Leitz M1
The Leitz M1 is a 35mm rangefinder-body camera introduced in 1959 as a simplified member of the Leica M-series. It was positioned as a working camera for scientific, technical and school use, supplied without a rangefinder mechanism and fitted with 35mm and 50mm viewfinder framelines only.
At UK auction in 2026, hammer prices for the standard M1 span roughly £240 to £6,000, with the median sitting near £580 — those figures are wholesale saleroom results before commission, not retail asking prices. The wide range reflects the strong premiums paid for scarce variants: standard chrome bodies typically sell for a few hundred pounds today, while the Bundeseigentum olive military issue and the Royal Danish Navy examples are what drive the top end of the value curve.
Variants
| Variant | Years | Edition | Sales | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bundeseigentum Olive | — | — | 1 | £6,000 – £6,000 |
| experimental | — | — | 0 | — |
| grey | — | — | 0 | — |
| no Type | — | — | 4 | £240 – £517 |
| Royal Danish Navy | — | — | 0 | — |
| Special Fitting | — | — | 2 | £1,700 – £2,000 |
| Wolf Set (endoscopy) | — | — | 0 | — |
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 1,500 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 47 (Lot A02614) Title: Leica M1 chrome with M39 Super-Angulon 4/21mm
Description:
Chrome Leica M1 in very good condition, with OZTNO screw mount shutter release adapter and body cap, delivered to retailer Manca, New York, on 25.01.1962, together with rare Super-Angulon 4/21mm no.1675053 with SBKOO finder and M39/M adapter. |
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| Nov 2025 | EUR 20,000 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 47 (Lot A02315) Title: Leica M1 olive Bundeseigentum with Elmar 2.8/50mm
Description:
Fully original, second type M1 green engraved 'Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739', rare version with '5+13,5cm' engraving near the eyepiece, with MP top plate (only 75 of these cameras were produced and delivered to Wilhelmshaven and Kiel in 1961), in good condition, with original green vulcanite with fine pattern, with chrome Elmar 2,8/5cm no.1724973 without military engravings (front lens cap), optics showing cleaning marks, the camera has been delivered to German Marine in Kiel on 25.10.1961. |
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| Nov 2025 | EUR 32,000 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 47 (Lot A02018) Title: Leica M1 The First
Description:
The very first Leica M1 ever made, introduced in 1959 with serial number 950001. This historically significant camera was delivered on March 6, 1959, to Manca in New York. It remains in excellent condition and fully functional, and comes equipped with an Elmar 2.8/5cm lens (no.1575287). A remarkable piece of Leica history. |
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| Jun 2025 | EUR 1,900 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 46 (Lot A01997) Title: Leica M1 First Batch no.950062
Description:
The 62nd Leica M1 ever produced (!) note the early button rewind knob, in almost mint condition, delivered on 22.06.1959, with feet scale Elmar 2.8/50mm no.1727585 (front lens cap). Estimate: EUR 3,200 - EUR 3,600 |
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| Aug 2024 | £475 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Auction (Lot 1) Title: A Leica M1 Camera Body
Description:
silver, serial number 980416, body VG, advances, shutter works, with body cap. |
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| Nov 2023 | £650 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 32) Title: A Leica M1 Rangefinder Body
Description:
1959, chrome, serial no. 966601, body, G-VG, Sutter working |
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| Apr 2023 | £525 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 9) Title: A Leica M1 Camera Body
Description:
1961, chrome, serial no. 1017245, body, F, shutter working, recovered in faux snakeskin finish |
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| Nov 2021 | EUR 22,000 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 39 (Lot AI_39_39573) Title: Leica M1 olive Bundeseigentum
Description:
fully original, second type M1 green engraved "Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739", rare version with '5+13,5cm' engraving near the eyepiece, with MP top plate (only 75 of these cameras were produced and delivered to Wilhelmshaven and Kiel in 1961), in excellent condition, with original green vulcanite with fine pattern, with matching Elmar 3.5/5cm no.1335755 engraved "Bundeseigentum 12-121-5419", the camera has been delivered to German Marine in Kiel on 25.10.1961 Estimate: EUR 24,000 - EUR 28,000 |
