Beck Hill's Cloud Camera
The Beck Hill's Cloud Camera is a specialist plate camera designed for photographing cloud formations, made by the British optical firm R. & J. Beck. It is a niche meteorological instrument from the late Victorian/early Edwardian era rather than a general-purpose camera.
With only a single recorded UK auction result, the Hill's Cloud Camera is exceptionally rare on the open market: one example sold for £1,200 hammer at auction in October 2024, and that figure represents the only data point for what one is worth today. As a wholesale saleroom result excluding commission, it gives a guide rather than a settled value, and prices for any future example will hinge heavily on completeness of the original fittings and overall condition.
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: October 2024
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2024 | £1,200 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 104) Title: A Beck Hill's Cloud Camera
Description:
A Beck Hill's Cloud Camera, by Beck London, serial no 29991, shutter sticking in 1 & ½ second, body G-VG. with Beck fish eye f/8 lens, with built in |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Beck Hill's Cloud Camera worth?
Based on the only recorded UK auction sale, a Beck Hill's Cloud Camera sells for around £1,200 at hammer, though with just one data point this should be treated as indicative rather than a firm market price.
How much does a Beck Hill's Cloud Camera sell for at auction?
The single tracked UK auction result shows a hammer price of £1,200 in October 2024; no other recent comparable sales are on record.
Why is the price guide for this camera uncertain?
The Hill's Cloud Camera is a rare specialist instrument and only one verified UK auction sale underpins the current value, so the figure could shift significantly with the next example to appear.