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Leica M3
Betriebskamera
‘Helmut Marx’
Rare Leica M3 Betriebskamera (for internal use only), in very
good cosmetic condition and working order, top plate
engraved ‘Betriebsk. M3 – 1230’. Provenance: Prof. Helmut
Marx – head of the photographic lens design at Leitz,
inventor of the Summicron 50 mm and Noctilux 1.2. Included
with this special camera is a copy of a letter from Leitz
from 1986, confirming that the camera was the property of
Prof. Marx.
Start price € 10.000
est. € 20.000 – 24.000
Serial no. M3-1230
Year of production: c.1958
Leica M2 chrome
Betriebskamera
Very rare Leica M2 Betriebskamera (for factory use only), in
fully original condition, top plate engraved ‘Betriebsk. M2 –
2051’. By the end of the 1950s, Leitz Wetzlar had about 7000
employees. Leica cameras were also used internally in
various departments where cameras were needed. There was
a well-organised camera lending service for temporary
private use as a courtesy to those company members who
couldn’t or didn’t want to afford a Leica camera. After the
war, the term “Betriebskamera” was used, beginning with
Leica model IIIc. The number of Leica M2 cameras was much
less than of the M3 in proportion. A maximum of 82 Leica M2
“Betriebsk.” cameras were completed, beginning with
no. 2001.
Start price € 10.000
est. € 20.000 – 24.000
Serial no. M2-2051
Year of production: 1959