Gaumont Reporter-Tropen (Tropical)
The Gaumont Reporter-Tropen (Tropical) is a tropical-bodied plate or rollfilm press-style camera built for use in hot, humid climates, with teak woodwork and brass fittings in place of the usual covered metal bodywork. It dates from the early 20th-century era when French maker Gaumont produced professional reporter cameras for press and field use.
Auction data for the Reporter-Tropen is extremely thin: the only recorded UK saleroom result on file is a 2002 hammer price of £1,400, which gives a single historic data point rather than a current market range. With no recent sales to anchor a 2026 value, today's worth is uncertain and depends heavily on completeness of the wood and brasswork, presence of the original lens and shutter, and overall cosmetic state when it next sells for a hammer figure.
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 2002 | EUR 1,400 | Leitz Auction | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 1 (Lot AI_1_20939) Title: GAUMONT France TROPICAL REPORTER
Description:
Metal re-inforced teak body, strut folding camera for 9x12cm plates, very good condition with magazine back, focal-plane shutter, Tesser 4,5/13,5cm no.1190585, cap |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Gaumont Reporter-Tropen (Tropical) worth today?
There is insufficient recent auction data to give a reliable 2026 value; the only logged UK hammer result is £1,400 from 2002, so any current price should be treated as indicative only.
How much does a Gaumont Reporter-Tropen sell for at auction?
On the single recorded UK auction sale, one example sold for £1,400 hammer, but this is one data point from more than two decades ago and condition-dependent results today could fall either side of that figure.
Why is the tropical version more collectable than a standard Gaumont Reporter?
Tropical models were made in much smaller numbers, with teak and brass construction intended for colonial and expedition use, and surviving examples in honest original condition command a premium over the standard leather-covered Reporter.