A Leica M-A rangefinder camera owned by Pope Francis has been announced as the charity lot to be auctioned at the 47th Leitz Photographica Auction taking place in November.
The camera, which has been personally donated by the Pope and comes complete with a Noctilux-M 50/1.2 ASPH lens, is valued at between €40,000 and €50,000 (£34,300 to £42,880).
Pope Francis, the first pope from South America, was head of the Catholic Church from 2013 until his death in April this year.
Leitz Photographica said in a press release: “Leica products with prominent serial and fabrication numbers are very popular with collectors and have taken on a special role in the company’s history. Ever since 1925, when the first Leica 35mm camera revolutionised the world of photography, Leica Camera AG has been gifting these exceptional products to leading figures in recognition of their service.
“This unique silver-chromed Leica M-A camera features a special white leatherette covering and a base plate, camera rear panels and select operating elements in a white paint finish. The engravings on the camera and lens are another of the set’s highlights, as The Keys of Heaven are engraved on the camera’s flash shoe cover.
“Furthermore, the motto of Pope Francis, ‘Miserando atque eligendo’ (by having mercy, by choosing him), can be found on back of the top plate. While these special engravings have been coloured white, gold and black, the engravings on the chrome Noctilux lens are in gold and white. The body and lens cap each bear the coat of arms of Vatican City.
“An engraving on the camera and lens mark the year in which the camera was given to the Pope in Roman numerals: A.D. MMXXIV.”
The camera, which will be sold on 22 November at the auction in Vienna, Austria, will be sold alongside a bespoke, lockable box (with key) as well as a photo of Pope Francis receiving the camera.
Leitz Photographica Auctions said it would be waiving any fees or commission on the sale, with all the proceeds going to charity.
While the full line-up of items to be auctioned has not yet been published, highlights announced so far include a rare original Leica MP from the 1950s which is expected to sell for as much as €800,000 (£692,000).
I'm a New Zealander who has been living in London since the mid-1990s, shooting film seriously since the year 2000. Kosmo Foto was launched in 2012 and has since become a film brand, with the release of my first films Kosmo Foto Mono 35mm (2017) and Kosmo Foto Mono 120 (2019).
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