Camera Leica Luxus I Sets World Record at Auction

A 1930 Leica Luxus I. Image Courtesy: Leica

From creator EJ Newton’s private museum in England, to the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain, this Leica Luxus I camera sure doesn’t seem to be gathering dust as it recently surfaced at the Bonhams auction in Hong Kong.

Not only did this camera from the 1930s make an appearance, but it also managed to achieve a world record when it was auctioned for a staggering $968,000, seven times that of its preliminary estimate.

Experts believe the Leica Luxus I was the star performer because of its vintage appeal, its exclusivity (one of just 95), and of course the design element—a unique gold toned royal plating complemented by a faux lizard skin body.

While the Leica Luxus I may largely take credit for the success of the Bonhams auction, there were a total of 250 Leica cameras and accessories that wooed buyers at this bidding war in Hong Kong.