Cornu Ontoscope
The Cornu Ontoscope is an early French stereoscopic camera from the small Paris-based maker Cornu. It was built for paired-image stereo photography on plates, a format popular in the early twentieth century before roll-film stereo cameras displaced it.
Public auction data for the Ontoscope is extremely thin: the only verified UK saleroom record we have is a single Christie's hammer result of £70 in 2001, so today there is no meaningful current price band to quote. Anyone trying to work out what a Cornu Ontoscope is worth in 2026 should treat that figure as a historic data point rather than a guide to what the camera sells for now, and watch upcoming specialist stereo sales for fresh comparables before assigning a value.
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2016 | EUR 750 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 30 (Lot AI_30_34749) Title: Cornu Ontoscope 6x13 Stéréo Panoramique N°3
Description:
rigid-bodied stereo camera for 6x13cm plates in heavy nickel finish, advanced version for stereo and panoramic exposures and with focusing front, dual Tessar lenses 6.3/8.5cm nos.751582+751591 (caps), matching metal late magazine - in beautiful condition Estimate: EUR 500 - EUR 600 |
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| Sep 2001 | £70 | Christie's | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 223) Title: Ontoscope no. 3699
Description:
Ontoscope no. 3699 Estimate: £100 - £150 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Cornu Ontoscope worth today?
There is too little auction data to give a reliable current value; the only verified UK hammer result on record is £70 at Christie's in 2001, and a fresh sale would be needed to set a present-day price.
How much does a Cornu Ontoscope sell for at auction?
On the single verified UK saleroom result available, a Cornu Ontoscope sold for a £70 hammer price, but one data point is not enough to define a typical price range.
Is the Cornu Ontoscope a stereo camera?
Yes, the Ontoscope is a stereoscopic plate camera made by Cornu of France for taking paired stereo images.