As Leica approaches its centennial celebration, the brand is set to unveil a historical treasure: the Leica 0 Series No. 112 camera. This highly significant camera will take center stage at the Leitz Camera Auction and make its debut during Milan Design Week, capturing the attention of photography enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
Since the birth of the Leica 0 series camera, it has become a legend in the photography world. As one of Leica’s first mass-produced 35mm cameras, Camera No. 112 belongs to the "0 series" from the early 1920s and holds a pivotal place in photography history. This series of cameras was manufactured by Ernst Leitz Wetzlar and personally designed by Oskar Barnack, laying the foundation for 35mm cameras and influencing the later Leica I model.
Nowadays, the number of 0-Series cameras is incredibly scarce, with fewer than 10 units remaining worldwide. Among them, No. 112 stands out as an exceptionally rare piece. Leica plans to feature this camera as one of the auction items in an upcoming Leitz Park auction. It is anticipated to draw collectors and photography enthusiasts from around the globe, with the potential to set a new auction record.
From past auction records, it’s evident just how rare the Leica 0 series cameras are. In 2022, the Leitz Camera Auction successfully sold camera No. 105 for an astonishing €14.4 million, setting the record for the most expensive camera in the world. Meanwhile, in 2018, camera No. 122 fetched €2.4 million, reaffirming the irreplaceable collectible value of these cameras.
The General Manager of the Leica Camera Auction, Alexander Sedlak, stated that the Leica 0 Series camera symbolizes the origins of modern photography, with each piece being an indelible part of history. He revealed that Camera No. 112 will be unveiled for the first time at the Leica flagship store in Milan, which will open to the public for viewing starting April 4. This event will also be part of Milan Design Week.
In addition, the centennial celebration of the Leica I camera is also a major highlight of this auction. Since its debut at the Leipzig Spring Fair in 1925, the Leica I camera set the precedent for 35mm cameras, marking a revolution in portable photography and laying the foundation for the emergence of photojournalism and artistic imagery. Leica Camera will be hosting commemorative events in multiple cities around the world, including exhibitions in Dubai, UAE; New York, USA; and even Shanghai and Tokyo, to celebrate this special moment.
