Leica MP Black Paint No. MP-33 Fetches Nearly $700,000 at Leitz Auction

At the 48th Leitz Photographica Auction, a Leica MP black paint no. MP-33 sold for €600,000 (approximately $695,000). Launched at Photokina in 1956, only 402 MP units were made, with just 141 in black paint. The camera has its own consecutive numbering system, making this the 33rd produced. Another highlight, a Leica Ig prototype no. 750000, sold for €540,000 (about $624,000). A Leica IIIg black paint Swedish Army NOS set exceeded expectations, selling for €456,000 (over $526,000) against a pre-auction estimate of up to €140,000. This military version, made for the Swedish Armed Forces in 1960, is engraved with the Three Crowns of Sweden; only about 125 units were produced. Other black paint cameras sold included a Leica IIIb Black Paint (€312,000), a Leica M3 black paint First Batch 'Ken Narula' kit (€144,000), and a Leica IIIf black paint Swedish Army (€96,000). A Linhof Technorama 612 PC II 'Edition Fire' red die-cast camera sold for €28,800 (around $33,370). Some lots, such as a Leica Astro Rifle outfit and a rare Leica MP owned by Italy's first paparazzi, did not sell and may reappear in future auctions.