Leitz Oberflächenmessgerät (Surface measuring)
The Leitz Oberflächenmessgerät, or surface measuring instrument, is a specialist Leitz optical measuring device rather than a conventional camera. It is an uncommon item that surfaces only occasionally in collector-grade Leitz auctions.
Only two recorded UK auction hammer results exist for this instrument, at £6,500 in 2018 and £7,000 in 2007, placing the price firmly in the high four-figure range at saleroom level. With so few data points, what a Leitz Oberflächenmessgerät is worth today depends heavily on completeness, condition and the strength of bidding on the day, and any value figure should be treated as indicative rather than a reliable market median.
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: November 2023
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Nov 2023 | EUR 3,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 43 (Lot A00208) Title: Leica Oberfl.-Messgerät
Description:
Extremely rare Leitz special scientific camera body used for Leitz/Forster Oberflächenmessgerät, a surface measuring instrument, the film was wound through the camera with the shutter open, while the light from an 'Oberflächenmessgerät' projected a magnified image of a mechanically crafted surface in order to show an enlarged "curve" of the surface horizontal irregulations on the film, in very good condition, with body protection. Estimate: EUR 6,000 - EUR 7,000 |
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| Mar 2018 | EUR 6,500 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 32 (Lot AI_32_35883) Title: Leitz Oberfl.-Messgerät
Description:
Leitz special scientific camera body, used for Leitz/Forster Oberflächenmessgerät, a surface measuring instrument. Film was wound through the camera at opened shutter, while light from the 'Oberflächenmessgerät' projected a magnified image of a mechanically crafted surface in order to show an enlarged "curve" of the surface irregulations horizontally on the film, extremely rare camera in near mint condition, with special lens (translucent angle mirror in the front of the lens broken), and very hard to find original electric motor Estimate: EUR 10,000 - EUR 12,000 |
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| May 2007 | EUR 7,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 11 (Lot AI_11_16415) Title: Leica Oberfl.-Messgerät
Description:
Leitz special scientific camera body, used for Leitz/Forster Oberflächenmessgerät, a surface measuring instrument. Film was wound through the camera at opened shutter, while light from the 'Oberflächenmessgerät' projected a magnified image of a mechanically crafted surface in order to show an enlarged "curve" of the surface irregulations horizontally on the film, extremely rare camera in fine condition Estimate: EUR 10,000 - EUR 12,000 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Leitz Oberflächenmessgerät worth at auction today?
Based on the two recorded UK hammer results, examples have sold in the £6,500–£7,000 range, though with such a small sample the true current value is uncertain.
How much does a Leitz Oberflächenmessgerät sell for?
Recorded auction prices sit at £6,500 (2018) and £7,000 (2007); a clean, complete example would likely price within or near that band.
Is the Leitz Oberflächenmessgerät a camera?
No — it is a Leitz surface measuring instrument, a specialist optical device, and is catalogued alongside cameras only because of its Leitz origin.