As an art form and a technology, photography’s youth is only matched by its blisteringly rapid advancement. This creates something of a paradox for us as enthusiasts and professionals, where the history of the medium we so love can feel both short and overstuffed. Neither condition is conducive to any one camera gaining, let alone maintaining, a sense of permanence or constancy.
The second annual Wetzlar Camera Auctions (WCA) that focuses on historical cameras occurred on October 10th with a total of 254 items up for sale, the majority of which were Leica cameras. Among the group was a prototype Nikon L Rangefinder with a Leica screw mount that became the focus of a bidding war, ending at a record-setting sale of €397,000 (~$468,850).
Back in September of last year, we told you about an incredibly rare Leica M Rangefinder that was being created by Apple design guru Jony Ive. The emphasis there was on incredibly rare, because only one of these puppies is ever going to get made.
At the time we knew the camera would be auctioned off for charity, but it wasn't until today that we found out the specific event. So if you were banking on trying to buy this uber-special Leica, have your black AMEX at the ready: the date is set for September 23rd.