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| Nov 2021 | EUR 550 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 39 (Lot AI_39_39526) Title: Leica M1
Description:
early M1 body in excellent cosmetic condition and good working order, 'Norman Ray' name engraved on the back of the top plate, with body cap Estimate: EUR 600 - EUR 700 |
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| Nov 2021 | USD 800 | pedia_sales_tamarkin | — | |
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Auction: November 2021 Auction Results (Lot 148) Title: Leica M1 Nr. 1102333
Description:
Leica M1 Nr. 1102333 |
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| Jun 2021 | EUR 1,500 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 38 (Lot AI_38_39286) Title: Leica M1
Description:
Quite rare and late body in beautiful, mint condition, the Leica M1 was intended for use with a Visoflex chamber and is based on the M2 without the coupled rangefinder or the delayed action, with body cap Estimate: EUR 3,000 - EUR 3,500 |
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| Jun 2021 | EUR 24,000 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 38 (Lot AI_38_38466) Title: Leica M1 olive Bundeseigentum
Description:
fully original, early-type M1 green engraved "Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739", rare version with '5+13,5cm' engraving near the eyepiece, with MP top plate (only 75 of these cameras were produced and delivered to Wilhelmshaven in 1961), in excellent condition, with original green vulcanite with coarse pattern (only found on these early M1 cameras), with matching Elmar 3.5/5cm no.1335755 engraved "Bundeseigentum 12-121-5419", ITOOY hood engraved "Bundeseigentum 12-130-0927", green ever-ready leather case stamped "Bundeseigentum 12-121-5423", one of the best examples of this rare camera we have seen! Estimate: EUR 24,000 - EUR 28,000 |
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| Nov 2020 | EUR 32,000 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 37 (Lot AI_37_38560) Title: Leica M1 olive Bundeseigentum
Description:
Fully original, early-type German military M1 green engraved "Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739", rare version with '5+13,5cm' engraving near the eyepiece (the camera with consecutive number 980467 can be seen in Lager I 'Cameras' on page 219), with MP top plate (only 75 of these cameras were produced and delivered to Wilhelmshaven in 1961), in excellent condition, with original green Vulkanite with coarse pattern (only found on these early M1 cameras), with matching Elmar 3.5/5cm no.1335755 engraved "Bundeseigentum 12-121-5419", green ever-ready leather case stamped "Bundeseigentum 12-121-5423", one of the best examples of this rare camera we have seen! Estimate: EUR 20,000 - EUR 24,000 |
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| Nov 2020 | EUR 8,000 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 37 (Lot AI_37_39039) Title: Leica M1 olive Bundeseigentum
Description:
original Leica M1 olive, late version engraved on the rear of the top plate with 'Bundeseigentum' only, in very good condition, (two small pieces of Vulkanite missing), including written expertise from Mr. Ottmar Michaely Estimate: EUR 12,000 - EUR 14,000 |
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| Apr 2018 | £288 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science & Medicine (Lot 1061) Title: A Leica M1 Camera Body
Description:
1961, chrome, serial no. 1017311, body, E, shutter working, with original Leitz check card |
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| Mar 2018 | EUR 1,300 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 32 (Lot AI_32_35874) Title: Leica M1 'Bank Austria'
Description:
this special camera has been owned by Bank Austria and used to make photographs of bank notes, it survived a large fire in 2011 - it is now still fully functional and with unique patina on the metal parts Estimate: EUR 1,000 - EUR 1,200 |
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| Nov 2016 | EUR 6,000 | Leitz Auction | Bundeseigentum Olive | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 29 (Lot AI_29_33605) Title: Leica M1 olive
Description:
original late type M1 green in like new condition, engraved 'Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739' and '5+13.5' on the top plate, perfect clean finder and working shutter Estimate: EUR 5,000 - EUR 6,000 |
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| Nov 2013 | EUR 1,300 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 24 (Lot AI_24_29209) Title: M1
Description:
body in good working order with Elmar 2.8/50mm no.1919252 (yellow filter, IROOA hood, instructions, warranty card, original maker's box Estimate: EUR 800 - EUR 1,000 |
