Goerz Tenax
The Goerz Tenax is an early German camera produced by C.P. Goerz of Berlin. It is a plate-format design from the early twentieth century, sold as a compact pocket-style camera before the era of 35mm dominance.
At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Goerz Tenax have spanned roughly £12 to £420, with a median value near £120 — reflecting how much condition and completeness drive what one sells for today. Clean, working examples with intact shutters and original cases tend to fetch the upper end, while incomplete or worn bodies are worth considerably less.
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: May 2025
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| May 2025 | £12 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 175) Title: A C.P. Goerz Tenax Folding Camera
Description:
black, body F-G, opens and closes properly, shutter works, focus works. |
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| Oct 2024 | £60 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 100) Title: A C.P. Goerz C.D.V. Tenax 9 x 6.5 Folding Strut Camera
Description:
A C.P. Goerz C.D.V. Tenax 9 x 6.5 Folding Strut Camera, sold by the Westminster Photographic Exchange 119 Victoria Street London S.W., shutter |
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| Nov 2008 | EUR 120 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 14 (Lot AI_14_17731) Title: Goerz Tenax
Description:
rare 6.5x9cm Tenax with Dogmar 4.5/10.5cm no.578380, shutter needs attention, focusing screen adapter, packfilm holder, yellow filter, finder with spirit level, Haka Autoknips with instructions, all in case Estimate: EUR 200 - EUR 250 |
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| Nov 2004 | EUR 417 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 6 (Lot AI_6_23958) Title: Goerz Tenax outfit
Description:
4.5x6cm for plates, Westentaschen Tenax in perfect condition with Dagor 6.8/75mm in case, includes: rare hand enlarger model II for 9x12cm-13x18cm enlargements, mint in original maker's box Estimate: EUR 600 - EUR 800 |
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a Goerz Tenax sell for?
UK auction hammer results range from about £12 for rough examples up to around £420 for clean, complete ones, with a median price near £120 in 2026.
What is a Goerz Tenax worth today?
Its value depends heavily on condition: most examples sit in the low-to-mid hundreds of pounds at auction, though tatty bodies can change hands for under £20.
Is the Goerz Tenax still usable?
It can be, provided the shutter fires accurately and the bellows are light-tight, but the obsolete plate format means film use requires adapted holders or cut film.