10. Leica S (Type 007)
Leicas make up 1/4 of our list, which surprises no one. The Bond, Jame Bond version comes with a 37.5MP resolution sensor and no low-pass filter insight.
The double 00 comes from the fact that in the movie, Goldfinger used a Leica.
9. Mamiya Leaf Credo 80 Digital Back
Mamiya is a Japanese company who were noted for their well-built medium format cameras, such as the C330. And it happens to be one of my favourite cameras.
It gives you 80MP of sensor resolution and images of unparalleled beauty and detail. It should do for this cost. The sensor is large at 53.7×40.3 mm. Just make sure you do need it before buying it.
8. PhaseOne XF IQ3 Digital Back
PhaseOne is best known for its digital medium format camera range. The IQ3 has an 80MP sensor and can capture video up to 60 minutes without a break.
It is insanely pricey, so only the bold and wealthy should read on.
If you decided you don’t need 80MP, there is a 50MP version, providing you with up to 14 stops of dynamic range.
7. Hasselblad H5D-200c
Hasselblad is one of the most famous camera manufacturers, specializing in medium format photography. Here, they have the 50MP sensor, which allows for captures up to 200MP, if you are so inclined.
It does this through pixel-shifting technology. If you have a cool $45k, then you’ll also get Lightroom thrown in. Bargain.
6. Diamond Canon IXUS
If you’re looking for the weird and wonderful, you found it. This compact point-and-shoot camera was created to celebrate the ten year anniversary of Digital ELPH. It was the most expensive Canon camera ever built.
It was auctioned off for charity and promised to add some ‘bling’ to images.
5. Hasselblad Space Camera
Who doesn’t want a camera that went to space? Here we have one of the famous Hasselblad cameras they managed to bring back to Earth.
Bought by an American astronaut who was also an amateur photographer. It was then passed on to a ‘space historian’ who says (all jokes aside) it is in good hands.
4. Gold-Plated Leica Luxus II
This gold-plated Leica is truly one of a kind. However, it didn’t make the target that the Hong Kong auctioneers had expected. Still, it made a pretty penny for 2013.
3. Discovered Daguerreotype
The third camera on our list of most expensive cameras is a Daguerreotype that was found in a German attic. Experts evaluated it as being built before 1839, making it the oldest camera every built.
It was sold to an anonymous bidder online in 2007 by the WestLicht Camera Auction house in Vienna.
2. Susse Freres Daguerreotype
The Susse Freres Daguerreotype was the most expensive camera ever sold – until it was beaten to the top spot by the Leica No. 122. This camera was made in 1893, making it the second oldest camera ever built.
There were only two cameras produced, made by Alphonse Giroux and signed by Jacques Mande Daguerre. This is a beautiful piece, especially at over 126 years old.
1. Leica O-Series No. 122
The Leica O- Series No.122 was sold during the 32nd WestLicht Camera Auction after starting at $444,000. This made it the world’s most expensive camera to date.
The price came to be so high due to being kept in such a fantastic original condition. Ernst Leitz made 25 of these test cameras in 1923, and only three were to be found in an original condition.
Leica was previously the world’s most expensive camera with the No. 116, sold in 2012 for 2.16 Million.
