Summary
- The Leica MP-33 sold for €600,000.
- Only 402 Leica MP cameras were produced.
- Just 141 featured the black paint finish.
- The auction took place in Wetzlar, Germany.
- Rare Leica cameras continue to achieve remarkable prices.
An exceptionally rare 1957 Leica MP Black Paint sold at auction for €600,000, an amount equivalent to nearly $700,000.
The sale took place during the 48th Leitz Photographica Auction in Wetzlar, Germany, and became one of the most important events for camera collectors worldwide.
The Leica MP bearing the number MP-33 is considered one of the most sought-after cameras in the company’s history, as only 402 units were produced and just 141 of them featured the distinctive black paint finish prized by collectors.
Why the Leica MP Is So Rare
Leica introduced the MP at Photokina in 1956, targeting professional photojournalists who needed faster shooting capabilities. The camera was designed to work with the Leicavit rapid film advance system, offering a significant advantage for its era.
The MP also stands out because it did not follow Leica’s standard serial numbering system. Each body carried its own consecutive numbering sequence, further increasing its collectible value. MP-33 was the 33rd camera produced.
Other Highlights of the Auction
The MP-33 was not the only Leica that attracted collector interest. A Leica Ig prototype numbered 750000 sold for €540,000, while a Leica IIIg Black Paint Swedish Army NOS reached €456,000, far exceeding auction estimates.
A Leica IIIb Black Paint from 1938 also delivered an impressive result, selling for €312,000, nearly ten times its original estimate.
At the same time, some highly anticipated items remained unsold, including the Leica MP once owned by Italian photographer Tazio Secchiaroli, the man historically linked to the birth of the term “paparazzi.”
The Collectible Leica Market Continues to Grow
Prices achieved in recent years demonstrate that rare Leica cameras have become highly valuable collector and investment pieces. Rarity, historical significance, and condition remain the key factors influencing how much collectors are willing to pay.
A notable example came in 2024 when an extremely rare Leica MP2 Black Paint sold for €1.56 million, proving that the market for historic Leica cameras remains exceptionally strong.
What We Think
The Leica MP-33 is a perfect example of how a camera can transcend its role as a photographic tool and become a historical artifact. For most photographers, such prices seem unimaginable, but for collectors, rarity and history are often more important than technical specifications.
