Leitz I (B)
The Leitz I (Model B) is a 35mm camera from Ernst Leitz of Wetzlar, widely known as the "Compur Leica" because it uses a Compur leaf shutter in place of the focal-plane shutter fitted to other early Leicas. It was produced in relatively small numbers before the Second World War and is among the scarcer early Leitz bodies collectors pursue today.
Hammer prices at UK auction have ranged from roughly £700 to £7,100, with a median around £2,800 across 15 recorded sales. As of 2026, the price a Leitz I (B) sells for is highly condition-sensitive, and the variant on offer — Dial-set or Rim-set Compur — is a major driver of value. These are saleroom hammer figures, so a buyer's final outlay adds the auction house's premium on top.
Variants
| Variant | Years | Edition | Sales | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rädchen-Compur (DIAL SET) | — | — | 3 | £2,400 – £7,050 |
| Ring-Compur (RIM SET, brass) | — | — | 2 | £700 – £5,000 |
| Ring-Compur (RIM SET) | — | — | 8 | £1,300 – £3,542 |
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 | Variant | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2025 | EUR 5,000 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 47 (Lot A02370) Title: Leica I Mod. B Dial-Set Compur
Description:
Rare first model with Elmar 3.5/50mm mounted in dial-set Compur shutter, in very good and original condition, meter scale. |
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| Jan 2025 | USD 3,100 | pedia_sales_tamarkin | — | |
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Auction: 2025 Auction Results (Lot 357) Title: Leica I (Model B) Rim-Set Compur Nr. 32570
Description:
Leica I (Model B) Rim-Set Compur Nr. 32570 |
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| Nov 2024 | EUR 6,000 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 45 (Lot A01431) Title: Leica I Mod. B Ring Compur
Description:
Second version Compur-Leica, in outstanding and original condition and working order, with clean and clear Elmar 3.5/5cm, delivered to Catowice, Poland, on 18.06.1929. Estimate: EUR 6,000 - EUR 7,000 |
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| Nov 2023 | EUR 4,000 | Leitz Auction | Rädchen-Compur (DIAL SET) | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 43 (Lot AI_20220621_1414_41417) Title: Leica I Mod. B Dial-Set Compur
Description:
The first model Compur-Leica in original and good condition, never restored or upgraded, with all matching early parts. Estimate: EUR 8,000 - EUR 9,000 |
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| Nov 2023 | EUR 6,500 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 43 (Lot AI_20220621_1414_41736) Title: Leica I Mod. B Dial-Set Compur
Description:
The first model Compur-Leica, here in very good condition, with a nice patina (some edges have been repainted), together with snap-on yellow filter and unusual leather pouch, Leica records show that a repair has been performed in 1942. Estimate: EUR 7,000 - EUR 7,500 |
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| Jun 2023 | EUR 3,200 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 42 (Lot AI_20220121_1128_41165) Title: Leica I Mod. B Ring Compur
Description:
The second version Compur-Leica in very good, original condition and working order, showing some nice patina on the edges, first delivered to Vienna on 30.04.1930 Estimate: EUR 4,000 - EUR 4,500 |
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| Jun 2023 | EUR 5,500 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 42 (Lot AI_20220121_1128_41136) Title: Leica I Mod. B Dial-Set Compur
Description:
The first model Compur-Leica, here in very good and original condition, never restored or upgraded, the camera shows some nice patina on the edges, a dent can be seen on the top of the finder (not affecting the view) Estimate: EUR 8,000 - EUR 9,000 |
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| Jan 2023 | USD 3,000 | pedia_sales_tamarkin | — | |
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Auction: 2023 Auction Results (Lot 239) Title: Leica I (Model B) "Rim-Set" Compur Nr. 50566
Description:
Leica I (Model B) "Rim-Set" Compur Nr. 50566 |
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| Nov 2022 | EUR 8,500 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 41 (Lot AI_41_41034) Title: Leica I Mod. B Dial-Set Compur 'Feathered Arrows'
Description:
interesting very rare early first model Compur-Leica (starting serial number with no.5700) with feathered arrows on both winding and rewinding knobs, in good original condition Estimate: EUR 12,000 - EUR 14,000 |
