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 realised prices — auction results and completed eBay sales, never asking prices. Most saleroom figures are hammer prices, before commission; some houses publish a premium-inclusive figure, and we do not adjust for condition. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher. How this figure is calculated.
Prices updated: June 2017
| Date | Price | Value GBP | Source | |
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| Jun 2017 | EUR 800 | £702 | 🇦🇹 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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| Nov 2012 | £550 | £550 | 🇬🇧 Bonhams | |
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Auction: Selected Furniture & Antiques, To Be Sold Without Reserve (Lot 148) Title: An Ergo monocular disguised camera
Description:
By Contessa-Nettel, Germany, the concealed lens taking the picture at a right-angle to the apparent direction of view from the 'monocular', with original case and five single, numbered metal slides. Estimate: £400 - £600 |
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| Jun 2008 | EUR 800 | £633 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 13 (Lot AI_13_16715) Title: Contessa Nettel Ergo
Description:
for 4.5x6cm plates, monocular-shaped detective camera, Tessar 4.5/5.5cm no.542771, with 2 plate film holders, back, in very fine original condition Estimate: EUR 1,500 - EUR 1,800 |
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| May 2007 | EUR 1,000 | £681 | 🇦🇹 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 | £2,000 | 🇬🇧 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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| Jan 1998 | £1,265 | £1,100 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 360) Title: Ergo camera no. 460570
Description:
Ergo camera no. 460570 Estimate: £1,200 - £1,800 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Contessa Ergo worth at UK auction?
Recorded UK auction hammer prices for the Ergo sit between roughly £1,000 and £2,400, though with only two data points the true market value of any individual example can vary widely.
How much does a Contessa Ergo sell for today?
On the limited sales history available, an Ergo sells for a price somewhere in the four-figure range at auction, with condition and originality being the main drivers.
Why is the Contessa Ergo collectible?
Its right-angle viewing design makes it mechanically unusual, and surviving examples are scarce, which supports its value among specialist camera collectors.