Don Goldberg (son of Norman Goldberg), to the present vendor (with letter of confirmation by Don Goldberg). LITERARTURE James L. Lager (ed), Leica Illustrated History, Vol. III, 1998, p. 67, 175. Soon after the Leica M came out, attempts were made to design an electrical motor drive for the new camera by Leitz Wetzlar. Earliest experimental units of motorized M3 cameras were completed by Leitz designer Werner Hilgendorf in 1957, which turned into the development of the motorized Leica MP2 by Adam Wagner in 1958. Neither ever went into commercial production. What was later sold as Leitz New York’s electrical motor drive for Leica M2-M and M4-M/MOT cameras from 1965 originated with Norman Goldberg in the early 1960s. Goldberg designed, manufactured and marketed his early motor called “Camcraft N-5”, based on a Leicavit-MP with a grip that contained the motor. Only less than 30 units of this version seem to have been completed. A more streamline version followed in 1964 and was sold to TPI in California, who announced it as REMODRIVE in spring 1965, before E. Leitz Inc. purchased all rights and formally announced the Leica Motor in late 1965. Estimate: EUR 20,000 - EUR 25,000 |
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| Nov 2013 | EUR 1,300 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 24 (Lot AI_24_29209) Title: M1
Description:
body in good working order with Elmar 2.8/50mm no.1919252 (yellow filter, IROOA hood, instructions, warranty card, original maker's box Estimate: EUR 800 - EUR 1,000 |
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| Nov 2011 | EUR 10,000 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 20 (Lot AI_20_13467) Title: M1 olive 'Bundeseigentum'
Description:
M1 green engraved 'Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739', rare type with 5+13,5cm engravings near eyepiece, M3(MP) type top-plate, only 75 of these cameras were produced and delivered to Wilhelmshaven, fully restored by Leitz around 1970 with original parts (expertise Ottmar Michaely), chrome Elmar 2.8/50mm no.1933549, cap, olive everready case marked 'Bundeseigentum' Estimate: EUR 4,000 - EUR 5,000 |
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| May 2010 | EUR 650 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 17 (Lot AI_17_11136) Title: M1 'Opthalmologie' Ausrüstung
Description:
rare outfit, body in good working order with Visoflex II, Elmar 4/9cm in special ophthalmology mount for close-up photography of the human eye, with bellows II on special mounting plate (lit. Lager Vol.II p.127 & Vol.III p.208) Estimate: EUR 1,000 - EUR 1,200 |
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| May 2010 | EUR 850 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 17 (Lot AI_17_11133) Title: M1 'Sonderausführung'
Description:
very rare M1 camera (pre-model or prototype of the later MD) without M1 engraving, no viewfinder, Leitz records indicate "Sonderausführung" (special fitting), see: Lager I p.216, in perfect working order Estimate: EUR 1,200 - EUR 1,400 |
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| Dec 2009 | EUR 750 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 16 (Lot AI_16_19772) Title: M1 'Special Fitting'
Description:
very rare M1 camera (pre-model or prototype of the later MD), Leitz records indicate "Sonderausführung" (special fitting), without M1 engraving, no viewfinder (lit Lager I page 216), in perfect working order Estimate: EUR 1,400 - EUR 1,800 |
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| May 2009 | EUR 11,500 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 15 (Lot AI_15_19183) Title: M1 olive
Description:
fully original late type M1 green engraved 'Bundeseigentum', with M2 top plate, in very fine condition, Elmar 3.5/5cm no.1334617 engraved "Bundeseigentum 12-121-5419", ITOOY hood engraved 'Bundeseigentum 12-121-5529', green ever-ready leather case stamped 'Bundeseigentum', Leitz warranty card with matching number Estimate: EUR 5,500 - EUR 6,500 |
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| Nov 2008 | EUR 1,100 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 14 (Lot AI_14_18182) Title: M1 'Special Fitting'
Description:
very rare M1 camera (pre-model or prototype of the later MD) without M1 engraving, no viewfinder, Leitz records indicate "Sonderausführung" (special fitting), see: Lager I p.216, in perfect working order Estimate: EUR 1,600 - EUR 2,000 |
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| Nov 2008 | EUR 1,700 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 14 (Lot AI_14_18184) Title: M1 + NY Motor
Description:
very uncommon M1 to use NY Motor Drive, early E.Leitz New York Motor Drive no.02658 (without electric contacts) in perfect working condition with "AA" battery pack (TPI milled out by E.Leitz New York) Estimate: EUR 2,800 - EUR 3,000 |
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| Nov 2008 | EUR 900 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 14 (Lot AI_14_18183) Title: M1 'Special Fitting'
Description:
very rare M1 camera (pre-model or prototype of the later MD), Leitz records indicate "Sonderausführung" (special fitting), without M1 engraving, no viewfinder (see Lager I p.216), in perfect working order Estimate: EUR 1,600 - EUR 2,000 |
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| Nov 2007 | EUR 1,500 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 12 (Lot AI_12_20414) Title: M1 'Special Fitting'
Description:
very rare M1 camera (pre-model or prototype of the later MD), Leitz records indicate "Sonderausführung" (special fitting), without M1 engraving, no viewfinder (see Lager I p.216), in perfect working order Estimate: EUR 1,600 - EUR 2,000 |
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| Nov 2007 | EUR 1,700 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | Special Fitting | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 12 (Lot AI_12_20415) Title: M1 'Special Fitting'