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| May 2010 | EUR 650 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 17 (Lot AI_17_11136) Title: M1 'Opthalmologie' Ausrüstung
Description:
rare outfit, body in good working order with Visoflex II, Elmar 4/9cm in special ophthalmology mount for close-up photography of the human eye, with bellows II on special mounting plate (lit. Lager Vol.II p.127 & Vol.III p.208) Estimate: EUR 1,000 - EUR 1,200 |
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| Dec 2009 | EUR 750 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 16 (Lot AI_16_19772) Title: M1 'Special Fitting'
Description:
very rare M1 camera (pre-model or prototype of the later MD), Leitz records indicate "Sonderausführung" (special fitting), without M1 engraving, no viewfinder (lit Lager I page 216), in perfect working order Estimate: EUR 1,400 - EUR 1,800 |
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| Nov 2008 | EUR 900 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 14 (Lot AI_14_18183) Title: M1 'Special Fitting'
Description:
very rare M1 camera (pre-model or prototype of the later MD), Leitz records indicate "Sonderausführung" (special fitting), without M1 engraving, no viewfinder (see Lager I p.216), in perfect working order Estimate: EUR 1,600 - EUR 2,000 |
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| Nov 2008 | EUR 1,700 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 14 (Lot AI_14_18184) Title: M1 + NY Motor
Description:
very uncommon M1 to use NY Motor Drive, early E.Leitz New York Motor Drive no.02658 (without electric contacts) in perfect working condition with "AA" battery pack (TPI milled out by E.Leitz New York) Estimate: EUR 2,800 - EUR 3,000 |
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| Nov 2007 | EUR 1,700 | Leitz Auction | Special Fitting | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 12 (Lot AI_12_20415) Title: M1 'Special Fitting'
Description:
very rare M1 camera (pre-model or prototype of the later MD), Leitz records indicate "Sonderausführung" (special version), without M1 engraving, no viewfinder (see Lager I p.216), in perfect working order, with consecutive number to the previous lot, with original red service card and maker's box with matching number Estimate: EUR 1,800 - EUR 2,200 |
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| Nov 2007 | EUR 1,500 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 12 (Lot AI_12_20414) Title: M1 'Special Fitting'
Description:
very rare M1 camera (pre-model or prototype of the later MD), Leitz records indicate "Sonderausführung" (special fitting), without M1 engraving, no viewfinder (see Lager I p.216), in perfect working order Estimate: EUR 1,600 - EUR 2,000 |
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| Jul 2006 | £336 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Leica Cameras. The John Patrick Duigenan Collection (Lot 316) Title: Leica M1 no. 1102347
Description:
Leica M1 no. 1102347 Estimate: £220 - £280 |
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| Jul 2006 | £240 | Christie's | no Type | |
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Auction: Leica Cameras. The John Patrick Duigenan Collection (Lot 313) Title: Leica M1 no. 1017130
Description:
Leica M1 no. 1017130 Estimate: £150 - £200 |
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| Feb 2006 | £264 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Cameras and Photographic Equipment including the Property of a Photographer (Lot 67) Title: Leica M1 no. 979670
Description:
Leica M1 no. 979670 Estimate: £150 - £200 |
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| Nov 2005 | £480 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS, MAGIC LANTERNS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 83) Title: Leica M1 no. 966631
Description:
Leica M1 no. 966631 Estimate: £350 - £450 |
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| Nov 2005 | £576 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS, MAGIC LANTERNS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 82) Title: Leica M1 no. 1040552
Description:
Leica M1 no. 1040552 Estimate: £400 - £600 |
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| Feb 2005 | £360 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 73) Title: Leica M1 no. 1017215
Description:
Leica M1 no. 1017215 Estimate: £250 - £350 |
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| Sep 2004 | £334 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 103) Title: Leica M1 no. 979972
Description:
Leica M1 no. 979972 Estimate: £250 - £350 |
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| May 2004 | EUR 2,000 | Leitz Auction | Special Fitting | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 5 (Lot AI_5_23572) Title: M1 Special Fitting
