Leitz MP 3 'LHSA Special Edition' (set)
The Leitz MP 3 'LHSA Special Edition' is a 35mm mechanical rangefinder camera produced as a limited commemorative set for the Leica Historical Society of America. It revives the MP designation in a manual, battery-independent body and was sold as a boxed set rather than as a standalone camera.
In the auction market this set is thinly traded, with hammer prices recorded at £18,000 and £29,500 — a range of roughly £18,000–£30,000 at saleroom level. As of 2026 the LHSA Special Edition set continues to sell for a substantial premium over standard MP bodies, and its value today is highly sensitive to whether the original boxed set, papers and matched lens are intact.
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: January 2025
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| Jan 2025 | USD 34,500 | pedia_sales_tamarkin | |
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Auction: 2025 Auction Results (Lot 351) Title: Leica MP-3 "LHSA" set Nr. 9000795 in stunning black paint finish
Description:
Leica MP-3 "LHSA" set Nr. 9000795 in stunning black paint finish |
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| Nov 2023 | EUR 28,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 43 (Lot A00238) Title: Leica MP3 LHSA outfit
Description:
Produced in small numbers for the LHSA (now LSI) in 2005, the Leica MP3 is the modern interpretation of the iconic Leica MP, it combines the classic design with the built-in light meter, this offered set includes a camera body no.3026872, a Summilux-M 1.4/50mm ASPH no.3990676 and a Leicavit MP, everything in near-mint condition and perfect working order, complete with accessories, papers and box. Estimate: EUR 40,000 - EUR 45,000 |
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| Nov 2022 | £17,500 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 44) Title: A Leica MP LHSA Special Edition Rangefinder Camera
Description:
2003, hammertone, serial no. 2947533, with a Leitz Summicron-M ASPH. f/2 35mm lens, 2003, chrome, serial no. 3966933, body, E, shutter working, lens, |
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| Nov 2021 | USD 29,500 | pedia_sales_tamarkin | |
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Auction: November 2021 Auction Results (Lot 166) Title: Leica MP3 “LHSA” set in silver chrome Nr. 9001244
Description:
Leica MP3 “LHSA” set in silver chrome Nr. 9001244 |
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| Nov 2020 | USD 18,000 | pedia_sales_tamarkin | |
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Auction: November 2020 Auction Results (Lot 362) Title: Leica MP3 "LHSA" set in silver chrome
Description:
Leica MP3 "LHSA" set in silver chrome |
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| Nov 2019 | USD 7,250 | pedia_sales_tamarkin | |
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Auction: November 2019 Auction Results (Lot 195) Title: Leica MP3 Nr. 3026504 "LHSA" (0430/1000) in silver chrome finish, complete in the box
Description:
Leica MP3 Nr. 3026504 "LHSA" (0430/1000) in silver chrome finish, complete in the box |
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| Nov 2018 | USD 9,000 | pedia_sales_tamarkin | |
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Auction: November 2018 Auction Results (Lot 263) Title: Leica MP3 Special Edition Nr. 3026163 "LHSA
Description:
Leica MP3 Special Edition Nr. 3026163 "LHSA |
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| Nov 2016 | EUR 12,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 29 (Lot AI_29_33842) Title: Leica MP3 black paint LHSA Edition 10318
Description:
The complete set in new condition, edition of 500 black paint cameras (special number 0744/1000), with black paint Summilux-M ASPH. 1.4/50mm no.3990901 (caps, hood, case), Leicavit MP LHSA no.00282 - all in fitted red presentations box, all papers and certificates, maker's box and outer box Estimate: EUR 14,000 - EUR 16,000 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Leitz MP 3 'LHSA Special Edition' set worth today?
Recorded UK auction hammer prices sit between roughly £18,000 and £29,500, so a complete set is typically worth a five-figure sum, with the exact value driven by box, papers and condition.
How much does a Leitz MP 3 LHSA Special Edition sell for at auction?
The two recorded sales sell for £18,000 and £29,500 at hammer, giving a working price guide in the high-teens to high-twenties of thousands of pounds.
Why does this set command such a high price compared with a standard MP?
It was issued as a limited LHSA commemorative set, so collectors pay a premium for the boxed configuration, matched serials and original documentation rather than for the camera body alone.
What should I check before buying one?
Confirm the set is complete with original box and paperwork, verify serial numbers match, and test rangefinder alignment and shutter speeds across the range.