Even though it never saw any real action, this Leica M4-2 Safari Prototype camera proved to be quite coveted by photography enthusiasts, since it managed to fetch a rather impressive sum when it was put up for auction. In 1977, Leica planned to put this particular model on the market alongside the R3 Safari 35mm, but E. Leitz Wetzlar never actually got around to launching it officially.
That’s probably why the prototype is so valuable. It is in mint condition and it is one of only a handful that were manufactured in Canada. Exclusivity is a very important aspect for collectors, which is why you shouldn’t be surprised to find out that this piece fetched quite a few thousand dollars at auction. The piece was put under the hammer at Stan Tamarkin and was purchased for no less than $22,000, which is quite impressive even for a vintage camera in perfect condition.
