Contessa Argus
The Contessa Argus is an early 20th-century plate camera produced by Contessa-Nettel, the German manufacturer based in Stuttgart that merged into Zeiss Ikon in 1926. As a folding plate camera from this period, it sits in the antique segment of the collector market rather than among working-use vintage cameras.
Sales evidence for the Contessa Argus is extremely thin: a single UK auction hammer result of £600 from December 2009 is the only data point on file, so a meaningful current price range cannot be quoted today. Anyone trying to work out what a Contessa Argus is worth in 2026 should treat that figure as historical context only and seek fresh comparables, since auction-hammer values for niche pre-Zeiss-Ikon plate cameras are highly condition-sensitive and turn over infrequently.
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: May 2013
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2013 | EUR 600 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 23 (Lot AI_23_10785) Title: Contessa-Nettel Argus
Description:
4.5x6cm, rare monocular spy camera, Tessar 4.5/5.5cm no.541973, in very good original condition, original film pack holder, plate film holder and case Estimate: EUR 1,200 - EUR 1,400 |
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| Dec 2009 | EUR 600 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 16 (Lot AI_16_19484) Title: Contessa-Nettel Argus
Description:
4.5x6cm, rare monocular spy camera, Tessar 4.5/5.5cm no.541909, in very good original condition, plate named 'CAPI' mounted on side of camera Estimate: EUR 1,200 - EUR 1,400 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Contessa Argus worth today?
Public auction data is too sparse to give a reliable current value; the only recorded UK hammer price on file is £600 from a 2009 sale, which should be treated as a historical reference rather than a present-day market price.
How much does a Contessa Argus sell for at auction?
With just one verified UK auction sale on record (£600 hammer in 2009), there is not enough evidence to state a typical price range, and recent comparables should be checked before buying or selling.
Is the Contessa Argus a usable camera or a collector item?
It is a pre-war folding plate camera, so in practice it is bought as a collector or display piece rather than as a working camera.