Leica's Golden Cameras: A Limited Edition Run

Leica Camera AG is a German company that manufactures cameras, optical lenses, and other equipment. The company was founded by Ernst Leitz in 1869 and has since become a well-known brand in the world of photography. One of their most famous products is the Leica II, introduced in 1932 as the first Leica camera with a built-in rangefinder. However, the focus of this paragraph is on a much rarer variant of the Leica II: the gold-plated Leica Luxus II.

The Leica Luxus II is an extremely rare and coveted collector's item. Only four of these gold-plated cameras were ever made, and their value has only increased over time. The limited-edition run of the Luxus II was a way for Leica to commemorate the success of the Leica II, and it set a precedent for other camera manufacturers to create their own gold editions to commemorate company achievements. While the exact number of gold Leica cameras produced across various models is unknown, it is clear that they are highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts.

Gold M4-2: 1,000 made to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Oskar Barnack's birth

In 1979, a special limited edition of 1,000 24-karat gold-plated Leica M4-2 cameras were released to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Oskar Barnack's birth. Barnack, a German inventor and photographer, built the first commercially successful 35mm still camera in 1913, which later became known as the Ur-Leica.

The limited-edition Leica M4-2 cameras were engraved with a facsimile of Barnack's signature and the years "1879-1979" on the top plate. The camera body was paired with a matching Leitz Wetzlar Summilux 50mm F/1.4 lens. The cameras were presented in a mahogany box lined with velvet and covered in lizard skin.

The serial numbers of the limited-edition cameras were 1527201-1527700 and 1528151-1528650, with two additional gold M4-2 units produced in 1993 bearing serial numbers 1932001 and 1932002. The camera body featured a special commemorative serial number, such as 100.274, in addition to the standard serial number range.

The Leica M4-2 "Oskar Barnack" is a highly sought-after collectible item for vintage camera enthusiasts and Leica collectors. Its luxurious design and limited production make it a valuable addition to any camera collection.

Gold M6: 350 made for the Sultan of Brunei

The Leica M6 Gold 'Sultan of Brunei' is a highly exclusive and luxurious camera. Only 350 of these 24-karat gold-plated cameras were manufactured, with an additional 250 platinum versions created. This limited edition was commissioned by the royal family of Brunei to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of the accession to the throne of His Majesty Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan of Brunei. The camera's top plate features the national totem of the Sultan, with the words "Sambutan Jubli Perak" engraved at the back. The camera is adorned with black leather embossed ornamentation and accompanied by a gold-plated Summilux 1.4/50mm lens. The Leica M6 Gold 'Sultan of Brunei' is an exquisite blend of technology and opulence, reflecting the prestige of its royal owner.

The Leica M6 Gold 'Sultan of Brunei' is a testament to the brand's ability to cater to the most discerning of clients. Each camera is a work of art, meticulously crafted and adorned with intricate details. The gold plating adds a level of luxury that is unparalleled in the world of photography equipment. This limited edition camera set reflects the royal family's appreciation for both the artistic and the functional, creating a unique collector's item.

The camera's specifications are impressive as well. The Leica M6 is known for its reliability and popularity among photographers. It is one of the most sought-after cameras in the secondary market, often compared to the Leica M4-P. The built-in light meter of the Leica M6 sets it apart from its predecessor, the Leica M4, allowing photographers to capture stunning images with precision.

The Leica M6 Gold 'Sultan of Brunei' is a true collector's item, not only for its exquisite craftsmanship and limited availability but also for its association with royalty. Its presence at the Sultan's 50th birthday celebration as a gift for special guests underscores its exclusivity. The camera's value has increased significantly over time, with prices reaching up to $29,995 on eBay and Leitz Auction listing it for around $30,000.

The allure of the Leica M6 Gold 'Sultan of Brunei' lies not only in its luxurious exterior but also in its mechanical excellence. It represents a fusion of art and technology, a tribute to the Sultan's jubilee, and a testament to Leica's commitment to creating exceptional photographic equipment.

