Leitz R4
The Leitz R4 is a 35mm single-lens reflex camera introduced in 1980, using the Leica R bayonet mount. It positioned Leitz's reflex line as a multi-mode electronic SLR, offering aperture-priority, shutter-priority, programmed and manual exposure modes alongside selective and integrated metering.
At UK auction today the R4 body is an accessible Leica R entry point: hammer prices over the past two years have ranged from about £56 to £260, with a median of roughly £100–£110 for working examples. Because these are saleroom hammer results rather than dealer retail, what a clean R4 is worth at auction sits well below shop pricing, and condition together with the presence of a working lens drives most of the variation in what each example sells for.
Variants
| Variant | Years | Edition | Sales | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| black | — | — | 0 | — |
| Everest | — | — | 0 | — |
| Gold | — | — | 3 | £1,265 – £1,800 |
| Jesse Owens | — | — | 0 | — |
| Polaroid outfit | — | — | 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2026 | £262 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 21) Title: A Leica R4 35mm SLR Camera
Description:
chrome, serial number 1590563, body G-VG, shutter fires intermittently, with a Summicron-R f/2 90mm lens, black, barrel G, optics G with light dust, |
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| Feb 2026 | £375 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 10) Title: A Leica R4 35mm SLR Camera & Leitz Elmarit-R 24mm f/2.8 Lens
Description:
chrome, serial no. 1618005, body G, shutter working when batteries are inserted, with a Leitz Elmarit-R 24mm f/2.8 lens, optics F, some internal haze (Qty: 1) |
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| Jan 2026 | £75 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 18) Title: A Leica R4 35mm Camera Body
Description:
black, body G, shutter working, meter appears to respond Note: A 5% import VAT applies to this lot for UK bidders only. International buyers are |
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| Oct 2025 | £112 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 14) Title: A Leica R4 35mm SLR Camera Body
Description:
black, serial number 1626374, body VG, shutter working with body cap and bottom plate protector Note: For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is |
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| Oct 2025 | £76 | Chiswick Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Photographica (Lot 37) Title: Leica R4 35mm Camera Body, Grip & Drive.
Description:
#1610461. Signs of normal use. Shutter not firing, meter responsive. Unable to test motordrive. |
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| Sep 2025 | £138 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 38) Title: A Leica R4 35mm SLR Camera
Description:
black, body F, shutter works but with a short lag, meter responds, viewfinder dusty, with a Vario-Elmar 35-70mm zoom lens, barrel G, optics F with |
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| Apr 2025 | £56 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 66) Title: A Leica R4 SLR Camera Body
Description:
black, serial number 1615309, body VG, shutter works but speeds are all the same. with body cap. |
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| Mar 2025 | £44 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 37) Title: A Leica R4 35mm SLR Camera Body
Description:
black, serial number,1568401, body G, shutter works but cycle doesn't complete. |
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| Mar 2025 | £450 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 43) Title: A Leica R4 SLR Camera Outfit
Description:
comprising Leica R4, serial number 1582387, body VG, with plastic bottom protector, shutter works, viewfinder display works, with a Summicron-R f/2 |
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| Feb 2025 | £175 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 10) Title: A Leica R4 SLR Camera
Description:
black, serial number 1663346,, body G, shutter works, internal LEDs work, appears to meter, with a Leitz Wetzlar Elmarit-R f/2.8 90mm lens, barrel F, |
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| Jan 2025 | £90 | Special Auction Services | — | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 290) Title: A Leitz Wetzlar Leica R4 SLR Camera Body
Description:
A Leitz Wetzlar Leica R4 SLR Camera Body, black, serial no 1629164, 1983, shutter working, meter responsive, responsive in settings, self timer |
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| Oct 2024 | £175 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 18) Title: A Leica R4 35mm SLR Camera Body and Power Winder
Description:
silver, serial number 1616670, body VG, internal display lights up, shutter works, metering appears to work, in maker's case and packaging, and a |
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| Oct 2024 | £65 | Harper Field Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Buying & Selling (Lot 1817) Title: Leica R4 35mm SLR camera body, serial number 1664647, circa 1984, with manuals and leaflets, in
Description:
Leica R4 35mm SLR camera body, serial number 1664647, circa 1984, with manuals and leaflets, in |
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| Oct 2024 | £200 | Harper Field Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Buying & Selling (Lot 1816) Title: Leica R4 35mm SLR camera, serial number 1662117, circa 1984, with Leitz Elmarit-R 1:2.8/35 lens,
Description:
Leica R4 35mm SLR camera, serial number 1662117, circa 1984, with Leitz Elmarit-R 1:2.8/35 lens, |
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| Sep 2024 | £250 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Auction (Lot 15) Title: A Leica R4 SLR Camera
Description:
black, serial number 1609947, body G, some paint wear to bottom plate, shutter works, viewfinder display works, appears to respond to light levels, |
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| Aug 2024 | £100 | Special Auction Services | — | |
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Auction: TWO DAY: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 155) Title: A Leitz Wetzlar Leica R4s Mod 2 SLR Camera Body
Description:
A Leitz Wetzlar Leica R4s Mod 2 SLR Camera Body, black, serial no 1684978, 1986, shutter working, meter responsive, responsive in auto, self timer |
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| Jul 2024 | £875 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Auction (Lot 10) Title: A Leica R4 'Jesse Owens' Golden Anniversary Camera
Description:
1987, black, serial no. 1672632, with Leitz Vario-Elmar-R f/4 70-210mm lens, 1987, black, serial no. 3331227, body, VG, still sealed, lens, still (Qty: 1) |
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| Jun 2024 | £340 | David Duggleby | — | |
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Auction: Cameras, Maritime & Scientific Instruments (Lot 3003) Title: Leica R4 SLR camera body, serial no. 1609604, together with with Leitz Vario Elmar-R 1:4 ...