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| Nov 2022 | USD 4,500 | pedia_sales_tamarkin | — | |
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Auction: November 2022 Results (Lot 299) Title: Leica I (Model B) Dial Set Compur with 50mm Elmar f3,5
Description:
Leica I (Model B) Dial Set Compur with 50mm Elmar f3,5 |
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| Nov 2022 | USD 2,800 | pedia_sales_tamarkin | — | |
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Auction: November 2022 Results (Lot 298) Title: Leica I (Model B) Rim Set Compur
Description:
Leica I (Model B) Rim Set Compur |
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| Jun 2022 | EUR 2,800 | Leitz Auction | Ring-Compur (RIM SET) | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 40 (Lot AI_40_40474) Title: Leica I Mod. B Ring Compur
Description:
second version Compur-Leica in very good condition and working order, some edges repainted Estimate: EUR 5,000 - EUR 6,000 |
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| Nov 2020 | EUR 6,000 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 37 (Lot AI_37_38825) Title: Leica I Mod. B Dial-Set Compur
Description:
The first model Compur-Leica in very good condition, never restored or upgraded, with early FODIS rangefinder no.2438 and an extremely rare original outfit case for the Compur Leica Estimate: EUR 12,000 - EUR 14,000 |
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| Nov 2020 | EUR 3,000 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 37 (Lot AI_37_38479) Title: Leica I Mod. B Ring Compur
Description:
The second version Compur Leica in excellent cosmetic condition, Elmar 3.5/50mm in Compur shutter no.2035772 Estimate: EUR 4,000 - EUR 4,500 |
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| Nov 2020 | USD 3,500 | pedia_sales_tamarkin | — | |
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Auction: November 2020 Auction Results (Lot 379) Title: Leica I (Model B) Rim Set Compur
Description:
Leica I (Model B) Rim Set Compur |
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| Nov 2019 | USD 2,000 | pedia_sales_tamarkin | — | |
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Auction: November 2019 Auction Results (Lot 241) Title: Leica I (Model B Standardized) Nr. 13222 with 50mm Dial Set Compur f3,5 lens Nr. 258646
Description:
Leica I (Model B Standardized) Nr. 13222 with 50mm Dial Set Compur f3,5 lens Nr. 258646 |
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| Nov 2018 | EUR 1,300 | Leitz Auction | Ring-Compur (RIM SET) | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 33 (Lot AI_33_36622) Title: Leica I Mod. B Ring Compur
Description:
second version Compur Leica in beautiful condition, restored top and base plate, good working order Estimate: EUR 2,400 - EUR 2,600 |
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| Mar 2018 | EUR 1,600 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 32 (Lot AI_32_36306) Title: Leica I Mod.B Ring Compur
Description:
very late camera in fully original condition, never repainted, working Compur shutter, clean lenses Estimate: EUR 3,000 - EUR 3,500 |
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| Mar 2018 | EUR 8,000 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 32 (Lot AI_32_35793) Title: Leica I Mod.B Dial-Set Compur
Description:
very rare first model Compur Leica in very fine condition, fully working, original paint and vulcanite, clean optics, later base plate, with FODIS rangefinder no.12119 Estimate: EUR 7,000 - EUR 9,000 |
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| Nov 2016 | EUR 5,000 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 30 (Lot AI_30_34222) Title: Leica I Mod.B Dial-Set Compur
Description:
very rare first model Compur Leica in very fine condition, fully working, original paint, clean optics, matching early base plate, vulcanite from the early 30s Estimate: EUR 10,000 - EUR 12,000 |
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| Nov 2016 | EUR 2,600 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 29 (Lot AI_29_33398) Title: Leica I Mod. B Ring-Compur
Description:
one of the latest cameras produced in very good original condition, never repainted, working Compur shutter, clean lenses - the camera (Lecur) was delivered on March 4th, 1931 to Bln. (Berlin) - a copy of the Leitz delivery record is attached Estimate: EUR 5,000 - EUR 6,000 |
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| Nov 2014 | EUR 2,500 | Leitz Auction | Ring-Compur (RIM SET) | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 26 (Lot AI_26_30614) Title: I Mod. B Rim-set Compur
