29th Apr, 2026 10:00
Fine Photographica
A Leica Ia Camera
1930, black, serial no. 45681, with Leitz Elmar f/3.5 50mm lens, nickel, body, F, shutter fires but sticking on lower speeds, lens, G, some internal haze, complete with FISON push-on lens hood
Provenance from Vendor:
This camera was acquired from the family of the late John Bree, who passed away in Eastbourne in 2001. It had been retained by him for many years prior to his death and was subsequently gifted by his sister.
John Bree served in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War, where he was involved in the manufacture of reconnaissance cameras. Following his military service, he worked in camera repair and precision engineering, producing miniature components. He was initially employed by a camera company before establishing his own repair shop in Eastbourne, active from approximately the 1970s through the 1980s.
The present camera is believed to have come into Bree’s possession after it was brought to him for repair. At that time, it was found to have a defective shutter curtain and deemed beyond economical repair. It was therefore retained by him, likely for use as a source of spare parts.
Family accounts suggest that the camera originally belonged to a street photographer operating in London’s West End during the 1930s, particularly in the Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road area, where tourist photography was common. The photographer is thought to have been named Thompson or Thomson, although no documentary evidence has been found to confirm this attribution.
Sold for £562
Result including buyers premium
1930, black, serial no. 45681, with Leitz Elmar f/3.5 50mm lens, nickel, body, F, shutter fires but sticking on lower speeds, lens, G, some internal haze, complete with FISON push-on lens hood
Provenance from Vendor:
This camera was acquired from the family of the late John Bree, who passed away in Eastbourne in 2001. It had been retained by him for many years prior to his death and was subsequently gifted by his sister.
John Bree served in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War, where he was involved in the manufacture of reconnaissance cameras. Following his military service, he worked in camera repair and precision engineering, producing miniature components. He was initially employed by a camera company before establishing his own repair shop in Eastbourne, active from approximately the 1970s through the 1980s.
The present camera is believed to have come into Bree’s possession after it was brought to him for repair. At that time, it was found to have a defective shutter curtain and deemed beyond economical repair. It was therefore retained by him, likely for use as a source of spare parts.
Family accounts suggest that the camera originally belonged to a street photographer operating in London’s West End during the 1930s, particularly in the Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road area, where tourist photography was common. The photographer is thought to have been named Thompson or Thomson, although no documentary evidence has been found to confirm this attribution.
Auction: Fine Photographica, 29th Apr, 2026