Description:
Leica R4 SLR camera body, serial no. 1609604, together with with Leitz Vario Elmar-R 1:4 ... |
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| Jun 2024 | £69 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Auction (Lot 57) Title: A Leica R4 35mm SLR Camera Body, Data Back and Motor Drive
Description:
black, serial number 1567525, body G, shutter works when batteries inserted but doesn't complete cycle, internal displays illuminate, comes with the |
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| Jun 2024 | £138 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Auction (Lot 54) Title: A Leica R4 35mm SLR Camera Body
Description:
chrome, serial number 1602924, body G, shutter works, internal display works, |
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| Jun 2024 | £106 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Auction (Lot 56) Title: A Leica R4 35mm SLR Camera Body, and Motor Drive
Description:
black, serial number 1609708, body VG, shutter works in manual mode when batteries inserted, , internal displays illuminate, appears to meter, comes |
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| Apr 2024 | £250 | Special Auction Services | — | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 434) Title: A Leica R4 SLR Camera
Description:
A Leica R4 SLR Camera, made in Portugal, serial no 1630203, 1983, shutter working, meter responsive, self timer not working, body G-VG, with Leitz |
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| Nov 2023 | EUR 1,800 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 43 (Lot A00262) Title: Leica R4 Gold
Description:
Limited edition gold plated Leica R4 (1000 pieces) with lizard skin covering, in unused condition, body no.1651949 with a golden plate on the back door engraved with 'E 095', together a with matching gold plated Summilux-R 1.4/50mm no.3295412, with front lens cap, strap, wooden presentation box and maker's box. Estimate: EUR 2,800 - EUR 3,200 |
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| Oct 2023 | £180 | Special Auction Services | — | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 662) Title: A Leitz Wetzlar Leica R4 SLR Camera
Description:
A Leitz Wetzlar Leica R4 SLR Camera, serial no 1629254, shutter working, meter responsive, body G-VG, with Leica Vario-Elmar-R 28-70 f/3.5-4 E60 lens, |
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| Jun 2023 | £50 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 14) Title: A Leica R4 35mm SLR Camera Outfit
Description:
black, body G-VG, some signs of wear, shutter not tested, together with a Leica Motor Winder R, also VG, (Qty: 1) |
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| Apr 2023 | £262 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 33) Title: A Leica R4 SLR Camera
Description:
with Leitz Vario-Elmar-R f/3.5-4.5 28-70mm lens, body, VG, shutter working, lens, VG, complete with grip, winder and presentation box |
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| Apr 2023 | £100 | Special Auction Services | — | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 524) Title: A Leica R4 SLR Camera
Description:
A Leica R4 SLR Camera, made in Portugal, serial no 1573543, 1981-1982, shutter working, meter working, body G, some wear to edges, with Leitz 35-70mm |
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| Mar 2023 | £75 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 24) Title: A Leica R4 SLR Camera
Description:
black, serial no. 1561911, with Leitz Elmarit-R f/2.8 135mm lens, black, serial no. 3105857, body, G, shutter working on 1/100th, lens, P, heavy |
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| Nov 2022 | £725 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 71) Title: A Leica R4 'Jesse Owens' Golden Anniversary Camera
Description:
1987, black, serial no. 1672558, with Leitz Vario-Elmar-R f/4 70-210mm lens, 1987, black, serial no. 3332114, body, VG, mechanical shutter working, |
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| Jan 2021 | £248 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras, Scientific & Collectables (Lot 185) Title: A Leica R4 SLR Camera
Description:
black, serial no. 1557132, with Leitz Summicron-R f/2 50mm lens, body, F-G, shutter fires on 1/100, not tested with batteries, lens, G-VG, elements (Qty: 1) |
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| Jun 2020 | EUR 450 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 36 (Lot AI_36_38193) Title: Leica R4 chrome 10041
Description:
mint, unused chrome body, still wrapped in plastic bag, with strap, body cap and plastic box Estimate: EUR 400 - EUR 500 |
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| May 2020 | £270 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science (Lot 77) Title: A Leica R4 Shop Display Cut-A-Way
Description:
A Leica R4 Shop Display Cut-A-Way, with unusual film advance arrangement |
