Gatto Sonne V
The Gatto Sonne V is a vintage exposure meter / photographic accessory associated with mid-twentieth-century photography. It surfaces in the UK collector market through specialist Leitz-related auctions rather than mainstream camera sales.
At UK auction, hammer prices for the Sonne V have ranged from £650 to £1,700, with only two recorded results the median sits between these figures. Because the sample is very small and spans nearly two decades, today's value is highly dependent on condition, completeness and the strength of the saleroom on the day, and a clean working example can still sell for a four-figure sum in 2026.
Sales History
Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Nov 2023 | £562 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 89) Title: A Gatto A. G. Sonne V Rangefinder Camera
Description:
1948, chrome, serial no. 0849, with Anastigmat "T" Elionar f/3.5 5cm lens, chrome, serial no. 02640, body VG, shutter working, slow speeds inaccurate, (Qty: 1) |
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| Jun 2023 | EUR 650 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 42 (Lot AI_20220121_1128_41297) Title: Gatto Italy Sonne V
Description:
rare Italian Leica copy in good and original condition, with rare coupled Leica M39 Anastigmat Elionar 3.5/5cm no.2924, with leather case (Cond. B-) Estimate: EUR 1,200 - EUR 1,400 |
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| Jun 2022 | £775 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine & Rare Cameras (Lot 80) Title: A Gatto A.G. Sonne V Rangefinder Camera
Description:
1948, chrome, serial no. 60253, with Schneider Xenon f/2 50mm lens, chrome, serial no. 2852612, body, G, shutter working, lens, G, some internal haze, |
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| Nov 2018 | EUR 800 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 33 (Lot AI_33_36691) Title: Gatto Italy Sonne V
Description:
rare leica copy in excellent original condition, slow speeds need attention (otherwise in good working order), with matching T Elionar 3.5/5cm no.03301, worn ever-ready case Estimate: EUR 1,600 - EUR 1,800 |
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| Jun 2015 | EUR 600 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 27 (Lot AI_27_32208) Title: Gatto Italy Sonne V
Description:
rare camera in good original condition, matching T Elionar 3.5/5cm no.02777 Estimate: EUR 1,000 - EUR 1,200 |
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| Nov 2014 | EUR 800 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 26 (Lot AI_26_30798) Title: Gatto Italy Sonne V
Description:
rare camera in very good original condition, matching T Elionar 3.5/5cm no.03301, everready case Estimate: EUR 1,500 - EUR 1,800 |
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| May 2009 | EUR 1,300 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 15 (Lot AI_15_18969) Title: Gatto Italy Sonne V
Description:
rare camera in good original condition, matching T Elionar 3.5/5cm no.02427 Estimate: EUR 1,500 - EUR 1,800 |
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| May 2004 | EUR 1,719 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 5 (Lot AI_5_23715) Title: Gatto Sonne V + 3.5/5cm
Description:
rare Italian Leica copy with coupled rangefinder, T Elionar 3.5/5cm no.02822, case Estimate: EUR 1,951 - EUR 60,164 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Gatto Sonne V worth today?
Recorded UK auction hammer results sit between £650 and £1,700, so a fair value sits within that range depending on condition and completeness.
How much does a Gatto Sonne V sell for at auction?
The two verified UK auction sales fetched £650 in 2023 and £1,719 in 2004, both as hammer prices excluding commission.
Why does the price vary so much?
With only two public sales on record, each result reflects the specific condition of that example and the bidders present, so the price range is wide and individual outcomes can differ significantly.