Description:
M1 without finder similar to the later MD, (see Lager I, page 216) Estimate: EUR 1,959 - EUR 979,712 |
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| Dec 2003 | £329 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: LEICA CAMERAS THE PROPERTY OF A COLLECTOR (Lot 306) Title: Leica M1 no. 956832
Description:
Leica M1 no. 956832 Estimate: £350 - £450 |
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| Jun 2003 | £1,410 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: LEICA, NIKON AND 35MM CAMERAS (Lot 230) Title: Leica M1 no. 980422
Description:
Leica M1 no. 980422 Estimate: £1,500 - £2,000 |
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| Jun 2001 | £376 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: LEICA, NIKON AND 35MM CAMERAS (Lot 307) Title: Leica M1 no. 950150
Description:
Leica M1 no. 950150 Estimate: £300 - £500 |
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| Oct 2000 | £1,410 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: LEICA, CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 205) Title: Leica M1 no. 979809
Description:
Leica M1 no. 979809 Estimate: £1,500 - £2,000 |
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| Jul 2000 | £763 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 60) Title: Leica M1 no. 956880
Description:
Leica M1 no. 956880 Estimate: £500 - £800 |
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| Jun 2000 | £822 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Leica Cameras (Lot 350) Title: Leica M1 no. 1040600
Description:
Leica M1 no. 1040600 Estimate: £400 - £600 |
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| Nov 1999 | £230 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Magic Lanterns, Optical Toys and Cameras (Lot 317) Title: Leica M1 no. 967185
Description:
Leica M1 no. 967185 Estimate: £400 - £600 |
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| Jul 1999 | £747 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Cameras and Optical Toys (Lot 33) Title: Leica M1 no. 980252
Description:
Leica M1 no. 980252 Estimate: £400 - £600 |
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| Jun 1999 | £483 | Christie's | no Type | |
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Auction: Leica Cameras (Lot 429) Title: Leica M1 no. 966601
Description:
Leica M1 no. 966601 Estimate: £300 - £500 |
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| Jun 1999 | £862 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Leica Cameras (Lot 430) Title: Leica M1/MD no. 979724
Description:
Leica M1/MD no. 979724 Estimate: £300 - £500 |
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| May 1999 | £460 | Christie's | no Type | |
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Auction: Cameras and Optical Toys (Lot 81) Title: Leica M1 no. 1050239
Description:
Leica M1 no. 1050239 Estimate: £200 - £400 |
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| Mar 1999 | £517 | Christie's | no Type | |
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Auction: Cameras and Optical Toys (Lot 45) Title: Leica M1 no. 1074081
Description:
Leica M1 no. 1074081 Estimate: £350 - £450 |
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| Feb 1999 | £575 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Cameras and Optical Toys (Lot 84) Title: Leica M1 no. 1017094
Description:
Leica M1 no. 1017094 Estimate: £400 - £600 |
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| Nov 1998 | £402 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: KOSLOV COLLECTION OF CAMERAS AND SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS (Lot 52) Title: Leica M1 no. 979543
Description:
Leica M1 no. 979543 Estimate: £300 - £400 |
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| Oct 1998 | £437 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS & OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 85) Title: Leica M1 no. 967189
Description:
Leica M1 no. 967189 Estimate: £300 - £500 |
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| Jun 1998 | £517 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: LEICA AND 35MM CAMERAS (Lot 521) Title: Leica M1 no. 956894
Description:
Leica M1 no. 956894 Estimate: £500 - £800 |
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| Jun 1998 | £805 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: LEICA AND 35MM CAMERAS (Lot 523) Title: Leica M1 no. 1040142
Description:
Leica M1 no. 1040142 Estimate: £300 - £500 |
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| Jan 1998 | £356 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 173) Title: Leica M1 no. 1098226
Description:
Leica M1 no. 1098226 Estimate: £200 - £300 |
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