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Berning Robot Star 25

The Berning Robot Star 25 is a spring-wound 35mm camera from Otto Berning & Co. of Düsseldorf, part of the long-running Robot Star line that exposed square-format frames on 35mm film. It was positioned as a compact, mechanically driven camera aimed at users who wanted rapid sequential shooting without a separate motor drive.

In the UK auction market today the Robot Star 25 is an affordable collector's item: recent hammer prices have ranged from about £45 to £100, with a median near £80. Earlier saleroom results from the early 2000s, when examples sold for £188 and £258, show that values have softened, and what a Robot Star 25 sells for now is closely tied to cosmetic condition and whether the spring motor still runs cleanly.

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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: August 2024

Date Price Source
Aug 2024 £100 Special Auction Services
Aug 2024 £100 Special Auction Services
Aug 2024 £60 Special Auction Services
Apr 2023 £45 Special Auction Services
Nov 2003 EUR 188 Leitz Auction
Feb 2002 £258 Christie's

Frequently asked questions

What is a Berning Robot Star 25 worth at UK auction?

Recent hammer results sit in a £45–£100 band, so a clean working example is typically worth around £80 at saleroom level.

How much does a Robot Star 25 sell for today?

In 2026 the camera usually sells for between £45 and £100 at UK auction, with tatty or non-running bodies at the lower end and tidy, functioning examples closer to £100.

Why is the price lower than it was twenty years ago?

Auction results from 2002–2003 reached £188 and £258, but demand for spring-wound 35mm cameras has eased since, and current value reflects a narrower collector base.

What most affects the value of a Robot Star 25?

Condition of the spring motor and shutter is the biggest factor; a camera that winds and fires correctly will fetch a noticeable premium over one sold as spares or repair.

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