One-of-a-Kind Leica Prototype by Jony Ive and Marc Newson Heads to Auction

On October 10, Wetzlar Camera Auctions will present a one-of-a-kind Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. prototype lens, crafted by Jony Ive and Marc Newson in 2012. This unique lens, which is devoid of a serial number and made from a special alloy, is part of a larger partnership involving Ive, Newson, Leica, and (RED). This collaboration also resulted in a unique Leica M camera that fetched $1.8 million at a charity auction in 2013. Notably, the final version of the 50mm f/2 lens that accompanied the camera varies from this prototype. Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, Chairman of Leica Camera AG's Supervisory Board, commended the designers and the charitable contributions of the 2013 auction. The auction is anticipated to attract a significant bid, although no price estimate has been provided.