Bermpohl& Co. Bermpohl's Naturfarbenkamera
Bermpohl's Naturfarbenkamera is a specialist plate camera made by the German firm Bermpohl & Co. for early natural-colour photography using the one-shot three-negative method. It was built for studio and scientific use rather than general amateur photography.
At UK auction, hammer prices for Bermpohl's Naturfarbenkamera have ranged from about £1,000 to £2,500, with a median of roughly £1,700 across the four recorded saleroom results. Values today are highly condition-sensitive: complete outfits with the original beam-splitter assembly and matched plate holders sell for considerably more than stripped bodies, and the small sample size means what one sells for in any given year can swing sharply.
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: June 2020
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Jun 2020 | EUR 1,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 36 (Lot AI_36_38274) Title: Bermpohl Tri-Colour Camera
Description:
large colour-separation camera for 13x18cm plates, quality mahogany construction with matching Doppel Plasmat 4/30cm no.584840 in Compound shutter (original cap), brown leather bellows, in excellent condition with all filters, a set of film holders, focussing screen adapter, this type of 3-colour camera uses mirrors to split light in order to expose plates simultaneously, in black case Estimate: EUR 2,000 - EUR 2,400 |
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| Mar 2018 | EUR 2,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 32 (Lot AI_32_36344) Title: Bermpohl Tri-Colour Camera
Description:
9x12cm, quality teak construction, Meyer Doppel Plasmat 4/21cm no.780912 (clean lenses) in Compound shutter, maker's metal plaque 'BERMPOHL NATURFARBENKAMERA BERMPOHL & Co. KG BERLIN', complete with all filters, exchange filters, three original double film holders - all in beautiful original and perfect working condition, this type of 3-colour camera uses mirrors to split light in order to expose plates simultaneously Estimate: EUR 2,800 - EUR 3,200 |
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| May 2005 | EUR 1,320 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 7 (Lot AI_7_24783) Title: Bermpohl Naturfarbenkamera
Description:
9x12cm, quality teak construction, Steinheil Unofocal 4.5/24cm no.181446, Compur shutter, maker's plaque stamped: BERMPOHL NATURFARBENKAMERA BERMPOHL & Co.K.G.BERLIN, in good condition, this type of 3-colour camera uses mirrors to split light in order to expose plates simultaneously Estimate: EUR 1,400 - EUR 1,600 |
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| May 2004 | EUR 2,500 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 5 (Lot AI_5_23289) Title: Bermpohl Panoramic 3-colour camera
Description:
13x18cm or 42x17cm panoramic 3-colour exposures, mahogany body, paper card bellows, a G. Rodenstock lens and a G. Rodenstock Doppel Anastigmat Eurynar f/6.8 18cm telephoto lens with a dial set Compur shutter, two 13x18cm darkslides with three coloured glass filters with two filter holders, two 42x17cm darkslides, focusing screen engraved W. Bermpohl Berlin fitted with 3 coloured glass filters, unusual and early 3-colour camera with the whole outfit possibly made by W. Bermpohl Estimate: EUR 1,910 - EUR 4 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Bermpohl's Naturfarbenkamera worth today?
Recent UK auction hammer results place its value between about £1,000 and £2,500, depending on completeness and the condition of the optical components.
How much does a Bermpohl's Naturfarbenkamera sell for at auction?
Across the four recorded sales it has sold for a median price of around £1,700, with the highest result at £2,500 and the lowest at £1,000.
Why does the price vary so much?
Because it is a rare one-shot colour camera, price depends heavily on whether the beam-splitter optics are clear and whether the original plate holders are included.