Leica 0-Series
The Leitz 0-Series is a 35mm rangefinder-style camera produced in a very limited pre-production run as part of the earliest Leitz small-format camera development, predating full commercial release. Surviving examples are among the rarest items in 35mm collecting and trade hands almost exclusively through major specialist auctions.
Auction evidence for the 0-Series is extremely thin: a single recorded UK saleroom result from 2011 saw an example fetch a hammer price of £1,100,000, which remains the only data point available for what a 0-Series is worth at auction-hammer level (wholesale, before commission). With only one sale on file and no recent activity, today's value for any individual example would depend almost entirely on serial number, originality and provenance, and a fresh sale could land well above or below that figure.
Variants
Select a variant to filter the sales history below.
| Variant | Years | Edition | Sales | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prototype 1 (original) | — | — | 1 | £851 – £851 |
Sales History
Prices shown are realised prices — auction results and completed eBay sales, never asking prices. Most saleroom figures are hammer prices, before commission; some houses publish a premium-inclusive figure, and we do not adjust for condition. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher. How this figure is calculated.
Prices updated: May 2011
| Date | Price | Value GBP | Source | Variant | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2011 | EUR 1,100,000 | £965,665 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 19 (Lot AI_19_12289) Title: 0-Serie
Description:
This is the 7th camera of the Leica 0-series. Only approx. 25 of these cameras were produced to test the market in 1923, 2 years before the commercial introduction of the Leica A. The camera is in excellent and fully working condition, all parts including the paintwork are original, though the camera was published years ago without lens and leather covering. The original Leica 0-series lens and the contemporary Leitz leather have been mounted by Ottmar Michealy in Wetzlar, the folding finder has been replaced by the later Galilean finder as usual. It is the only camera known with 'Germany' engraving on the top plate. The factory record indicates delivery to New York for patent applies. This means that this camera is not only one of the major rarities existing, it is also the first Leica being exported. This is the second 0-series Leica ever being offered in a public auction and the unique chance to buy the most important collectable Leica camera. Estimate: EUR 350,000 - EUR 450,000 |
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| Nov 2007 | EUR 1,200 | £851 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | Prototype 1 (original) | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 12 (Lot AI_12_20714) Title: Guerin Le Furet
Description:
rare Leica forerunner and early 35mm camera (shutter defective), with original black leather covering, nickel plated metal parts, Flor 4.5 lens no.193765, leather cap Estimate: EUR 2,000 - EUR 2,500 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Leitz 0-Series worth today?
The only verified UK auction-hammer price on file is £1,100,000 from 2011, so current value sits in seven-figure territory but is highly dependent on the specific example offered.
How much does a Leitz 0-Series sell for at auction?
With just one recorded sale, the reference point is £1,100,000 hammer; individual results can vary substantially based on serial number, condition and provenance.
Why is the price so high?
The 0-Series was made in a very small pre-production quantity, and the surviving population that reaches the open market is a tiny fraction of that, which is the main driver of price.