92. Leica M2 grey paint Betriebskamera *

In 1960 twenty grey-painted M2 cameras were delivered to the US Air Force in Germany. Out of these only ten cameras are believed still to exist, which makes the grey M2 one of the rarest production Leicas ever.
The offered camera is an original pre-production sample of the grey M2. It shows the same, exceptional grey-paint finish, and includes some unique features. The serial number 2071 is among a batch of Leica M2 Betriebskameras (2001-2082) produced between 1958-1962, of which the no.2071 is the only grey painted known to exist. Unlike the serial production cameras, it is missing the 135mm framelines.

The technical highlight of the camera is, however, hidden inside. Both shutter blinds are not made out of the usual fabric but are made of metal, coated in black paint. Until now, only a few shutter prototypes have been known with this special feature - this is the first known complete Leica M camera with metal focal-plane shutter!

Included in this lot is written expertise from Mr Ottmar Michaely confirming the originality of this unique camera. This is, without a doubt, one of the most special Leicas we have ever seen!

Sale No 38012
Condition A/B
Serial No. M2-2071
Year 1960

Auction closed!
13 June 2020 11:00

Hammer price (Incl. buyer's premium)20.00 €21.00 € € 360.00014.00 €15.00 €

Estimate € 400000-500000

Bidding

€ 200.0002020-06-12 16:34
€ 200.000 Start price

36th Leitz Photographica Auction,

Finished

Fees

Buyer's Premium 20%

Additional Information

The buyers premium for all items exported out of EU is 20%.
For items marked with *, sold and/or shipped within the EU (European Union) the premium is 20% plus VAT (20% for cameras, lenses and accessories, 13% for photographs and 10% for books) on hammer price and premium.
For all other items (without *) sold and/or shipped within the EU (European Union) the premium is 24% (including VAT)

Das Prämium für alle Artikel, die in Drittländer exportiert werden, beträgt 20%.
Für alle Artikel, die mit einem Sternchen * gekennzeichnet sind und innerhalb der EU verkauft werden, beträgt das Prämium 20% plus Mehrwertsteuer (20% auf Kameras, Objektive und Zubehör; 13% auf Photographien und 10% auf Bücher) auf Hammerpreis und Prämium .
Für alle anderen Artikel (ohne *), die innerhalb der EU verkauft oder verschickt werden beträgt das Prämium 24% (inklusive MWSt)