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| Nov 2018 | EUR 1,300 | Leitz Auction | Gold | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 33 (Lot AI_33_36725) Title: Leica R4 Gold
Description:
new R4 gold edition (special number A166) with gold plated Summilux-R 1.4/50mm no.3295920 complete in original maker's box Estimate: EUR 2,400 - EUR 2,600 |
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| Nov 2018 | £228 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science & Medicine (Lot 1060) Title: A Leica R4 SLR Camera
Description:
1980, black, serial no. 1543572, with Leitz Summicron-R f/2 50mm lens, 1971, black, serial no. 2502247, body, G, shutter working, lens, F-G, some |
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| Nov 2016 | EUR 1,500 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 30 (Lot AI_30_34416) Title: Leica R4 Gold
Description:
new R4 gold edition with gold plated camera in snake skin covering (special number A 075), gold plated Summilux-R 1.4/50mm no.3295775, complete with all accessories in original sealed, never opened maker's box Estimate: EUR 2,400 - EUR 2,600 |
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| Nov 2016 | EUR 1,800 | Leitz Auction | Gold | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 29 (Lot AI_29_33362) Title: Leica R4 Gold
Description:
new R4 gold edition with gold plated camera in snake skin covering no.1651747, gold plated Summilux-R 1.4/50mm no.3295528, complete with all accessories in original maker's box Estimate: EUR 2,400 - EUR 2,600 |
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| May 2012 | EUR 2,200 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 21 (Lot AI_21_14142) Title: R4 Gold
Description:
R4 gold edition (special number C186) with Summilux 1.4/50mm gold no.3296068, papers, wooden box and maker's box Estimate: EUR 2,000 - EUR 2,200 |
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| Dec 2010 | EUR 1,400 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 18 (Lot AI_18_12102) Title: R4 Gold
Description:
R4 gold edition (special number I-150) with gold plated Summilux 1.4/50mm no.3295816 complete, 100% new with cap, strap, all paper's and wooden box and maker's box Estimate: EUR 2,000 - EUR 2,500 |
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| May 2009 | EUR 1,500 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 15 (Lot AI_15_19279) Title: R4 Gold
Description:
R4 gold edition (special number C035) with Summilux 1.4/50mm gold no.3295815 complete and like new with cap, strap, all paper's and wooden box in maker's box Estimate: EUR 2,400 - EUR 2,600 |
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| Jun 2007 | £240 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Leica, Nikon, 35mm & Other Photographic Equipment (Lot 239) Title: Leica R4 no. 1624076
Description:
Leica R4 no. 1624076 Estimate: £300 - £500 |
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| Mar 2007 | £180 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Cameras, Photographs and Optical Toys (Lot 186) Title: Leica R4 no. 1575566
Description:
Leica R4 no. 1575566 Estimate: £180 - £250 |
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| Nov 2006 | £228 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Cameras, Photographs and Optical Toys (Lot 314) Title: Leica R4 no. 610737
Description:
Leica R4 no. 610737 Estimate: £100 - £150 |
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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 83) Title: Leica R4 no. 1670365
Description:
Leica R4 no. 1670365 Estimate: £300 - £500 |
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| Sep 2004 | £179 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 177) Title: Leica R4 no. 1604493
Description:
Leica R4 no. 1604493 Estimate: £150 - £250 |
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| Sep 2004 | £358 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 178) Title: Leica R4 no. 1610451
Description:
Leica R4 no. 1610451 Estimate: £100 - £150 |
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| May 2004 | EUR 2,917 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 5 (Lot AI_5_23631) Title: R4 Gold 'Hilmar Pabel'
Description:
gold plated edition Leica R4 with golden Summilux 1,4/50 for the famous photographer Hilmar Pabel. The camera has his name inscribed on the back. As is detailed in an attached letter from Hilmar Pabel's wife, the camera was only used once, in 1991 during a visit to King Hussein in Jordan. The king, photographed by Pabel since his coronation, heartly greeted him in the Amman stadium (original photograph of this scene attached). Thereafter he was invited to accompany the king to his palace and to make family pictures on condition that the film remained with the king and that none of the photographs would be published. Of course Hilmar Pabel was happy to fulfil the monarch's wishes and according to the kings status used the golden R4 during this audience. Includes the wooden presentation box, outer cardboard box, a letter of his wife Romy, the 1991 photo of Hilmar Pabel with King Hussein, King Hussein's original visiting card, a photo of Hilmar Pabel with the camera Estimate: EUR 1,979 - EUR 138 |