Description:
very rare M1 camera (pre-model or prototype of the later MD), Leitz records indicate "Sonderausführung" (special version), without M1 engraving, no viewfinder (see Lager I p.216), in perfect working order, with consecutive number to the previous lot, with original red service card and maker's box with matching number Estimate: EUR 1,800 - EUR 2,200 |
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| Jun 2007 | £420 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Leica, Nikon, 35mm & Other Photographic Equipment (Lot 289) Title: Leica M1 no. 966706
Description:
Leica M1 no. 966706 Estimate: £250 - £350 |
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| Jul 2006 | £120 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Leica Cameras. The John Patrick Duigenan Collection (Lot 314) Title: Leica M1 no. 1017324
Description:
Leica M1 no. 1017324 Estimate: £150 - £200 |
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| Jul 2006 | £300 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Leica Cameras. The John Patrick Duigenan Collection (Lot 315) Title: Leica M1 no. 1050283
Description:
Leica M1 no. 1050283 Estimate: £280 - £350 |
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| Jul 2006 | £240 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | no Type | |
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Auction: Leica Cameras. The John Patrick Duigenan Collection (Lot 313) Title: Leica M1 no. 1017130
Description:
Leica M1 no. 1017130 Estimate: £150 - £200 |
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| Jul 2006 | £336 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Leica Cameras. The John Patrick Duigenan Collection (Lot 316) Title: Leica M1 no. 1102347
Description:
Leica M1 no. 1102347 Estimate: £220 - £280 |
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| Jul 2006 | £336 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Leica Cameras. The John Patrick Duigenan Collection (Lot 317) Title: Leica M1 no. 979683
Description:
Leica M1 no. 979683 Estimate: £280 - £350 |
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| Feb 2006 | £264 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Cameras and Photographic Equipment including the Property of a Photographer (Lot 67) Title: Leica M1 no. 979670
Description:
Leica M1 no. 979670 Estimate: £150 - £200 |
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| Nov 2005 | £480 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS, MAGIC LANTERNS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 83) Title: Leica M1 no. 966631
Description:
Leica M1 no. 966631 Estimate: £350 - £450 |
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| Nov 2005 | £576 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS, MAGIC LANTERNS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 82) Title: Leica M1 no. 1040552
Description:
Leica M1 no. 1040552 Estimate: £400 - £600 |
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| Jun 2005 | £384 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: LEICA, NIKON AND 35MM CAMERAS (Lot 370) Title: Leica M1 no. 956776
Description:
Leica M1 no. 956776 Estimate: £250 - £350 |
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| Feb 2005 | £360 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 73) Title: Leica M1 no. 1017215
Description:
Leica M1 no. 1017215 Estimate: £250 - £350 |
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| Sep 2004 | £262 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 102) Title: Leica M1 no. 966914
Description:
Leica M1 no. 966914 Estimate: £150 - £200 |
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| Sep 2004 | £334 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 103) Title: Leica M1 no. 979972
Description:
Leica M1 no. 979972 Estimate: £250 - £350 |
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| May 2004 | EUR 2,000 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | Special Fitting | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 5 (Lot AI_5_23572) Title: M1 Special Fitting
Description:
M1 without finder similar to the later MD, (see Lager I, page 216) Estimate: EUR 1,959 - EUR 979,712 |
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| Dec 2003 | £329 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: LEICA CAMERAS THE PROPERTY OF A COLLECTOR (Lot 306) Title: Leica M1 no. 956832
Description:
Leica M1 no. 956832 Estimate: £350 - £450 |
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| Jun 2003 | £1,410 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: LEICA, NIKON AND 35MM CAMERAS (Lot 230) Title: Leica M1 no. 980422
Description:
Leica M1 no. 980422 Estimate: £1,500 - £2,000 |
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| Apr 2003 | £564 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT.THE PROP OF DRS.M.SORRELL (Lot 86) Title: Leica M1 no. 950273
Description:
Leica M1 no. 950273 Estimate: £600 - £800 |
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| Jul 2001 | £763 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS & PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 32) Title: Leica M1 no. 1046007
Description:
Leica M1 no. 1046007 Estimate: £600 - £900 |
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| Jun 2001 | £376 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: LEICA, NIKON AND 35MM CAMERAS (Lot 307) Title: Leica M1 no. 950150
Description:
Leica M1 no. 950150 Estimate: £300 - £500 |
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| Oct 2000 | £1,410 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: LEICA, CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 205) Title: Leica M1 no. 979809
Description:
Leica M1 no. 979809 Estimate: £1,500 - £2,000 |
