Leica M5 black 'Thomas Hoepker'

This is a black Leica M5 owned and used by the famous photographer Thomas Hoepker. The camera is in rough condition, missing pieces of the vulcanite, with several dents and signs of wear all over the body. Despite this massive wear, it remains perfectly functional—evidence of Leica's legendary robustness and reliability. A letter of provenance from the previous owner - a known German photographer Arno Fischer, who bought the camera directly from Hoepker in 1984, is included in this lot, as well as Hoepker's photobook 'New Yorker' from 1987.

Thomas Hoepker, born on June 10, 1936, is a distinguished German photographer whose work has left a lasting mark on photojournalism across more than six decades. He became prominent for his vivid color photo features for Stern magazine starting in 1964, capturing human conditions with unparalleled depth. Hoepker's mastery of using Leica cameras for their precision, particularly for wide-angle shots, is a notable hallmark of his photographic career. He skillfully combined these with SLR cameras for a comprehensive depiction of his subjects​.

Hoepker's significant assignment in the United States in 1963 for Kristall magazine marked a turning point, as he documented American life in a way that challenged postwar Germany's idealized views, demonstrating his knack for portraying societal complexities with authenticity. His extensive work in Italy, the GDR (East Germany), and other parts of the world showcases his talent for blending technical photographic skills with deep narrative insights into contemporary history. Celebrated for both technical mastery and a sensitive approach to subjects, Hoepker's contributions have solidified his status as a key figure in photography.