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37th Leitz Photographica Auction: Voigtländer Daguerreotype camera 1840 – One of the most sophisticated constructions from the early days of photography is being sold by auction

At the 37th Camera Auction of the renowned auction house "Leitz Photographica Auction" many important specimens of camera history as well as special collector's items are once again being sold by auction. More than 400 lots, as always, a large percentage of the items come from the company Leitz/Leica, mean that exciting bidding wars are to be expected once more.

The highlight of this auction comes from the early days of photography. The Voigtländer Daguerreotype camera 1840 (estimated price € 200,000 – 300,000) was presented by Peter Wilhelm Friedrich Voigtländer in 1840 and is of historic significance thanks to its fast f:3.7 Petzval lens as it was 15 times faster than the lenses that Daguerre used in his constructions. The camera is in a beautiful, original condition and has never been restored and it is the first time that a camera of this type is being offered at a public auction.

One of the rarest and most unusual Leica accessories is the E. Leitz New York Leica Gun RIFLE (estimated price: € 200,000 – 250,000). The Leica rifle was launched on the market in 1938 by E. Leitz, Inc., New York, under the code name "Rifle". The rifle was produced for only a year (between 1938 and 1939) and was inspired by the well-known wildlife photographer Attilio Gatti. Today, there are probably only 12-14 specimens still in existence and these are scattered over collections worldwide.

One of only three existing Vario-Elmar-M lenses is also being auctioned. The Vario-Elmar-M 3.5-5.6/28-75mm ASPH. (estimated price: € 60,000 – 80,000) was developed in Germany and designed as a universal lens that replaces the Tri-Elmar 28-35-50. The project was discontinued in 2015 due to the complexity of the mechanical and visual design. Only three lenses were completed and meet the quality standards determined by the Leica engineers.

Leitz Photographica Auction is delighted to be able to make a lot available for charitable purposes again at this auction too. In collaboration with Licht ins Dunkel a Leica M-P "Grip" by Rolf Sachs including a signed print of the artist will be going under the hammer. The camera was produced in collaboration with the artist and photographer and offered worldwide in a limited edition of only 79 sets.

Bids for the forthcoming camera auction on 21. November 2020 can be submitted online (www.leitz-auction.com), and in writing or by telephone, live worldwide, via www.liveauctioneers.com.

Press Release - 37. Leitz Photographica Auction
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Leica Camera – A Partner for Photography

Leica Camera AG is an international, premium manufacturer of cameras and sports optics. The legendary reputation of the Leica brand is based on a long tradition of excellent quality, German craftsmanship and German industrial design, combined with innovative technologies. An integral part of the brand's culture is the diversity of activities the company undertakes for the advancement of photography. In addition to the Leica Galleries and Leica Akademies spread around the world, there are the Leica Hall of Fame Award and, in particular, the Leica Oskar Barnack Award (LOBA), which is considered one of the most innovative sponsorship awards existing today. Furthermore, Leica Camera AG, with its headquarters in Wetzlar, Hesse, and a second production site in Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal, has a worldwide network of its own national organisations and Leica Retail Stores.