Bell & Howell Filmo 70
The Bell & Howell Filmo 70 is a hand-cranked spring-wound 16mm cine camera, introduced in the United States in the 1920s as one of the earliest portable 16mm motion-picture cameras aimed at amateur and professional cinematographers. It uses interchangeable lenses on a rotating turret and became a long-running platform that Bell & Howell developed through multiple sub-variants over subsequent decades.
At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Filmo 70 have been modest, with recorded sales ranging from around £20 to £80 and a median near £50. With only a small number of saleroom results to reference, what a Filmo 70 is worth today depends heavily on which sub-variant appears, whether the clockwork motor still runs to speed, and whether the lens turret and original lenses are present.
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.
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Nov 2025 | £80 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 516) Title: A US Military Bell & Howell 16mm Motion Picture Camera
Description:
A US Military Bell & Howell 16mm Motion Picture Camera, no KF-3(10, serial no 126, MFG. No DES 70 KM, US property, order number af-33(600)24627, |
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| Aug 2023 | £20 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 324) Title: A Bell & Howell Filmo 16mm Cine projector
Description:
A Bell & Howell Filmo 16mm Cine projector, 1923-28, with GRAF-PAT 1919 1 inch lens, elements P, some surface oxidation, grime, untested |
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| May 2002 | £293 | Christie's | |
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Auction: MAGIC LANTERNS, OPTICAL TOYS AND CAMERAS (Lot 126) Title: B+H 70 ciné camera no. 15550
Description:
B+H 70 ciné camera no. 15550 Estimate: £150 - £250 |
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