Leica Luxus II: Only four ever made

The Leica Luxus II is a rare camera model of which only four were ever made. The camera is gold-plated, covered in crocodile skin, and comes in a crocodile-skin case. It was first introduced in 1932 and revolutionised photography with its compact, lightweight, and modern design. The Leica Luxus II was the first Leica camera with a built-in rangefinder, a feature that, along with the viewfinder, allowed for quick framing and focusing in a single operation.

One of the four Leica Luxus II cameras was sold at an auction in Hong Kong in 2013 for $HK4 million (approximately $620,000 or £380,000). This particular camera had previously been featured on the BBC's Antiques Roadshow programme, where its value was estimated at £5,000. The camera bore the serial number 88840 and was given to a British enthusiast after World War II. He used it for several decades before getting it valued on the Antiques Roadshow. The whereabouts of the other three Leica Luxus II cameras are unknown.

The Leica Luxus II is an extremely valuable camera, with experts estimating its value to be as high as £1 million (approximately $1.62 million). This would make it one of the most valuable cameras ever sold at auction. However, it failed to reach its estimated value at the 2013 auction in Hong Kong, falling short of the current world record price for a camera. Nonetheless, the Leica Luxus II remains a highly sought-after collector's item due to its rarity and historical significance in the world of photography.

Gold R6.2 SLR: 300 made to commemorate the reunification of Hong Kong and China

The Gold R6.2 SLR is a special edition camera made by Leica to commemorate the reunification of Hong Kong and China. Only 300 of these cameras were made, making them a highly sought-after collector's item.

The reunification of Hong Kong and China took place on July 1, 1997, marking the end of 156 years of British rule in the former colony. The handover ceremony was attended by British and Chinese dignitaries, including British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Prince Charles of Wales, and Chinese President Jiang Zemin.

The reunification was the result of negotiations between the Chinese and British governments, which took place in two phases. During the first phase, from September 1982 to June 1983, the two sides discussed the guiding principles and procedures for the negotiation. The second phase, from July 1983 to September 1984, involved 22 rounds of talks on substantive issues concerning Hong Kong.

The negotiations culminated in the signing of the Sino-British Joint Declaration in December 1984, which outlined the terms for the handover. The declaration stated that China would resume sovereignty over Hong Kong and established the framework of "one country, two systems," allowing Hong Kong to maintain its capitalist system and way of life for 50 years after the reunification.

The Gold R6.2 SLR camera is a unique collectible item that commemorates this significant event in the history of Hong Kong and China. With only 300 units produced, it is a rare and valuable piece for photography enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Gold Soviet Leicas: Thousands exist, covered in fake Soviet snakeskin

Gold Soviet Leica cameras are not your average collectible. They are the product of a post-Soviet Union world, where the Russian economy was in free fall and the ruble was worthless. In this climate, some Russians attempted to turn a profit by converting prewar or wartime FED cameras into counterfeit gold-coloured Leica II cameras.

The Leica II was a revolutionary design, incorporating a built-in rangefinder, a collapsing lens, and a focal plane shutter, all in a small size. It was also a status symbol for the rich and famous. So, it's no surprise that it was chosen as the model for these counterfeits.

The counterfeit gold Leica II cameras were not just about the name. They also featured bright, shiny finishes, often with highly polished and lacquered brass surfaces. Some even had gold-coloured Elmar-inspired Industrar 10 lenses, which were originally of lesser quality than the genuine Leica lenses. These cameras were likely made for their cosmetic value, rather than their picture-taking ability.

But the story doesn't end there. The counterfeiters didn't stop at the Leica II. They also created gold-coloured Zorki cameras, which were not produced before World War II. These cameras even featured special wartime markings, such as 1936 Olympic insignia.

So, if you're ever browsing camera shops or auctions and come across a gold Soviet Leica, now you know the story behind it. It's not just a camera, but a piece of the post-Soviet Union history, where Russians tried to turn a profit in a time of economic turmoil.

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