Rare Leica Prototype Lens Surfaces at Goodwill Auction
A previously unknown second copy of the rare Leica / Hughes Leitz 17mm f/2 prototype lens is currently up for auction at Goodwill of the Great Plains in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The lens, which bears the model number C530-0004, is distinct from the one-of-a-kind version sold for nearly $50,000 in 2021. Bidding has reached $3,008, with the auction closing at 9:50 PM ET on October 30, 2026.
Key points
- The lens is a second copy of a prototype that was previously thought to be unique.
- It is being sold 'as is' by Goodwill, which states it is not an expert on the item.
- The current bid is $3,008, significantly lower than the $47,200 paid for the original in 2021.
- The auction ends on October 30, 2026, at 9:50 PM ET.
Background
In 2021, a Leica / Hughes Leitz 17mm f/2 prototype fisheye lens was sold by Leica Store Lisse for $47,200. At the time, it was believed to be a one-of-a-kind item. Prior to that, the same lens had been listed on eBay for $24,000 in 2018. This new discovery suggests that at least two copies of this specific prototype exist.
Why it matters
The discovery of a second prototype lens challenges the assumption that the 2021 sale involved a unique piece. It highlights the potential for significant photographic history to be overlooked in non-specialized retail environments, offering collectors a rare opportunity to acquire high-value items at a fraction of their market price.
What to watch
The auction will conclude at 9:50 PM ET on October 30, 2026. The final sale price will determine the market value of this second prototype copy and may influence the valuation of similar rare Leica items.
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