Contessa Ergo
The Contessa Ergo is an unusual rangefinder-style camera distinguished by its right-angle viewing prism, which lets the photographer shoot at 90 degrees to the subject. It is a niche collector's item rather than a mainstream production model, and survives today largely in the hands of specialist collectors.
Auction evidence for the Contessa Ergo is thin, but the two UK saleroom hammer results on file span roughly £1,000 to £2,400, with a midpoint near £1,700 — figures that reflect wholesale auction levels before buyer's premium rather than dealer retail. As of 2026, what a Contessa Ergo is worth today depends heavily on completeness, cosmetic condition and the presence of original accessories, and the small sample size means any individual example could sell for materially more or less.
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 2017 | EUR 800 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 31 (Lot AI_31_35072) Title: Contessa Nettel Ergo Nr.15
Description:
for 4.5x6cm plates, monocular-shaped detective camera, Tessar 4.5/5.5cm no.542117, with 6 Contessa-Nettel film holders 4.5x6cm in leather cases, in beautiful original condition Estimate: EUR 1,500 - EUR 1,800 |
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| May 2007 | EUR 1,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 11 (Lot AI_11_15992) Title: Contessa Nettel Ergo Nr.15
Description:
for 4.5x6cm plates, monocular-shaped detective camera, Tessar 4.5/5,5cm no.542117, with 6 Contessa-Nettel film- holders 4.5x6cm in leather cases, in very fine original condition Estimate: EUR 1,500 - EUR 1,800 |
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| Feb 2002 | £2,350 | Christie's | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 293) Title: Ergo camera no. 460648
Description:
Ergo camera no. 460648 Estimate: £2,000 - £3,000 |
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