CameraWorth.com

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.

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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: November 2025

Date Price Source
Nov 2025 £80 Special Auction Services
Aug 2023 £20 Special Auction Services
Nov 2018 EUR 200 Leitz Auction
May 2002 £293 Christie's

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Bell & Howell Filmo 70 sell for at UK auction?

Recorded UK hammer results sit between roughly £20 and £80, so most examples sell for under £100 unless offered with a full set of original lenses.

What is a Bell & Howell Filmo 70 worth today?

Based on the limited sales data available in 2026, a typical Filmo 70 body is worth around £20–£80 at auction, with the price driven mainly by cosmetic condition, motor function and the presence of turret lenses.

Is the Filmo 70 still usable?

Yes — it is a 16mm format camera and can still be run with fresh 16mm stock, provided the spring motor and shutter have been serviced and the gate is clean.

Why do Filmo 70 prices vary so much?

The Filmo 70 was produced in many sub-variants over a long period, and value depends on which version is offered, whether lenses are included, and whether the mechanism has been serviced.

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