Description:
second type Compur Leica in very fine original and perfect working condition Estimate: EUR 3,500 - EUR 4,000 |
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| Nov 2014 | EUR 12,000 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 26 (Lot AI_26_31255) Title: I Mod. B Dial-Compur
Description:
very rare, fully original first model Compur Leica with all early features, in very nice condition, fully working, original paint, FODIS without serial number - a beautiful example of this very rare camera - ex Bawendi collection Estimate: EUR 14,000 - EUR 16,000 |
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| May 2013 | EUR 700 | Leitz Auction | Ring-Compur (RIM SET, brass) | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 23 (Lot AI_23_10396) Title: I Mod. B Ring Compur
Description:
nickel plated Leica I Mod.B with ring-set Compur shutter, finder replaced, nice custom made case Estimate: EUR 1,200 - EUR 1,500 |
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| May 2013 | EUR 1,400 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 23 (Lot AI_23_10116) Title: I Mod. B Ring Compur
Description:
Leica I Mod.B with ring-set Compur shutter in beautiful restored condition, according to the Hahne list this is the last Compur made in 1929 Estimate: EUR 2,500 - EUR 3,000 |
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| May 2012 | EUR 3,000 | Leitz Auction | Ring-Compur (RIM SET) | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 21 (Lot AI_21_13950) Title: I Mod. B Ring Set Compur
Description:
completely restored and repainted Leica I Mod.B with ring-set Compur shutter in mint and perfect working condition Estimate: EUR 2,500 - EUR 3,000 |
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| Nov 2011 | EUR 6,500 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 20 (Lot AI_20_13296) Title: I Mod.B Dial-Compur
Description:
early and very rare first type Compur Leica in good, original, never restored and good working condition Estimate: EUR 5,000 - EUR 6,000 |
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| Nov 2011 | EUR 2,800 | Leitz Auction | Ring-Compur (RIM SET) | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 20 (Lot AI_20_13298) Title: I Mod.B Ring-Compur
Description:
original Compur-Leica, beautifully restored by Arthur Dauber, a very attractive camera, FODIS rangefinder without number in case Estimate: EUR 2,500 - EUR 3,000 |
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| Dec 2010 | EUR 5,000 | Leitz Auction | Ring-Compur (RIM SET, brass) | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 18 (Lot AI_18_11923) Title: I Mod.B Messing Ring Compur
Description:
the body shell of this possibly unique camera is made of massive brass (the weight is 505 gram instead of 395 gram), we do not know for which reason (prototype ?) this brass camera was made, but it is completely original made by Leitz, in fine and perfect working condition Estimate: EUR 7,000 - EUR 9,000 |
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| May 2010 | EUR 2,400 | Leitz Auction | Rädchen-Compur (DIAL SET) | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 17 (Lot AI_17_11032) Title: I Mod.B 'Rädchen Compur'
Description:
first type Compur Leica in nicely restored condition, Elmar 3.5/50mm in good working Compur shutter Estimate: EUR 3,000 - EUR 3,500 |
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| Dec 2009 | EUR 2,400 | Leitz Auction | Ring-Compur (RIM SET) | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 16 (Lot AI_16_19657) Title: I Mod.B Rim-set Compur
Description:
second type Compur Leica in original condition, good working shutter Estimate: EUR 2,500 - EUR 3,000 |
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| May 2007 | EUR 5,000 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 11 (Lot AI_11_16390) Title: I Mod.B 'Dial-set Compur'
Description:
early Compur Leica with Dial-set Compur shutter in original, never restored condition, shutter in working order, a very rare camera Estimate: EUR 4,000 - EUR 5,000 |
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| Nov 2006 | £3,000 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Cameras, Photographs and Optical Toys (Lot 333) Title: Leica I(b) no. 5855
Description:
Leica I(b) no. 5855 Estimate: £2,500 - £3,500 |
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| Nov 2006 | EUR 4,000 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 10 (Lot AI_10_15261) Title: I Mod.B Rim-Set Compur
Description:
beautifully restored Compur-Leica (with rim-set Compur shutter) in perfect working condition, early camera from the first year of production Estimate: EUR 3,000 - EUR 3,500 |
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| May 2006 | £1,920 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Cameras, Magic Lanterns and Photographs (Lot 109) Title: Leica I(b) no. 21757
Description:
Leica I(b) no. 21757 Estimate: £1,000 - £1,500 |
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| May 2005 | EUR 9,300 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 7 (Lot AI_7_25130) Title: I Mod.B 'Dial-set Compur'
Description:
early Compur Leica with Dial-set Compur shutter in fantastic condition, all parts 100% original, shutter in working order, this is certainly one of the most beautiful Dial-set Compur Leicas existing! Estimate: EUR 14,000 - EUR 15,000 |
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| Nov 2004 | £3,107 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS, MAGIC LANTERNS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 54) Title: Leica I(b) no. 13140
Description:
Leica I(b) no. 13140 Estimate: £2,500 - £3,500 |
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| Nov 2004 | EUR 2,865 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 6 (Lot AI_6_24251) Title: I Mod.B Ring-Compur
Description:
original Compur-Leica, beautifully restored by Arthur Dauber, a very attractive camera Estimate: EUR 2,800 - EUR 3,000 |
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| Nov 2004 | EUR 10,208 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 6 (Lot AI_6_24250) Title: I Mod.B Dial-Compur (Close-focus)
Description:
early Compur-Leica in top condition, very rare close-focus model with focus to 1.5 feet, knobs with feathered arrows, all features original, shutter in working order Estimate: EUR 13,000 - EUR 15,000 |
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| Nov 2004 | EUR 10,417 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 6 (Lot AI_6_24249) Title: I Mod.B Dial-Compur
Description:
early Compur Leica in top condition, all parts 100% original (also paint and leather), knobs with feathered arrows, shutter works, FODIS rangefinder no.17988 in case, rare filter FICOM, brown leather case similar to ETRIN. This is one of the most beautiful Dial-set Compur Leicas in existence ! Estimate: EUR 11,000 - EUR 13,000 |
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| Nov 2003 | £940 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: MAGIC LANTERNS, CINE CAMERAS AND CAMERAS (Lot 434) Title: Leica I(b) no. 40520
Description:
Leica I(b) no. 40520 Estimate: £2,000 - £3,000 |
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| Jun 2003 | £3,055 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: LEICA, NIKON AND 35MM CAMERAS (Lot 51) Title: Leica I(b) no. 36605
Description:
Leica I(b) no. 36605 Estimate: £2,600 - £3,000 |
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| Jun 2003 | £2,585 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: LEICA, NIKON AND 35MM CAMERAS (Lot 52) Title: Leica I(b) no. 40520
Description:
Leica I(b) no. 40520 Estimate: £2,500 - £3,000 |
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| May 2003 | EUR 3,542 | Leitz Auction | Ring-Compur (RIM SET) | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 2-3 (Lot AI_2_21931) Title: Ring Set Compur
Description:
Leica Model B with rim-set shutter, completely original, fully functional, in good condition Estimate: EUR 1,929 - EUR 21,528 |
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| Jun 2001 | £2,115 | Christie's | Ring-Compur (RIM SET) | |
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Auction: LEICA, NIKON AND 35MM CAMERAS (Lot 109) Title: Leica I(b) no. 13162
Description:
Leica I(b) no. 13162 Estimate: £2,000 - £3,000 |
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| Jun 2000 | £7,050 | Christie's | Rädchen-Compur (DIAL SET) | |
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Auction: Leica Cameras (Lot 104) Title: Leica I(b) no. 5904
Description:
Leica I(b) no. 5904 Estimate: £5,000 - £8,000 |
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| Nov 1998 | £1,955 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 35) Title: Leica I(b) no. 40508
Description:
Leica I(b) no. 40508 Estimate: £1,000 - £1,500 |
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| Jul 1998 | £3,220 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 29) Title: Leica I(b) no. 6155
Description:
Leica I(b) no. 6155 Estimate: £3,000 - £5,000 |
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