Benetfink Lightning Hand Camera
The Benetfink Lightning Hand Camera is a British-retailed plate camera from the late 19th to early 20th century, sold under the Benetfink & Co. name from their London ironmongery and photographic department. It was offered as an entry-level hand camera aimed at amateur photographers of the period.
Sales data for the Lightning Hand Camera is extremely thin, with a single recorded UK auction hammer result of £19 in late 2023. With only one wholesale saleroom data point, today's value is best treated as indicative rather than established, and condition, completeness of any plate holders, and working shutter will all materially affect what an example sells for.
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 2023
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2023 | £19 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 292) Title: A Benetfink & Co. Lightning Drop Plate Hand Camera
Description:
1890, serial no. 9501, black, body G-VG, optics G-VG, shutter working, some light haze & dust present, with plate holders stored internally, (Qty: 1) |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Benetfink Lightning Hand Camera worth today?
Based on the limited UK auction record available, one example sold for £19 at hammer in 2023; with so little data, the price a given camera sells for will depend heavily on condition and completeness.
How much does a Benetfink Lightning Hand Camera sell for at auction?
The only recorded hammer price is £19, so the current market value is best regarded as a low two-figure sum rather than a firm figure.
Is the Benetfink Lightning Hand Camera a usable camera?
It is a plate-format hand camera from the early photographic era and is generally collected as a display or historical piece rather than used, given the difficulty of sourcing plates and serviceable shutters.