Rare Leica to be Auctioned Off for Freedom of the Press

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed)
Jun 3rd 2008 at 6:02PM

On Saturday, Vienna-based auction house WestLicht Photographica will auction the first M8 digital camera ever produced by world-famous firm Leica, worth an estimated $30,000 - $45,000, with the proceeds going to freedom of the press foundation Reporters Without Borders. The M8 is just one of the beautiful and highly collectible Leicas -- the favored camera for famous photogs ranging from Henri Cartier Bresson and Diane Arbus to Nan Goldin -- on offer in the sale. Also included is an extremely rare M3 prototype c.1952, one of the most important cameras in Leica's history, est. $90,000 - $110,000; a unique olive painted IIIg made as a model for the German Army in 1960, est. $80,000 - $110,000; and one of our favorites, the 1955 M3 in black paint pictured here, est. $20,000 - $25,000. And if you're German's a little rusty, don't worry - you can place bids online with LiveAuctioneers.com.

Gallery: WestLicht Photographica Auction