ABOUT US

History has a photographic memory

As a society and as individuals, we have always documented our existence in images. The technology to create and distribute these images has developed rapidly since the middle of the 19th century. It shapes the way we see the world and ourselves, serves as a tool to construct our identity, and impacts our everyday lives.

Nowadays we know photography as a ubiquitous mass medium stemming from the invention of the 35mm format. In 1925, the first camera handy enough to fit in a coat pocket was officially introduced by German company Leitz. The latter eventually became Leica Camera AG. Since 2017, Leitz Photographica Auction has served as its official auction house.

Renowned experts for vintage cameras and vintage camera accessories

This rich heritage inspires our work and gives us a special sense of responsibility. We are fully committed to historical photography in all its many facets.

Twice a year, Leitz Photographica Auction holds its eponymous auction of vintage cameras and vintage camera accessories, alternating between Leitz Park in Wetzlar (June) and Hotel Bristol in Vienna (November). In 2022, the auction house celebrated its 20th anniversary and set the world record for the most expensive camera, namely the Leica 0-series Nr. 105.

Our interest and expertise in the field of historic cameras is not limited to Leica brand products. However, Leica is the focus of Leitz Photographica Auction. In this respect, the auction house benefits from unrestricted access to the extensive archive (the world's oldest in regard to 35mm photography) and the international dealer and collector network of Leica Camera AG.

Similar to our global clientele, our own team is made up of passionate photography enthusiasts and collectors. We treat every lot put into our hands – from high-priced camera rarities and lenses from famous previous owners to seemingly mundane advertising boards and film roll containers – with the care and appreciation it deserves.

With sound know-how, an impeccable track record, and a keen eye for detail, we have developed into one of the first ports of call when it comes to selling and buying historical cameras on the international market. You can read about us (to name but a few examples) in the Financial Times, FAZ, Der Standard and Die Presse.

TEAM

Michal Kosakowski
Tel +43 1 523 56 59 12
michal.kosakowski@leitz-auction.com

Dennis Iwaskiewicz
Tel +43 1 523 56 59 11
dennis.iwaskiewicz@leitz-auction.com

Andreas Schweiger
Tel +43 1 523 56 59 18
andreas.schweiger@leitz-auction.com

The art of photography

With an exclusive selection of classic photographs, the Leitz Photographica Auction is dedicating a separate auction to the medium of photography.

The focus is on photography from the 1920s onwards - in particular the photography of the New Vision, street and reportage photography as well as photo icons of photojournalism. In addition, classics of American and European photography as well as contemporary positions established on the market will be offered.

With the lots of the photographs auctions, the Leitz Photographica Auction attempts to cover the diverse range of topics in the history of photography and to share the fascination of photography with lovers of the medium, art connoisseurs and collectors.

TEAM

Caroline Guschelbauer
Tel +43 1 523 56 59 - 53
caroline.guschelbauer@leitz-auction.com

Johannes Faber
Independent Expert