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Compagnie Francaise de Photographie Photosphere 1

The Photosphere 1 is an early spherical-bodied detective camera produced in France by Compagnie Française de Photographie in the 1890s. Its distinctive hemispherical shutter and rounded brass body made it one of the more unusual designs of the late Victorian era, and it was sold as a compact instrument for plate photography.

At UK auction the Photosphere 1 is a scarce lot, with hammer prices recorded between roughly £720 and £2,800 — wholesale saleroom results that exclude buyer's and seller's premiums. With only a handful of sales to reference, the value today in 2026 is highly condition- and completeness-dependent: examples retaining the original case, plate holders and an intact shutter mechanism sit at the upper end of that range, while incomplete bodies sell for far less.

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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.

Date Price Source
Jun 2023 EUR 1,600 Leitz Auction
Oct 2019 £1,200 Flints Auctions
Nov 2015 EUR 2,800 Leitz Auction
Jan 2007 £720 Christie's
Nov 2002 £1,116 Christie's
Jan 1998 £805 Christie's

Frequently asked questions

What is a Compagnie Française de Photographie Photosphere 1 worth today?

Recorded UK auction hammer prices range from about £720 to £2,800, so the value depends heavily on completeness and the condition of the shutter.

How much does a Photosphere 1 sell for at auction?

Two reference sales sit at £720 and £2,800 at hammer, giving a wide price spread driven by condition and the presence of original accessories.

Why does the Photosphere 1 price vary so much?

Because so few examples come to market, each sale is set by its own merits — a complete, working camera with plate holders sells for many times the price of a stripped or damaged body.

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