THE WORLD’S first 35mm camera has sold for a whopping £1.7MILLION.
The incredibly rare camera, which dates back to the Edwardian era, was snapped up by a collector for the world record price - beating the previous record of £1.07m.
The 1923 Leica camera is the world’s first 35mm version and is said to have revolutionised the world of photography.
It is one of just 23 original “0” series prototypes – of which only ELEVEN still exist worldwide.
Hence the huge sum paid by the anonymous collector to procure the item at a specialist camera auction in Vienna.
Peter Jakadossky from WestLicht Photographic Auctions, who sold the Leica, said: “This is definitely a world record, which beat the record we set last year for another Leica camera “0” series.
“These were made as prototypes before they went into serial production and there were about 23 made of which only ten or 11 survive.”
It didn’t go without a fight though – the final price was only reached after a furious bidding war took place which saw the pre-sale estimate of £243,000 surpassed almost instantly.
Amazingly, the 89 year old camera still works – with a fully-functioning shutter, film-winding knob, aperture control and button, so its new owner will be able to take pictures by looking through the pioneering view-finder and clicking away just like a modern camera.
“This one is still in working order and there are collectors all over the world who would love to own one”, added Mr Jakadossky.
“The winning bidder is anonymous, but he is a collector.”
Leica, formerly known as Ernst Leitz GmbH, is renowned for its high quality products which stand the test of time.
The hammer price — price before tax — was £1.44million, beating the previous record of £885,817.
Tiada ulasan:
Catat Ulasan