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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.

Prices updated: November 2003

Date Price Source
Nov 2003 £305 Christie's
Apr 2003 £411 Christie's
Feb 2002 £646 Christie's
Jul 2001 £470 Christie's
Feb 1999 £276 Christie's
Feb 1999 £368 Christie's
Feb 1999 £575 Christie's
Feb 1999 £552 Christie's
Feb 1999 £402 Christie's
Jan 1999 £862 Christie's

Frequently asked questions

What is a Berning Robot Royal 36 worth?

Historical UK auction hammer prices recorded at Christie's between 1999 and 2002 ranged from about £280 to £860, with a median near £510, though current value depends on condition and completeness.

How much does a Robot Royal 36 sell for at auction?

The four recorded Christie's results sit at £276, £368, £646, and £862 hammer, indicating a wide spread driven largely by condition of the spring motor and cosmetics.

What makes the Robot Royal 36 different from other Robot cameras?

The '36' indicates the full 24x36mm 35mm frame, whereas most earlier Robot models used a smaller square format; the clockwork motor wind is retained.

Is the Robot Royal 36 still serviceable today?

Servicing is possible but restricted to specialists familiar with Robot clockwork mechanisms, so a working example is worth notably more than a non-running one.

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