A rare Leica prototype camera has broken records at a photography auction in Vienna, selling for €2.04 million on Saturday.

The camera, thought to be one of the earliest surviving models of the iconic M series, dates back to 1948-49. Lacking a serial number, it is crafted entirely from unique, machine- and hand-made parts. Alexander Sedlak, Managing Director of Leitz Photographica Auction, described it as “one of the most extraordinary lots we have ever had the privilege to offer.”

Originally estimated at €600,000 to €700,000, the final hammer price far surpassed expectations.

Other notable sales

Other high-value items also went under the hammer. A set of ten prototype chassis fetched €432,000, while a Leica M2 in grey paint – one of only 20 ever produced – sold for €900,000. This particular M2 model had been delivered to the “U.S. Air Forces in Europe.”

In addition, a Leica M6J was auctioned as a charity lot, raising €9,000 for the Austrian charity Licht ins Dunkel.