The Most Priceless Camera Ever Made

The most expensive camera ever sold was a 1923 0-Series Leica, designed by Oskar Barnack, which sold for a staggering €12,000,000 in 2022. This particular camera was a prototype for the Leica I, the first precision miniature camera to be made available commercially, which came out in 1924. Barnack is credited with choosing the 36x24mm negative size that we now know as full-frame. The camera was purchased by a private collector and is still in working order.

Leica 0-Series No.122 sold for $2.97 million

The Leica 0-Series No.122 is a super-rare camera, of which there are only 25 in the world. It was produced by Ernst Leitz in 1923, two years before the first Leica camera was released, which is why they are considered test cameras. The Leica 0-Series No.122 sold for $2.97 million at the WestLicht auction house in Vienna, Austria, in 2018. This was the highest amount paid for a camera at auction at the time.

The camera was purchased by a private collector from Asia, who paid a hammer price of €2 million, plus a premium of €400,000, totalling €2.4 million (approximately $2.97 million USD or £2.15 million). The auction started at a price of €400,000, and the final price was six times higher.

The Leica 0-Series No.122 is one of only three of the 25 cameras believed to be in their original condition. WestLicht auction house attributed the massive auction price to the fantastic original condition of the camera.

The previous record for the highest-auctioned camera price was held by a Leica 0-Series No. 116, which was also auctioned at WestLicht in 2012 for €2.16 million (approximately $2.67 million USD).

Leica M10-P Safari Edition

The Leica M10-P Safari Edition is a digital rangefinder camera that combines the classic Leica design aesthetic with contemporary imaging capabilities. This limited-edition camera is an homage to the iconic olive-coloured Leica cameras of the past, with only 1500 units available worldwide.

The M10-P Safari Edition features a sleek and straightforward design, blending enhanced still imaging capabilities with a pared-down appearance. It utilises a 24MP full-frame CMOS sensor and the Maestro II image processor, resulting in high-resolution images with an extended dynamic range and high sensitivity (ISO 100-50000). The camera also boasts a quiet mechanical shutter, an optical viewfinder, and built-in Wi-Fi for wireless sharing and remote camera control.

The Leica M10-P Safari Edition has a distinctive olive green baked enamel finish, reminiscent of the Leica M1 Olive from 1960. The top plate engraving recalls the first Safari camera, featuring a simple Leica logo and "WETZLAR GERMANY". The camera comes with a brandy-coloured leather carrying strap and an SD/credit card holder, crafted from genuine full-grain cowhide. These premium accessories complement the camera's unique aesthetics.

The Leica M10-P Safari Edition continues the tradition of olive green "Safari" cameras, which began with the Leica M1 "Olive" manufactured for the German armed forces in 1960. The reputation of these cameras as robust and reliable tools quickly spread, and subsequent olive green models became sought-after by private customers. The M10-P Safari Edition thus represents a new chapter in the story of Leica's iconic olive green cameras.

Hasselblad H6D-400C MS

The Hasselblad H6D-400c MS is a 400-megapixel multi-shot camera that delivers Hasselblad's highest resolution and most colour-accurate medium format images. It is designed to meet the highest imaging requirements, with its 400MP image output coupled with real RGB colour data for each pixel, capturing every subtle nuance of the subject. This camera is ideal for photographing fine cars, artwork, delicate fabrics or diamonds, where only the best reproduction is acceptable.

The H6D-400c MS's multi-shot technology involves moving the sensor very accurately by 1 or 1⁄2 a pixel at a time with a precision piezo actuator, enabling the camera to capture more colour information and data than in a single-shot capture. The captured images are then merged in Phocus, Hasselblad’s dedicated desktop software solution, to produce a single finished file with staggering amounts of detail and colour information.

The 4-shot multi-shot mode involves making four captures, moving the sensor by one pixel at a time to achieve real colour data (GRGB). This mode captures real RGB data for each pixel and delivers a 100MP image size with accurate colour data and no moiré interference.

The 6-shot multi-shot mode involves making six captures, with the first four captures moving the sensor by one pixel at a time to achieve real colour data (GRGB). The final two exposures are made by moving the sensor by ½ a pixel horizontally and then ½ a pixel vertically. These six captures are then combined to give the equivalent of a single 400MP capture, delivering a 16-bit Tiff file size of 2.4GB per frame (23200 x 17400 pixels), resulting in exceptional image resolution.

The H6D-400c MS includes several convenient features such as a USB 3.0 type C connection for tethered shooting, high-speed data transfers, and 30FPS live view. It also has dual media card slots, a 3.0-inch touch rear display, and a smartphone-style user interface. The modular system has an improved back removal process, and the camera offers technical camera connectivity for single-shot imaging.

Phase One XF IQ4

The Phase One XF IQ4 is a camera that sets a new benchmark for what is possible in digital imaging. It is a powerhouse camera that produces images with unprecedented detail, dynamic range, and colour accuracy. The XF IQ4 is the world's first 151-megapixel camera, utilising the highest resolution full-frame medium format sensor available. This sensor is 2.5 times larger than a 'full-frame' sensor and is the largest digital sensor format in large-scale production. The camera's advanced features, such as the Infinity Platform and Capture One integration, make it the ultimate choice for professionals who require the highest fidelity in their images.

The Phase One XF IQ4 150MP Camera System provides unparalleled resolution and detail, allowing photographers to produce RAW images with limitless editing possibilities. The 151-megapixel sensor provides 50 more megapixels than Phase One's 101-megapixel sensor, resulting in a 22% increase in resolution. This flexibility opens up new large-scale printing possibilities and provides unprecedented convenience for cropping and scaling images.

The Phase One XF IQ4 is a forward-thinking companion for producing the most creative and ambitious photographic visions. It is a camera that transcends mere photography and signifies a commitment to excellence and a passion for capturing the world in its most vivid detail. With a price tag of around $50,000, the Phase One XF IQ4 is an investment for those seeking to excel in their craft and embrace cutting-edge technology, exquisite craftsmanship, and unparalleled performance.

Sony Alpha 1

The Sony Alpha 1 is a powerhouse camera that combines incredible speed with stunning resolution. It is a testament to modern camera engineering, merging speed with resolution in a way never seen before.

The Alpha 1 boasts a 50.1 MP full-frame sensor, capable of shooting up to 30 frames per second, making it perfect for capturing fast-moving subjects without sacrificing image quality. It has an advanced autofocus system, which, when paired with its 8K video recording capabilities, ensures that every moment is captured with exceptional clarity and detail.

The Alpha 1 is a versatile camera, ideal for both professionals and enthusiasts. It offers new dimensions of imaging performance and efficient workflow, giving users creative freedom. With its innovative technology, the Alpha 1 delivers an unprecedented combination of resolution and speed, as well as intuitive operation.

The camera features a full-frame, stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor with integral memory. It has a powerful BIONZ XR image-processing engine, which is eight times more powerful than its predecessor. This allows for blackout-free shooting at up to 30 fps, thanks to a fast sensor readout speed.

The Alpha 1 also boasts the world's first 240 fps refresh rate and a 9.44M dot 0.64-inch QXGA OLED EVF. It is the world's first camera with an anti-flicker mechanical and electronic shutter. These features, along with its ability to shoot 8K 30p and 4K 120p video, make the Alpha 1 a true powerhouse in the world of photography and videography.

The Alpha 1 has received positive reviews, with users praising its ability to take amazing photos and deliver great picture quality. Its quick focus and accurate tracking have also been highlighted as standout features.

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