Certainly the most spectacular lot of the coming aution is a 'Daguerreotype' by the Paris manufacturer Susse Freres. In the meantime numerous experts attest it very likely might be the oldest commercially-produced camera in the world. Bids for this sensational camera will be invited at the commencement of the 11th Photographica Auction on May 26, 2007 at the symbolic starting price of 100,000 Euros. Experts assume that during the course of the auction it will become not only the oldest but the most expensive camera of all time. The camera with the original lens by Chevalier is in wonderful original condition and has never been restored or modified.
Yet the auction will see another milestone in the history of photography: an edition de luxe of the "Reports by the Juries" which was published in London on occasion of the first World Fair in 1851. This bibliophilic treasure comprises 9 Volumes and is illustrated with 154 Calotypes.
Leica collectors will also be spoiled thanks to having won an important private Leitz collection with exceptional rarities such as e.g. prototypes, much-in-demand accessories, an early Leica with Elmax, rare Wehrmacht Leicas, black paint Leica M cameras and a selection of modern M and R equipment in like new condition. In addition there is a wide choice of valuable Nikon rarities for sale: black-paint viewfinder cameras, rare accessories such as motors for viewfinder cameras or classics such as the Nikon F High Speed.
The opportunity to acquire one of the few original Minox B's in gold makes the hearts of fans of miniature cameras beat faster. Lovers of antique cameras can also choose from an exciting list containing, amongst other things, an exceptional Bloch Photo-Cravate, the extremely rare 'Le Phototank' designed by Victor Houssin, an Anschuetz dry-plate camera, the Photosphere in silver or else a Luftwaffe 375-exposure Robot camera.