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| Jul 2000 | £763 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 60) Title: Leica M1 no. 956880
Description:
Leica M1 no. 956880 Estimate: £500 - £800 |
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| Jun 2000 | £646 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Leica Cameras (Lot 351) Title: Leica M1 no. 967251
Description:
Leica M1 no. 967251 Estimate: £500 - £700 |
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| Jun 2000 | £822 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Leica Cameras (Lot 350) Title: Leica M1 no. 1040600
Description:
Leica M1 no. 1040600 Estimate: £400 - £600 |
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| Jan 2000 | £632 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Photographs, Cameras and Photographic Equipment (Lot 234) Title: Leica M1 no. 967018
Description:
Leica M1 no. 967018 Estimate: £350 - £450 |
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| Nov 1999 | £230 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Magic Lanterns, Optical Toys and Cameras (Lot 317) Title: Leica M1 no. 967185
Description:
Leica M1 no. 967185 Estimate: £400 - £600 |
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| Jul 1999 | £747 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Cameras and Optical Toys (Lot 33) Title: Leica M1 no. 980252
Description:
Leica M1 no. 980252 Estimate: £400 - £600 |
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| Jun 1999 | £862 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Leica Cameras (Lot 430) Title: Leica M1/MD no. 979724
Description:
Leica M1/MD no. 979724 Estimate: £300 - £500 |
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| Jun 1999 | £483 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | no Type | |
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Auction: Leica Cameras (Lot 429) Title: Leica M1 no. 966601
Description:
Leica M1 no. 966601 Estimate: £300 - £500 |
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| May 1999 | £460 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | no Type | |
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Auction: Cameras and Optical Toys (Lot 81) Title: Leica M1 no. 1050239
Description:
Leica M1 no. 1050239 Estimate: £200 - £400 |
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| Mar 1999 | £517 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | no Type | |
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Auction: Cameras and Optical Toys (Lot 45) Title: Leica M1 no. 1074081
Description:
Leica M1 no. 1074081 Estimate: £350 - £450 |
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| Feb 1999 | £575 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Cameras and Optical Toys (Lot 84) Title: Leica M1 no. 1017094
Description:
Leica M1 no. 1017094 Estimate: £400 - £600 |
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| Nov 1998 | £368 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 94) Title: Leica M1 no. 952415
Description:
Leica M1 no. 952415 Estimate: £280 - £350 |
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| Nov 1998 | £460 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 95) Title: Leica M1 no. 967061
Description:
Leica M1 no. 967061 Estimate: £300 - £400 |
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| Nov 1998 | £402 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: KOSLOV COLLECTION OF CAMERAS AND SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS (Lot 52) Title: Leica M1 no. 979543
Description:
Leica M1 no. 979543 Estimate: £300 - £400 |
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| Oct 1998 | £437 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS & OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 85) Title: Leica M1 no. 967189
Description:
Leica M1 no. 967189 Estimate: £300 - £500 |
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| Jul 1998 | £517 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 115) Title: Leica M1 no. 952206
Description:
Leica M1 no. 952206 Estimate: £450 - £550 |
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| Jun 1998 | £805 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: LEICA AND 35MM CAMERAS (Lot 523) Title: Leica M1 no. 1040142
Description:
Leica M1 no. 1040142 Estimate: £300 - £500 |
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| Jun 1998 | £517 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: LEICA AND 35MM CAMERAS (Lot 521) Title: Leica M1 no. 956894
Description:
Leica M1 no. 956894 Estimate: £500 - £800 |
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| Jan 1998 | £356 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 173) Title: Leica M1 no. 1098226
Description:
Leica M1 no. 1098226 Estimate: £200 - £300 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Leitz M1 worth today?
A standard chrome M1 in working condition typically sells for between £240 and £800 at UK auction, with the median hammer price sitting near £580 based on recorded results.
How much does a Leitz M1 sell for in rare variants?
Scarce variants such as the Bundeseigentum olive military body have reached £6,000 at auction, and Royal Danish Navy examples have sold in the low thousands, so variant identification is critical to value.
Why is the Leitz M1 price lower than an M2 or M3?
The M1 has no coupled rangefinder, which limits it to scale or external-finder focusing and reduces demand from general users; this keeps the price of standard bodies well below a comparable M2 or M3.
What should I check when buying a Leitz M1?
Check shutter-speed accuracy, look for pinholes in the cloth curtains, confirm the 35mm and 50mm framelines are clean, and verify any claimed military or special-fitting variant with engravings and paperwork before paying a premium.