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Contessa Sonnet Tropical

The Contessa Sonnet Tropical is an early 20th-century folding plate camera built in a tropical-specification body, typically finished in polished teak with brass fittings for use in humid climates. It was produced by Contessa before the firm merged into Zeiss Ikon in 1926, and sits within the collector category of pre-war folding plate cameras rather than everyday user equipment.

At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Sonnet Tropical have clustered tightly around £280–£300, with a median close to £300 based on the limited sales on record. As of today in 2026, that band reflects what a presentable example is worth at saleroom level, and condition of the teak panels, bellows and brasswork drives most of the variation in what one sells for.

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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.

Prices updated: June 2020

Date Price Source
Jun 2020 EUR 400 Leitz Auction
Nov 2019 EUR 300 Leitz Auction
Mar 2014 EUR 700 Leitz Auction
Nov 2013 EUR 500 Leitz Auction
Nov 2012 EUR 1,600 Leitz Auction
May 2012 EUR 300 Leitz Auction
Dec 2010 EUR 300 Leitz Auction
Jun 2007 £120 Christie's
May 2006 EUR 280 Leitz Auction
May 2006 EUR 1,540 Leitz Auction
May 2006 £168 Christie's
Jan 1999 £230 Christie's

Frequently asked questions

What is a Contessa Sonnet Tropical worth today?

Recent UK auction hammer results put the value at roughly £280–£300, with clean, complete examples sitting at the upper end of that range.

How much does a Contessa Sonnet Tropical sell for at auction?

The three recorded UK hammer prices are £280, £300 and £300, so expectations around the £300 mark are reasonable for a typical example.

What most affects the price of a Sonnet Tropical?

Condition of the teak body, bellows integrity and a working shutter have the biggest impact on price; damaged wood or light-leaking bellows pull values well below the median.

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