Candid Camera Supply Co. Perfex (prototype)
The Perfex (prototype) is an early experimental camera attributed to Candid Camera Supply Co., representing a pre-production design rather than a regular catalogue model. As a prototype, it survives only in very small numbers and sits in the collector category rather than being a user camera.
With only one recorded UK auction result to reference, the Perfex (prototype) sold for £9,500 hammer at saleroom level in 2018 — a wholesale figure rather than a retail asking price. On that single data point, today's value sits in the four-figure-plus range, but with so little trading history any fresh sale could reset what the camera is worth, and condition and provenance would heavily influence the price it sells for.
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2018 | EUR 9,500 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 32 (Lot AI_32_36300) Title: Candid Camera Perfex 35mm Prototype
Description:
Unknown prototype of a 35mm RF camera 24x36mm with interchangeable lens, focal plane shutter (P, 1 - 1/1000) and selftimer. Uncommon rangefinder- the 1:1 viewfinder image is horizontally divided in two halves of which the lower moves laterally if the lens is focused by turning the substantial knob adjacent to it. The lens, a 2.8/50mm Wollensak Perfex Velostigmat without serial number, is interchangeable in a three claw breech lock bayonet mount of unknown design, it focusses to 3 feet. Longer shutter speeds (1/20 to 1) are set with a small dial above the focusing knob. Below it there are the sync contacts. The back can be removed in Contax style and is arrested with a sliding knob, for use on a tripod it has a 3/8” thread. The camera is the prototype of a advanced professional „Perfex“ camera made by Candid Camera/Chicago, IL, around 1940, which never went in production. The recently discovered camera is in very good and working condition. No other example is known to us. Estimate: EUR 6,000 - EUR 8,000 |
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| Nov 2016 | EUR 6,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 29 (Lot AI_29_33423) Title: Candid Camera Perfex 35mm Prototype
Description:
Unknown prototype of a 35mm RF camera 24x36mm with interchangeable lens, focal plane shutter (P, 1 - 1/1000) and selftimer. Uncommon rangefinder- the 1:1 viewfinder image is horizontally divided in two halves of which the lower moves laterally if the lens is focused by turning the substantial knob adjacent to it. The lens, a 2.8/50mm Wollensak Perfex Velostigmat without serial number, is interchangeable in a three claw breech lock bayonet mount of unknown design, it focusses to 3 feet. Longer shutter speeds (1/20 to 1) are set with a small dial above the focusing knob. Below it there are the sync contacts. The back can be removed in Contax style and is arrested with a sliding knob, for use on a tripod it has a 3/8” thread. The camera is the prototype of a advanced professional „Perfex“ camera made by Candid Camera/Chicago, IL, around 1940, which never went in production. The recently discovered camera is in very good and working condition. No other example is known to us. Estimate: EUR 10,000 - EUR 12,000 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Perfex (prototype) worth today?
Based on the only recorded UK auction sale, a Perfex prototype achieved £9,500 hammer in 2018; with such a thin trading history, current value should be treated as indicative rather than a firm market price.
How much does a Perfex (prototype) sell for at auction?
The single documented hammer price is £9,500, reflecting wholesale auction-room level rather than a dealer retail figure.
Why is the price so high compared with production cameras?
Prototypes exist in very small numbers and are bought primarily for rarity and historical interest, which is what supports the four-figure value seen at auction.