Ducati Simplex
The Ducati Simplex is a sub-miniature 35mm film camera produced in Italy by the Ducati firm in the late 1940s. It used short cassettes and recorded a small format frame, positioning it as a precision-engineered compact alongside other post-war Italian optical instruments.
At UK saleroom level the Ducati Simplex has a thin auction record, with hammer prices ranging from about £300 to £410 and a midpoint near £360 from the two recorded results. As of 2026 the model trades infrequently, so what a Ducati Simplex sells for today is highly dependent on cosmetic condition, completeness of the cassette system, and whether the original lens and case are present.
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 | |
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| May 2023 | £250 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 138) Title: A Ducati Simplex Camera
Description:
1950-, chrome, serial no. 11342, with Ducati Etar f/3.5 35mm lens, chrome, body, VG, shutter sticking slightly, lens, VG |
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| Nov 2018 | EUR 300 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 33 (Lot AI_33_36875) Title: Ducati Simplex
Description:
with Etar 3.5/35mm (small coating mark on front element) in very fine condition Estimate: EUR 500 - EUR 600 |
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| Nov 2016 | EUR 500 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 29 (Lot AI_29_33724) Title: Ducati Simplex
Description:
with Etar 3.5/35mm in near mint condition with everready case, very rare with 'Certificato di Garanzia' for this camera an silver/blue maker's box Estimate: EUR 700 - EUR 900 |
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| May 2012 | EUR 850 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 21 (Lot AI_21_13665) Title: Ducati Simplex
Description:
18x24mm, with Etar f/3.5 35mm lens in near mint condition and good working order, film spool, case, warranty card, with an extra Vitor 3.5/35mm lens Estimate: EUR 1,000 - EUR 1,200 |
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| Sep 2005 | £240 | Christie's | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 124) Title: Ducati Simplex no. 11597
Description:
Ducati Simplex no. 11597 Estimate: £250 - £355 |
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| Sep 2005 | £264 | Christie's | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 125) Title: Ducati Simplex no. 17286
Description:
Ducati Simplex no. 17286 Estimate: £250 - £350 |
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| May 2004 | EUR 600 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 5 (Lot AI_5_23431) Title: Ducati Simplex
Description:
one of the earliest Ducatis known to exist (camera No 7 !!), Etar 3.5/35mm, case, rare silver original Ducati box Estimate: EUR 1,950 - EUR 10,007 |
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| Sep 2001 | £411 | Christie's | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 194) Title: Ducati Simplex no. 12792
Description:
Ducati Simplex no. 12792 Estimate: £250 - £350 |
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