Rare Leica Luftwaffe Rifle Camera Estimated at $160,000 at Auction

A unique Leica Astro Berlin camera, the only known model developed for the German Luftwaffe, is expected to fetch between $140,000 and $160,000 at the Leitz Photographica Auction on June 13 in Wetzlar, Germany. The camera features an Astro Fernbildlinse 5/300mm lens, a mounted telescope, a left-handed shutter release, two wooden grips, and a padded face rest. The body is an olive green Leica IIIc. The auction also includes a rare Leica MP owned by Tazio Secchiaroli, one of Italy's first paparazzi and inspiration for the character in La Dolce Vita. The camera comes with a Summicron 2/5cm lens and Secchiaroli's book linking the serial number to the photographer.