Leitz MDa
The Leitz MDa is a 35mm camera built on the Leica M-series body, produced from the late 1960s into the 1970s. It was designed for technical, scientific and reproduction work — supplied without a viewfinder or rangefinder so it could be mounted to microscopes, copy stands, bellows units and Visoflex housings using the Leica M bayonet.
At recent UK auction, MDa bodies have sold in a tight band, with hammer prices for clean examples typically between about £260 and £410 and a median close to £400 across the last few years. Because these figures are wholesale saleroom results rather than dealer retail, what an MDa is worth to a private buyer in 2026 sits a little higher than the numbers shown; the most recent result, in late 2025, was £400, in line with the 2023 sale. Condition of the shutter and trim, and the presence of the correct baseplate and cassette-loading key, are the main factors pushing a body toward the upper end of that range.
Variants
Select a variant to filter the sales history below.
| Variant | Years | Edition | Sales | Price Range |
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| 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 | |
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| Nov 2025 | £400 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 448) Title: A Leitz Wetzlar Leica MDa Camera
Description:
A Leitz Wetzlar Leica MDa Camera, serial no 1265016, 1970, shutter working, body G, some slight paint wear to back, light marks to base plate, with |
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| May 2025 | £350 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 2) Title: A Leica MDa 35mm Camera Body
Description:
chrome, serial no. 1160992, body G, shutter working with issues, it is possible to over-advance, causing the shutter to trip as if the shutter (Qty: 1) |
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| Apr 2025 | £525 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 43) Title: A Leica MDa Camera Body
Description:
1973, chrome, serial no. 1361136, body, G-VG, shutter working |
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| Oct 2024 | £280 | 🇬🇧 Harper Field Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Buying & Selling (Lot 1743) Title: Leica MDa 35mm technical camera chrome body, serial number 1379181, circa 1974
Description:
Leica MDa 35mm technical camera chrome body, serial number 1379181, circa 1974 |
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| May 2024 | £600 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 42) Title: A Leica MDa Camera
Description:
1970, chrome, serial no. 1254660, body, VG, shutter working |
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| Jul 2023 | £400 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Mini Fine Cameras & Instruments of Science (Lot 7) Title: A Leica MDa Camera Body
Description:
1968, chrome, serial no. 1205409, body, VG-E, shutter working, in maker's box |
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| Nov 2022 | £475 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 33) Title: A Leica MDa Camera
Description:
1969, chrome, serial no. 1245181, body, VG, shutter working Note: This lot incurs VAT, due to being imported into the UK, at a preferential rate of |
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| Oct 2022 | £362 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 10) Title: A Leitz Leica MDa 35mm Camera Body
Description:
chrome, serial no.1361420, c.1972, body G-VG, shutter working but slow speeds too fast, requires attention Note: Lot imported under Temporary |
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| Jun 2022 | £475 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Fine & Rare Cameras (Lot 28) Title: A Leica MDa Body
Description:
1966, chrome, serial no. 1159403, body, VG-E, shutter working Note: Lot imported under Temporary Admission. 5% UK import VAT will be charged on the |
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| Nov 2020 | EUR 360 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 37 (Lot AI_37_38791) Title: Leica MDa
Description:
Body in near mint condition and good working order, base plate with a slot for data strips, body cap Estimate: EUR 400 - EUR 500 |
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| Jun 2020 | EUR 1,600 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 36 (Lot AI_36_38360) Title: Leica MDa Bundeswehr
Description:
a very rare German Military Leica MDa, engraved on the rear of the top plate with 'Bundeswehr, Baujahr 1969', in near-mint condition, probably made to special order or as a test sample, incl. body cap and box with matching number Estimate: EUR 3,200 - EUR 3,600 |
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| Nov 2019 | EUR 300 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 35 (Lot AI_35_37560) Title: Leica MDa
Description:
body in near mint condition and good working order, base plate with a slot for data strips, body cap Estimate: EUR 600 - EUR 800 |
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| Apr 2019 | £264 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science & Medicine (Lot 167) Title: A Leica MDa Body
Description:
1973, chrome, serial no. 1361094, body, shutter working, slow speeds inaccurate, with additional data strip base, in maker's box |
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| Apr 2019 | £288 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science & Medicine (Lot 165) Title: A Leica MDa Body
Description:
1970, chrome, serial no. 1265053, body, VG, shutter working |
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| Nov 2008 | EUR 460 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 14 (Lot AI_14_18201) Title: MDa + Micro-Visoflex III
Description:
near mint MDa body in perfect working order, Leitz Service Card, rare Micro Visoflex III with 90° prism Estimate: EUR 800 - EUR 1,000 |
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| Jun 2007 | £360 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Leica, Nikon, 35mm & Other Photographic Equipment (Lot 307) Title: Leica MDa no. 1293514
Description:
Leica MDa no. 1293514 Estimate: £300 - £500 |
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| Nov 2006 | £240 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Cameras, Photographs and Optical Toys (Lot 277) Title: Leica MDa no. 1159641
Description:
Leica MDa no. 1159641 Estimate: £100 - £150 |
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| Feb 2005 | £288 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 88) Title: Leica MDa no. 1293630
Description:
Leica MDa no. 1293630 Estimate: £150 - £200 |
