Agfa Karat 36 (1948)
The Agfa Karat 36 (1948) is a 35mm rangefinder camera, a postwar evolution of Agfa's Karat line that moved from the original 24x36mm Rapid-cassette format to standard 35mm film cartridges. Introduced in the late 1940s, it was positioned as a compact folding-style camera for amateur photographers in the rebuilding European market.
At UK auction in today's market, the Karat 36 (1948) sits firmly at the budget end of vintage 35mm collecting, with the single recorded hammer result reaching £12 in April 2026. That figure reflects wholesale saleroom pricing rather than dealer retail, and clean working examples with intact bellows and a functional shutter can sell for more, while cosmetically tired bodies are often what is worth bidding on at this level.
Sales History
Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.
Prices updated: April 2026
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2026 | £12 | Flints Auctions | |
|
Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 187) Title: An Agfa Karat 36 Rangefinder Camera
Description:
silver, 1948 model, body G, shutter release sticking, shutter fires when release is un-stuck, optics F with haze. |
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Frequently asked questions
What is an Agfa Karat 36 (1948) worth today?
Based on limited UK auction data, the Karat 36 (1948) has a recorded hammer price of £12, so the value of typical examples sits in the low double digits.
How much does an Agfa Karat 36 sell for at auction?
The most recent UK saleroom result was £12 in April 2026; condition, working shutter, and intact bellows are the main factors that push the price above this baseline.
Is the Agfa Karat 36 (1948) a good buy at this price?
At this price level it is an inexpensive entry into postwar German 35mm cameras, but buyers should budget for a CLA service since the hammer figure reflects untested or as-found condition.