Leitz M5 50 Jahre (50th Anniversary)
The Leitz M5 50 Jahre is a commemorative variant of the Leica M5 35mm rangefinder, produced to mark the 50th anniversary of the Leica camera in 1975. It retains the M5's bayonet M-mount and through-the-lens metering, and was offered as a limited finish over the standard body.
At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the M5 50 Jahre have ranged from roughly £1,100 to £1,500, with the two recorded wholesale results bracketing that spread. Today the anniversary marking adds a collector premium over a plain M5, and condition of the black chrome finish is the main driver of what these bodies sell for at saleroom level.
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.
Prices updated: June 2025
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| Jun 2025 | EUR 1,500 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 46 (Lot A01740) Title: Leica M5 Black '50 Jahre'
Description:
Black version of the rare special edition celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the first production Leica, only 1750 units produced in Wetzlar, with special number '248-C' and '50 Jahre' engravings, serial number no.1376857, 3 strap lugs, in near-mint condition with body cap. Estimate: EUR 2,800 - EUR 3,200 |
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| Jun 2025 | EUR 1,600 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 46 (Lot A01739) Title: Leica M5 Chrome '50 Jahre'
Description:
Unusual chrome version of the rare special edition celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the first production Leica, only 1750 units produced in Wetzlar, with special number '054-A' and '50 Jahre' engravings, serial number no.1378254, 3 strap lugs, in near-mint condition with body cap. Estimate: EUR 2,800 - EUR 3,200 |
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| Oct 2024 | £650 | Harper Field Auctions | |
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Auction: Buying & Selling (Lot 1741) Title: Leica M5 50th anniversary 35mm rangefinder camera chrome body, serial number 1362817, circa 1973/4
Description:
Leica M5 50th anniversary 35mm rangefinder camera chrome body, serial number 1362817, circa 1973/4 |
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| Jan 2024 | USD 1,300 | pedia_sales_tamarkin | |
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Auction: 2024 Results (Lot 303) Title: Leica M5 3-Lug Silver Chrome “50 Year”
Description:
Leica M5 3-Lug Silver Chrome “50 Year” |
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| May 2023 | £1,062 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 20) Title: A Leica M5 "50 Jahre" Rangefinder Body
Description:
1973, black, serial no. 1375472, body, F-G, shutter working Note: Limited edition number 107-C |
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| Jan 2023 | USD 1,700 | pedia_sales_tamarkin | |
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Auction: 2023 Auction Results (Lot 204) Title: Leica M5 "50 Jahre" Nr. 1358610 ("234-C")
Description:
Leica M5 "50 Jahre" Nr. 1358610 ("234-C") |
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| Nov 2018 | USD 1,300 | pedia_sales_tamarkin | |
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Auction: November 2018 Auction Results (Lot 247) Title: Leica M5 3-Lug "50 Jahre" Nr. 1356209
Description:
Leica M5 3-Lug "50 Jahre" Nr. 1356209 |
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| Nov 2018 | USD 1,000 | pedia_sales_tamarkin | |
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Auction: November 2018 Auction Results (Lot 248) Title: Leica M5 3-Lug "50 Jahre" Nr. 1356227
Description:
Leica M5 3-Lug "50 Jahre" Nr. 1356227 |
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| Nov 2018 | USD 850 | pedia_sales_tamarkin | |
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Auction: November 2018 Auction Results (Lot 249) Title: Leica M5 3-Lug "50 Jahre" Nr. 1358674
Description:
Leica M5 3-Lug "50 Jahre" Nr. 1358674 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Leitz M5 50 Jahre worth today?
Recent UK auction hammer results place the value between about £1,100 and £1,500, depending on condition and completeness.
How much does a Leica M5 50th Anniversary sell for at auction?
The two recorded UK hammer prices are £1,062 and £1,500, giving a working price band for clean examples.
Is the 50 Jahre edition more valuable than a standard M5?
The anniversary engraving and finish typically command a premium over a standard M5 body of equivalent condition.