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Berning Robot Royal 36

The Robot Royal 36 is a 35mm camera made by Otto Berning & Co. of Germany, part of the Robot line known for its spring-driven motor wind. The '36' designation refers to its use of the full 24x36mm frame format on 35mm film, distinguishing it from the square-format Robot models. It was positioned as a mechanically-wound rangefinder for rapid sequential shooting.

At UK saleroom level, Christie's hammer results recorded between 1999 and 2002 span roughly £280 to £860, with a median near £510 — wholesale auction prices that exclude buyer's and seller's commission. Because those records are more than two decades old, what a Robot Royal 36 is worth today depends heavily on whether the spring motor still runs cleanly and whether original accessories are present. Well-preserved examples with working clockwork and clean chrome have historically sold for the higher end of this range.

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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.

Date Price Source
Nov 2003 £305 Christie's
Apr 2003 £411 Christie's
Feb 2002 £646 Christie's
Feb 1999 £276 Christie's
Feb 1999 £368 Christie's
Feb 1999 £575 Christie's
Feb 1999 £552 Christie's
Jan 1999 £862 Christie's

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