Carl Zeiss Jena Aerial
The Carl Zeiss Jena Aerial is a specialist camera produced by the German optical manufacturer Carl Zeiss Jena, designed for aerial photography rather than general handheld use. Cameras of this kind from Zeiss Jena were built for institutional and military applications, and surviving examples are seldom seen on the open market.
Sales data for this model is extremely thin: a single recorded result of £30,000 hammer at UK auction in 2011 is the only reference point, so any current valuation in 2026 should be treated as indicative rather than a reliable market price. With no comparable recent hammer results, what one of these sells for today depends heavily on completeness, originality and buyer demand on the day.
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 2011 | EUR 30,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 20 (Lot AI_20_12998) Title: (Carl Zeiss Jena) Aerial Hot-Air Balloon Camera
Description:
13x18cm, undocumented aerial camera for use from hot-air balloons with a built-in clock and altimeter, these were photographed by stereo lenses (with built-in shutter) inside the camera and transfered to the negative (a data back from 1911!), this sophisticated camera built by Carl Zeiss Jena was produced by special order and delieverd to St.Peterburg, Tessar 4.5/21cm no.186444 in Compound shutter, changing magazine, folding finder, cable release, metal plaque with inscription attached on the side Estimate: EUR 8,000 - EUR 10,000 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Carl Zeiss Jena Aerial camera worth?
The only recorded UK auction hammer price in our data is £30,000, achieved in 2011, so the worth of an individual example today depends on condition and is difficult to pin down without further comparable sales.
How much does a Carl Zeiss Jena Aerial sell for at auction?
With just one recorded sale at £30,000 hammer, the price a given example sells for varies widely and should be confirmed against current specialist auction results.
Is the Carl Zeiss Jena Aerial a common collector camera?
No. It is a specialist piece that rarely appears at general camera auctions, which is reflected in the very limited sales history available.