As far as pre-owned papal “relics” go, a camera is certainly one of the stranger objects to go up for auction. But that is exactly what’s happening to Pope Francis’ Leica camera. The camera in question is a one-of-a-kind M-A (Typ 127) rangefinder with a Leica Noctilux-M 1:1.2/50mm ASPH, that carries the serial number “5,000,000”.
Rather than the traditional black, it is sporting a unique silver chrome finish and white covering. Some aspects of the film camera, such as the base plate, back doors, and other controls, are also painted white.
The pre-owned camera was uniquely styled with the late pope in mind. In particular, the top plate is engraved with His Holiness’ motto, “Miserando atque eligendo,” which translates to “lowly but chosen.” Speaking of engravings, there are several special etchings throughout the camera body that are filled in with white, gold, and black paint; the most intriguing of them is the Keys of Peter, which can be found on the flash cover.
It is worth noting that the item is sold alongside its camera lens, which also receives Papal-appropriate designs. The included Noctilux lens mimics the body with its chrome finish and similarly painted engravings. The body and lens cap are also engraved, this time sporting the Coat of arms of Vatican City. Both the camera and the lens are topped off with another special engraving—“A.D. MMXXIV”, the year the late Pope Francis received the gift.
As for specs, the Leica M-A (Typ 127) is a 35mm film rangefinder camera that was introduced in 2014. It primarily featured a mechanically operated focal-plane shutter with speeds from 1/1000s to 1/50s and a 0.72x bright line viewfinder.
Being a mechanical film camera, the M-A (Typ 127) didn’t require any batteries to operate. Hence, it was largely advertised as an old-school alternative to modern cameras with a minimalist design. The camera didn’t feature a strikingly unique design or special feature; it only took photos. This might be the reason why Leica gifted the camera to Pope Francis, in keeping with his Jesuit vow of poverty.
In a press release, Leica stated the company “has awarded these exceptional products to distinguished personalities in recognition of their achievements”. The camera manufacturer further added that the item is being auctioned off in keeping with Pope Francis “commitment to charity and social causes” and that the revenue generated will go to charity.
The camera is set to be sold at the Leitz Photographica Auction at the Hotel Imperial in Vienna on 22 November for an estimated price of US$80,000 (~RM337,199). If you were to buy the camera and lens, it would be packaged in a unique white box that shares the same design hallmarks as mentioned above.
(Source: PetaPixel, Leica [website], [press release], CNN)