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| Nov 2004 | £179 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS, MAGIC LANTERNS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 148) Title: Leica MDa no. 1245490
Description:
Leica MDa no. 1245490 Estimate: £200 - £300 |
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| Nov 2004 | £131 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS, MAGIC LANTERNS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 147) Title: Leica MDa no. 1412254
Description:
Leica MDa no. 1412254 Estimate: £250 - £350 |
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| Dec 2003 | £199 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: LEICA CAMERAS THE PROPERTY OF A COLLECTOR (Lot 324) Title: Leica MDa no. 1379037
Description:
Leica MDa no. 1379037 Estimate: £250 - £350 |
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| Sep 2003 | £282 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS & PHOTO EQUIP, INCLUDING A EUROPEAN LEICA COLLECTION (Lot 178) Title: Leica MDa no. 1293373
Description:
Leica MDa no. 1293373 Estimate: £300 - £500 |
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| Jun 2003 | £293 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: LEICA, NIKON AND 35MM CAMERAS (Lot 270) Title: Leica MDa no. 1410297
Description:
Leica MDa no. 1410297 Estimate: £300 - £500 |
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| Apr 2003 | £293 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT.THE PROP OF DRS.M.SORRELL (Lot 96) Title: Leica MDa no. 1285211
Description:
Leica MDa no. 1285211 Estimate: £400 - £600 |
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| Jun 2002 | £763 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: LEICA, NIKON AND 35MM CAMERAS (Lot 366) Title: Leica MDa no. 1411915
Description:
Leica MDa no. 1411915 Estimate: £400 - £600 |
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| Feb 2002 | £293 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 146) Title: Leica MDa no. 1205051
Description:
Leica MDa no. 1205051 Estimate: £300 - £500 |
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| Jun 2001 | £587 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: LEICA, NIKON AND 35MM CAMERAS (Lot 337) Title: Leica MDa no. 1293125
Description:
Leica MDa no. 1293125 Estimate: £500 - £800 |
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| Jun 2001 | £493 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: LEICA, NIKON AND 35MM CAMERAS (Lot 339) Title: Leica MDa no. 1410113
Description:
Leica MDa no. 1410113 Estimate: £400 - £600 |
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| Jun 2001 | £705 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: LEICA, NIKON AND 35MM CAMERAS (Lot 338) Title: Leica MDa no. 1360133
Description:
Leica MDa no. 1360133 Estimate: £600 - £800 |
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| Mar 2001 | £587 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 81) Title: Leica MDa no. 1285072
Description:
Leica MDa no. 1285072 Estimate: £250 - £350 |
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| Jan 2001 | £528 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 95) Title: Leica MDa no. 1246008
Description:
Leica MDa no. 1246008 Estimate: £350 - £500 |
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| Jun 2000 | £411 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Leica Cameras (Lot 385) Title: Leica MDa no. 1274818
Description:
Leica MDa no. 1274818 Estimate: £400 - £600 |
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| Jun 1999 | £632 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Leica Cameras (Lot 484) Title: Leica MDa no. 1265496
Description:
Leica MDa no. 1265496 Estimate: £300 - £500 |
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| May 1999 | £253 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Cameras and Optical Toys (Lot 89) Title: Leica MDa no. 1274882
Description:
Leica MDa no. 1274882 Estimate: £25 - £150 |
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| May 1999 | £345 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Cameras and Optical Toys (Lot 88) Title: Leica MDa no. 1265785
Description:
Leica MDa no. 1265785 Estimate: £25 - £200 |
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| Nov 1998 | £299 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 128) Title: Leica MDa no. 1384669
Description:
Leica MDa no. 1384669 Estimate: £250 - £350 |
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| Oct 1998 | £230 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS & OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 113) Title: Leica MDa no. 1293105
Description:
Leica MDa no. 1293105 Estimate: £300 - £500 |
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| Sep 1998 | £368 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: COLLECTABLE CAMERAS FROM CLASSIC COLLECTION (Lot 115) Title: Leica MDa no. 1206089
Description:
Leica MDa no. 1206089 Estimate: £20 - £500 |
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| Aug 1998 | £322 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 106) Title: Leica MDa no. 1379181
Description:
Leica MDa no. 1379181 Estimate: £300 - £500 |
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| May 1998 | £345 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 95) Title: Leica MDa no. 1159687
Description:
Leica MDa no. 1159687 Estimate: £300 - £400 |
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| May 1998 | £402 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 98) Title: Leica MDa no. 1265795
Description:
Leica MDa no. 1265795 Estimate: £300 - £500 |
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| Jan 1998 | £437 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 182) Title: Leica MDa no. 1412449
Description:
Leica MDa no. 1412449 Estimate: £300 - £400 |
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| Jan 1998 | £483 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 181) Title: Leica MDa no. 1254846
Description:
Leica MDa no. 1254846 Estimate: £300 - £500 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Leitz MDa worth today?
In the current UK auction market a working MDa body is worth roughly £260 to £410 at hammer, with recent sales clustering around £400.
How much does a Leitz MDa sell for at auction?
Recent UK hammer prices sit near £400 for a clean, functional body, with tired examples selling closer to £260.
Why does the MDa have no viewfinder?
The MDa was built for technical, copying and microscope work where the camera is aimed through an external optical system, so Leitz omitted the viewfinder and rangefinder to keep the top plate simple.
Does the MDa take Leica M lenses?
Yes — it uses the standard Leica M bayonet, so M-mount lenses and Visoflex reflex housings fit directly, though you need an accessory finder or reflex unit to compose.