- Leica auctions Pope Francis’ rare camera
- LEICA MA Special Edition “Pope Francis” Raises 6.5 Million Euros for Charity
- The Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.2 camera and lens have unique features.
The first edition of the Ducati is not limited, but what stands out among the German brands is the custom MA edition given to Pope Francis. This private box set was auctioned for charity for €6.5 million.
The Leica box set, gifted to the late Pope in 2024, includes a special MA “Pope Francisco” body and a Noctilux-M 1:1.2 50mm ASPH lens. The initial estimate did not exceed 60,000–70,000 euros. But this unique model, with many new parts and a special display case, sold for almost 100 times its asking price at a Lima Photonica auction this week. All proceeds will be donated to the Pope’s personal charity.
The Leica MA is a fully mechanical 35 mm film camera popular among purists for its simplicity. What else does this special edition offer? The unique serial number (5,000,000) recognizes the outstanding exclusivity of the LEICA and is particularly sought after by collectors. The case also features a special white paint job and a white lacquered back and case back.
Other details such as special engravings (found in the gallery below) make this edition even more special. The key of St. Peter is engraved on the flash cap, and Pope Francis’ motto “Miserando atque elegando” (“Chosen by Mercy”) is engraved on the back of the top.
The case back and lens cap are engraved with the Vatican’s coat of arms. This is an unprecedented rarity for this type of accessory.
This lens is also highly customizable. The Noctilux-M typically sells for around €8,900 and features sculptural chrome filled with gold and white.
Completing the set is a white gift box, which also bears the Vatican’s coat of arms, and it certainly doesn’t match the image we usually have of Pope Francis, but it’s not clear if he actually used it. On the other hand, given his commitment to charity, there is no doubt that he would approve of the 6.5 million euros he raised.
lake record
The MA “Pope Francis” replica does not hold the absolute record for the most expensive Ducati ever sold at auction. It began in 2022 when a Series 0 model used by Leica camera inventor Oskar Barnack sold for €14.4 million. Earlier this year, another Leica 0 series was sold for 7 million euros.
Meanwhile, the sale price is the highest ever for a Leica at a charity auction. “This was undoubtedly one of the most exciting bidding wars in our history and was perfect for this special product,” said Alexander Sedlak, Managing Director of Leica Camera Classics and Leitz Photonica Auctions.
This box isn’t the only notable item released this week. Another Ducati M3 is an additional model which was given by Theodor Hess (the first President of the Federal Republic of Germany) to Queen Elizabeth II in 1958 at a price of €156,000.
With the initials “E II R” engraved on the top plate, this model demonstrates Ducati’s unique appeal to collectors fascinated by its history, timeless design and limited edition aura.
