Leica 0-Series No. 112: Leica Century Event to Auction One of the Rarest Cameras in History

A true piece of photographic history is set to go under the hammer at Leitz Photographica Auction 46 on 27 June 2025, during the Leica Century Event at Leica World, Hessen (Germany). Among the auction’s standout highlights is the Leica 0-Series No. 112, one of the first 35mm cameras ever made—now more than 100 years old.

A Camera with Historic Significance

Personally accepted by Oskar Barnack, the mastermind behind the revolutionary Ur-Leica, the 0-Series No. 112 played a crucial role in shaping modern photography. Barnack’s innovation—a compact, portable camera using 35mm film—laid the foundation for the legendary Leica I and the evolution of the Leica brand.

Breaking Records in the Collector’s Market

Historical Leica 0-Series cameras are among the most coveted collector’s items in the world, regularly commanding multi-million-euro price tags. Leitz Photographica Auction has already set two world records:

• 2018: Leica 0-Series No. 122 sold for €2.4 million
• 2022: Leica 0-Series No. 105 shattered records at €14.4 million—still the most expensive camera ever sold

With this legendary auction house bringing Leica 0-Series No. 112 to the bidding floor, collectors worldwide will be watching to see if a new record is set.

A Rare Public Exhibition

Before the auction, Leica enthusiasts can get an exclusive look at the 0-Series No. 112 at the Leica Store Milano from 4 April, coinciding with Milan Design Week. The full auction catalogue will be published in May, along with additional auction highlights.