Leica M-A no.5000000 'Pope Francis'

As a gesture of appreciation, Leica AG presented His Holiness Pope Francis with a unique Leica M-A camera, accompanied by the legendary Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.2 lens. Both the camera and lens bear the exclusive serial number 5000000, signifying another milestone in the history of Leica.

Leica has a long-standing tradition of reserving cameras with special round serial numbers for distinguished individuals. Accordingly, these cameras prove particularly fascinating to collectors and have repeatedly received enormous attention when offered by Leitz Photographica Auction in the past decades.

The camera is finished in silver chrome, with a special white covering, a white-painted base plate, back doors, and some of the controls. The flash cover is engraved with the Keys of Peter, while the back of the top plate is engraved with His Holiness Pope Francis’ motto, ‘Miserando atque eligendo’, meaning ‘lowly but chosen.’ The special engravings are filled with white, gold, and black paint. The Noctilux
lens is finished in chrome, with engravings filled with gold and white paint. The body cap and the lens cap are engraved with the Coat of Arms of the State of Vatican City. Both the camera and the lens are additionally engraved with the year His Holiness Pope Francis received this gift, inscribed in Roman numerals: A.D. MMXXIV.

Complementing this unique camera is an exquisite presentation box exclusively made for this outfit. In keeping with his dedication to charity and social causes, the Pope has chosen to auction this exceptional Leica set at the Leitz Photographica Auction, with all proceeds directed toward helping those in need.

No premium or additional fees will be charged on the hammer price for this lot (the hammer price is the final sales price).