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| Dec 2003 | £164 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: LEICA CAMERAS THE PROPERTY OF A COLLECTOR (Lot 106) Title: Leica R4 no. 1602896
Description:
Leica R4 no. 1602896 Estimate: £200 - £300 |
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| Dec 2003 | £94 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: LEICA CAMERAS THE PROPERTY OF A COLLECTOR (Lot 105) Title: Leica R4 no. 1559101
Description:
Leica R4 no. 1559101 Estimate: £100 - £150 |
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| Sep 2003 | £282 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS & PHOTO EQUIP, INCLUDING A EUROPEAN LEICA COLLECTION (Lot 242) Title: Leica R4 no. 1562113
Description:
Leica R4 no. 1562113 Estimate: £300 - £500 |
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| Feb 2002 | £258 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 187) Title: Leica R4 no. 1567525
Description:
Leica R4 no. 1567525 Estimate: £200 - £300 |
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| Feb 2002 | £352 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 186) Title: Leica R4 no. 1511133
Description:
Leica R4 no. 1511133 Estimate: £500 - £800 |
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| May 2001 | £470 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: MAGIC LANTERNS, OPTICAL TOYS AND CAMERAS (Lot 177) Title: Leica R4 no. 1609110
Description:
Leica R4 no. 1609110 Estimate: £400 - £600 |
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| Jan 2001 | £822 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 113) Title: Leica R4 no. 1673097
Description:
Leica R4 no. 1673097 Estimate: £300 - £500 |
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| Jul 2000 | £164 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 84) Title: Leica R4 no. 1597747
Description:
Leica R4 no. 1597747 Estimate: £25 - £100 |
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| Jan 2000 | £517 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Photographs, Cameras and Photographic Equipment (Lot 274) Title: Leica R4 no. 1630224
Description:
Leica R4 no. 1630224 Estimate: £250 - £350 |
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| Sep 1999 | £287 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Cameras and Optical Toys (Lot 141) Title: Leica R4 no. 1630659
Description:
Leica R4 no. 1630659 Estimate: £280 - £350 |
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| Jun 1999 | £1,495 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Leica Cameras (Lot 304) Title: Leica R4 no. 1651708
Description:
Leica R4 no. 1651708 Estimate: £1,000 - £1,500 |
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| Jun 1999 | £402 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Leica Cameras (Lot 303) Title: Leica R4 no. 1625007
Description:
Leica R4 no. 1625007 Estimate: £300 - £500 |
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| Jun 1999 | £368 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Leica Cameras (Lot 302) Title: Leica R4 no. 16143940
Description:
Leica R4 no. 16143940 Estimate: £200 - £300 |
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| May 1999 | £149 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Cameras and Optical Toys (Lot 99) Title: Leica R4 no. 1555069
Description:
Leica R4 no. 1555069 Estimate: £25 - £200 |
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| Feb 1999 | £207 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Cameras and Optical Toys (Lot 116) Title: Leica R4 no. 1558825
Description:
Leica R4 no. 1558825 Estimate: £200 - £300 |
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| Jul 1998 | £115 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 153) Title: Leica R4 no. 1628725
Description:
Leica R4 no. 1628725 Estimate: £20 - £250 |
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| Jul 1998 | £483 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 154) Title: Leica R4 Everest no. 1554497
Description:
Leica R4 Everest no. 1554497 Estimate: £400 - £600 |
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| Mar 1998 | £1,265 | Christie's | Gold | |
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Auction: CAMERAS & OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 143) Title: Leica R4 Gold no. 1652122
Description:
Leica R4 Gold no. 1652122 Estimate: £1,200 - £1,800 |
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| Nov -0001 | £88 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 548) Title: A Leitz Portugal Leica R4 35mm SLR Body
Description:
black, 1981, serial no. 1562032, body G, shutter untested, with instruction manual, presentation box and slip case |
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