Leitz MD
The Leitz MD is a 35mm rangefinder-format body produced by Leitz of the M-series era, supplied without a viewfinder or rangefinder and intended for technical, scientific and reproduction use where the photographer composes by other means. Its M bayonet allows the same lenses used on the rangefinder M cameras to be fitted, but the body itself was positioned as a specialist tool rather than a general-purpose camera when new.
Auction activity for the Leitz MD is thin, so today's price picture rests on a small evidence base: a UK saleroom hammer of £378 in July 2025 gives the clearest recent reference for what one is worth at wholesale level. With only a single confirmed result to hand, that figure is best treated as an indicative point rather than a settled market price, and condition, completeness and the presence of a working back are likely to move what an example sells for in either direction.
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: April 2026
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2026 | £500 | Flints Auctions | |
|
Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 57) Title: A Leica MD Camera Body
Description:
1966, chrome, serial no. 1160686, body, G-VG, shutter working Note: A 5% import VAT applies to this lot for UK bidders only. International buyers are |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| Jul 2025 | £378 | Chiswick Auctions | |
|
Auction: Photographica (Lot 251) Title: Leica MD Camera Body #1160 306.
Description:
Leica MD Camera Body #1160 306. Shutter sounds OK at all speeds but not checked for accuracy. Stock number or similar scratched to bottom plate, ... read more |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| Nov 2021 | USD 600 | pedia_sales_tamarkin | |
|
Auction: November 2021 Auction Results (Lot 150) Title: Leica MD Nr. 1206113 with its top plate engraved “G-237
Description:
Leica MD Nr. 1206113 with its top plate engraved “G-237 |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| Nov 2021 | USD 900 | pedia_sales_tamarkin | |
|
Auction: November 2021 Auction Results (Lot 149) Title: Leica MD Nr. 1141736
Description:
Leica MD Nr. 1141736 |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| Jun 2021 | EUR 2,000 | Leitz Auction | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 38 (Lot AI_38_39372) Title: Leica MD pre series M1
Description:
very rare, pre-series example of the Leica MD, essentially a Leica M1 with no viewfinder, no flash sockets and no cut-out in the chassis for the registration strips, in excellent condition, a similar camera can be seen in J. Lager 'Leica An Illustrated History' Vol. I on page 216 Estimate: EUR 4,000 - EUR 5,000 |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| Nov 2020 | EUR 300 | Leitz Auction | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 37 (Lot AI_37_38690) Title: Leica MD
Description:
body in near mint cosmetic condition and good working order, with body cap Estimate: EUR 600 - EUR 700 |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| Dec 2003 | £282 | Christie's | |
|
Auction: LEICA CAMERAS THE PROPERTY OF A COLLECTOR (Lot 308) Title: Leica MD no. 1136716
Description:
Leica MD no. 1136716 Estimate: £280 - £350 |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| Jun 2002 | £822 | Christie's | |
|
Auction: LEICA, NIKON AND 35MM CAMERAS (Lot 361) Title: Leica MD no. 1160548
Description:
Leica MD no. 1160548 Estimate: £500 - £700 |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| Jun 2001 | £705 | Christie's | |
|
Auction: LEICA, NIKON AND 35MM CAMERAS (Lot 335) Title: Leica MD no. 1141269
Description:
Leica MD no. 1141269 Estimate: £550 - £650 |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| Mar 1998 | £598 | Christie's | |
|
Auction: CAMERAS & OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 107) Title: Leica MD no. 1160548
Description:
Leica MD no. 1160548 Estimate: £400 - £600 |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| Jan 1998 | £483 | Christie's | |
|
Auction: CAMERAS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 162) Title: Leica MD no. 1136911
Description:
Leica MD no. 1136911 Estimate: £400 - £600 |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
Frequently asked questions
What is a Leitz MD worth today?
On the available evidence one UK auction example hammered at £378 in 2025, which is the most recent price reference for what a Leitz MD is worth at saleroom level.
How much does a Leitz MD sell for at UK auction?
The single recorded UK hammer price in our data is £378; with so few sales, the realistic value of any given example will depend heavily on condition and completeness.
Why does the Leitz MD have no viewfinder?
The MD was built as a specialist body for technical and reproduction work where framing is controlled by the apparatus rather than by an eye-level finder, so the rangefinder and viewfinder assemblies were deliberately omitted.