Busch Pressman (4x5)
The Busch Pressman is a 4x5 large-format press camera, a folding field-and-press body designed for sheet film photography. It sits in the mid-20th-century American press-camera category alongside the better-known Speed Graphic, and was sold as a working photographer's tool rather than a hobbyist item.
Sales data for the Pressman 4x5 is thin, with a single UK auction hammer result of £100 recorded in December 2024 — a wholesale saleroom level rather than a retail asking price. On that limited evidence the camera's value today sits in the low three figures, but condition, completeness of the lens and back, and shutter function will swing what any individual example sells for.
Sales History
Prices shown are realised prices — auction results and completed eBay sales, never asking prices. Most saleroom figures are hammer prices, before commission; some houses publish a premium-inclusive figure, and we do not adjust for condition. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher. How this figure is calculated.
Prices updated: December 2024
| Date | Price | Value GBP | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2024 | £100 | £80 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | |
|
Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 172) Title: A Busch Pressman 4x5 Model D Large Format Camera
Description:
black, serial number D109580, opens and folds correctly, fitted with a Kodak Ektar f/4.7 127mm lens, optics G with light haze, with three film plate |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Busch Pressman 4x5 worth today?
Based on the limited UK auction record available, a Busch Pressman 4x5 has sold for around £100 at hammer, though clean, fully working examples with a good lens can price higher.
How much does a Busch Pressman 4x5 sell for at auction?
The one verified UK saleroom result on file shows a hammer price of £100 in late 2024; with so few data points the realistic price range is wider than that single figure suggests.
Is the Busch Pressman 4x5 still usable?
Yes, provided the bellows are light-tight, the shutter is accurate and standard 4x5 sheet film holders fit the back, it remains a usable large-format camera.