Bentzin Primar Reflex
The Bentzin Primar Reflex is a German-made medium-format single-lens reflex camera dating from the pre-war era of plate and roll-film SLR design. It was sold as a professional-tier waist-level reflex aimed at studio and portrait photographers when new.
Sales data for the Primar Reflex is thin, so its value today is hard to pin down with precision: a single UK auction hammer result from July 2023 saw an example sell for £212, which is the only reference point currently on file. Because this is a wholesale saleroom figure rather than a dealer asking price, retail-ready examples in 2026 typically command more, and condition of the bellows, shutter and ground glass has an outsized effect on what the camera is worth.
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: July 2023
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 2023 | £212 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Mini Fine Cameras & Instruments of Science (Lot 135) Title: A Bentzin Primar-Reflex Medium Format Camera
Description:
1925-50, black, serial no., 27254, with Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar f/2.8 100mm lens, chrome, serial no. 2566402, body, G-VG, shutter requires attention, |
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| Jul 2023 | £100 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Mini Fine Cameras & Instruments of Science (Lot 136) Title: A Bentzin Primar Reflex Camera
Description:
1913, black, with Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar f/4.5 180mm lens, black, serial no. 2434882, body, G, shutter fires, lens, VG |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Bentzin Primar Reflex worth today?
Based on the limited UK auction data available, a Primar Reflex sold for £212 hammer in 2023; with only one recorded sale, treat this as an indicative value rather than a firm market price.
How much does a Bentzin Primar Reflex sell for at auction?
The single recorded UK auction hammer price for a Primar Reflex is £212, achieved in July 2023, which excludes buyer's premium.
Is the Bentzin Primar Reflex a good buy at this price?
At around £200 hammer it can be reasonable for a working example, but factor in the cost of a likely shutter and bellows service, which can exceed the camera's purchase price.