Debrie Parvo L
The Debrie Parvo L is a French-made cine camera, part of the Parvo series of 35mm motion-picture cameras produced by Établissements André Debrie of Paris during the early-to-mid 20th century. It was aimed at professional cinematography use rather than amateur stills work.
With only a single recorded UK auction result to reference, pricing data is thin: a Parvo L sold for £1,750 at hammer in November 2024, a wholesale saleroom result that excludes buyer's premium. On that limited evidence the model's value in 2026 sits in the low four figures, though what a Parvo L sells for can vary considerably with completeness, mechanical condition and the presence of original accessories.
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 2024 | £1,750 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 353) Title: An Andre Debrie Le Parvo Model L 35mm Cine Camera
Description:
1925, grey/green, serial no. 8229, with Kinoptik Apochromat f/2 50mm lens, black, serial no. 33773, body, G-VG, untested, lens, F-G, internal haze, |
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| Nov 2016 | EUR 1,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 30 (Lot AI_30_34030) Title: Debrie Parvo L 'Ufa'
Description:
in the 1920’s und 30’s the Parvo L was one of the most popular tools among professional cameramen, its compact design and its reliability made it the first choice for newsreel as well as for feature films. The offered camera is part of the estate of the late Austrian film producer Kurt Miksch and was used at the news department of Ufa and Selenophon (Austrian newsreel agency). The Parvo L was the most advanced camera of its time. Since it had an extremely accurate film movement the camera could also be used to shoot in reverse. Together with the sophisticated mechanical fader this technical feature allowed to cross dissolve two shots on the set – a big advantage at a time that did hardly know any post production! The offered Parvo has never been restored and is in the original used condition. As can be told by the circular reseller label on the right side, the camera was originally sold by the Schatzow company of Berlin. It comes with a hand crank, an attached electric motor, 2x 60m magazines and 6 reels of 35mm positive film that was shot with this very camera: (1) 3 German newsreels from 1930, (2) one reel showing Hindenburg’s state funeral followed by the inauguration of the German Wehrmacht and a parade for Benito Mussolini, (3) one single reel labelled „Vollgas durch die Alpen“ (at full throttle across the Alps) and (4) one Austrian post-war newsreel „Welt im Bild Nr. 138“. Estimate: EUR 2,000 - EUR 2,400 |
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| Nov 2016 | EUR 700 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 30 (Lot AI_30_34852) Title: Debrie Parvo L
Description:
professional hand-cranked 35mm motion picture camera, with unmarked F:2 lens, wooden carrying case for the camera, two film spools, two cranks and hood with filter slots Estimate: EUR 1,400 - EUR 1,600 |
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| Dec 2010 | EUR 4,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 18 (Lot AI_18_11702) Title: Debrie Parvo L „Ufa“
Description:
in the 1920’s und 30’s the Parvo L was one of the most popular tools among professional cameramen, its compact design and its reliability made it the first choice for newsreel as well as for feature films. The offered camera is part of the estate of the late Austrian film producer Kurt Miksch and was used at the news department of Ufa and Selenophon (Austrian newsreel agency). The Parvo L was the most advanced camera of its time. Since it had an extremely accurate film movement the camera could also be used to shoot in reverse. Together with the sophisticated mechanical fader this technical feature allowed to cross dissolve two shots on the set – a big advantage at a time that did hardly know any post production! The offered Parvo has never been restored and is in the original used condition. As can be told by the circular reseller label on the right side, the camera was originally sold by the Schatzow company of Berlin. It comes with a hand crank, an attached electric motor, 2x 60m magazines and 6 reels of 35mm positive film that was shot with this very camera: (1) 3 German newsreels from 1930, (2) one reel showing Hindenburg’s state funeral followed by the inauguration of the German Wehrmacht and a parade for Benito Mussolini, (3) one single reel labelled „Vollgas durch die Alpen“ (at full throttle across the Alps) and (4) one Austrian post-war newsreel „Welt im Bild Nr. 138“. Estimate: EUR 8,000 - EUR 10,000 |
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