Bell & Howell Foton
The Bell & Howell Foton is a 35mm rangefinder camera produced in the United States in the late 1940s. It was positioned at the top of the market when new, aimed at professional and advanced amateur photographers and priced well above most contemporary 35mm cameras.
At UK auction today, hammer prices for the Foton have ranged from around £500 to £2,000, with a median near £880 — these are saleroom wholesale results rather than retail asking prices. The Foton is scarce and condition-sensitive, so what a given example sells for depends heavily on cosmetic state, mechanical function and completeness; exceptional examples have driven the upper end of the value range.
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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| Jan 2024 | USD 550 | pedia_sales_tamarkin | |
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Auction: 2024 Results (Lot 57) Title: Bell & Howell Foton with flash synchronized with 2-Inch Cooke Amotal Anastigmat f2
Description:
Bell & Howell Foton with flash synchronized with 2-Inch Cooke Amotal Anastigmat f2 |
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| Jan 2024 | USD 500 | pedia_sales_tamarkin | |
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Auction: 2024 Results (Lot 56) Title: Bell & Howell Foton with 2-Inch Cooke Amotal Anastigmat f2
Description:
Bell & Howell Foton with 2-Inch Cooke Amotal Anastigmat f2 |
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| Nov 2020 | EUR 1,200 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 37 (Lot AI_37_38773) Title: Bell & Howell Foton
Description:
Rare spring-driven rangefinder camera for 35mm film in fine condition and working order, with Cooke Amotal Anastigmat 2/2" no.298397 (good optics, showing only some light cleaning marks) Estimate: EUR 2,000 - EUR 2,400 |
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| Nov 2020 | USD 550 | pedia_sales_tamarkin | |
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Auction: November 2020 Auction Results (Lot 3) Title: Bell & Howell Foton
Description:
Bell & Howell Foton |
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| Jun 2020 | EUR 2,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 36 (Lot AI_36_38312) Title: Bell & Howell Foton
Description:
spring-driven 35mm rangefinder camera in very good working condition (shutter speed selecting knob replaced), with Taylor Hobson Cooke Amotal 2/2" no.300978 (optics with slight cleaning marks) Estimate: EUR 1,400 - EUR 1,600 |
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| Jun 2015 | EUR 500 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 27 (Lot AI_27_31506) Title: Bell & Howell Foton
Description:
spring-driven 35mm rangefinder camera in very good working condition, with Taylor Hobson Cooke Amotal 2/2" no.301070 (minimal scratches on front element) Estimate: EUR 800 - EUR 1,000 |
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| Nov 2006 | £420 | Christie's | |
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Auction: Cameras, Photographs and Optical Toys (Lot 399) Title: Foton no. 720737
Description:
Foton no. 720737 Estimate: £300 - £500 |
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| May 2006 | EUR 880 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 9 (Lot AI_9_27034) Title: Bell & Howell Foton
Description:
24x36mm viewfinder camera with clockwork motor, very rare, with Cooke Amotal 2/2' lens Estimate: EUR 1,400 - EUR 1,600 |
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