The Vienna-based auction house Leitz Photographica Auction is considered by international collectors to be a prime destination for acquiring and selling historic cameras. In addition to exceptionally rare pieces, special editions, and prototypes, the auction house regularly offers items from prestigious collections. One such item was featured at Leitz Photographica Auction 47, held on November 22nd at the Hotel Imperial in Vienna: the Leica that belonged to Pope Francis (1936-2025), estimated at between €60,000 and €70,000, reached a final price of €6,500,000. Among the highlights were a Leica M3 produced for Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022) and a rare black Leica MP.
In recognition of Pope Francis’s longstanding commitment to social and humanitarian causes, Leica Camera AG presented His Holiness with a unique Leica M-A camera and a Leica Noctilux-M 1:1.2/50 mm ASPH lens in 2024. “Both the camera and the lens bear the serial number 5000000. At Leica, it is a tradition to reserve these symbolic serial numbers for exceptional pieces, often presented to distinguished individuals,” explains Alexander Sedlak, Managing Director of Leica Camera Classics and Leitz Photographica Auction.
Reflecting his tireless dedication to charitable initiatives, Pope Francis chose to auction the Leica set, with all proceeds going to aid those in need. “It was a privilege for us to offer this collection as a charity lot, and we deliberately decided to waive the buyer’s premium, the usual surcharge on the hammer price that goes to the auction house. All proceeds, €6.5 million, will now be donated to His Holiness’s personal charity,” noted Mr. Sedlak.
Several advance bids had already driven the price of the collection above its estimate of €60,000 to €70,000 when the auctioneer, Wolfgang Pauritsch, a well-known media personality, opened the sale. Intense interest continued throughout the bidding process. According to Alexander Sedlak, it was “certainly one of the most exciting bidding wars in our company’s history, and entirely befitting this extraordinary lot.”
Queen, Press Photography, and Luxury
Among the highlights of the 47th Leitz Photographica auction was a camera that, while not owned by a celebrity, was originally created for a prominent figure. In October 1958, Theodor Heuss, the first president of the newly founded Federal Republic of Germany, presented a Leica M3 to Queen Elizabeth II of England as a diplomatic gift. To ensure a backup in case of loss, Leica produced two identical cameras. This backup model, engraved with the initials “E II R” on the top plate and the inscription “To Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – October 20, 1958 – Theodor Heuss” on the base, was auctioned. It sold for €156,000, including the buyer’s premium (against an estimate of €90,000 to €120,000).
The auction also confirmed the strong and consistent market demand for black-painted Leica MP cameras. Designed specifically for photojournalism, the “M Professional” was widely adopted by press photographers. Leitz produced only 412 units in total, of which only 141 were black lacquered. The black Leica MP with serial number MP-114 was estimated at between €700,000 and €800,000 and ultimately sold for €900,000, including fees.
Another remarkable piece, lot number 7, the Leica I Mod. A Luxus Special Outfit, serial number 34808, is one of the very rare “Luxus” (“luxury”) models ever produced by Leica: only 95 were manufactured from 1929 onwards, this particular example dating from that year. The “Special” designation primarily refers to its accessories. This is the first Luxus set ever offered, featuring matching 3×20 “Luxus” binoculars, a gold-plated Leitz Finot, and a gold-plated Fofer-Luxus rangefinder.
Consequently, the set was estimated to be worth between €300,000 and €360,000. It was acquired for €360,000, including commission.
For more information, please visit the websites www.leicashop.com and www.leitz-auction.com/auction/de/home
