Hensoldt Publica
The Hensoldt Publica is a rare collector-grade camera produced by the German optical maker Hensoldt. Public reference data on this specific model is limited, so coverage here focuses on what the auction record shows about its value rather than detailed specification claims.
Hammer prices for the Hensoldt Publica at UK and European auction have varied dramatically with condition and completeness, with recorded results spanning roughly £11,000 to £88,000 at saleroom level. With only two sales on record, a meaningful median is not possible, and any figure quoted today should be treated as indicative rather than a settled market price. Buyers asking what a Publica is worth or how much one sells for should expect strong condition sensitivity and provenance to drive the price.
Sales History
Prices shown are realised prices — auction results and completed eBay sales, never asking prices. Most saleroom figures are hammer prices, before commission; some houses publish a premium-inclusive figure, and we do not adjust for condition. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher. How this figure is calculated.
Prices updated: March 2018
| Date | Price | Value GBP | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2018 | EUR 11,000 | £9,712 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 32 (Lot AI_32_36405) Title: Hensoldt Publica + Xenar 3,5/50mm
Description:
extremely rare 35mm Leica II copy rangefinder camera by Hensoldt in Wetzlar with M39-mount, second version without screws holding the top plate and overall better finish (the only other known example is number 143), focal-plane shutter without slow speeds, rangefinder combined to the viewfinder, with matching rangefinder-coupled Xenar 3.5/5cm no.1791595, less than 100 of both versions were made, only few survived, production was stopped after Leica made patent claims, with special hood, lens cap, yellow filter and original leather case Estimate: EUR 10,000 - EUR 12,000 |
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| May 2006 | EUR 88,125 | £60,215 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 9 (Lot AI_9_26679) Title: Hensoldt-Werke Wetzlar Publica
Description:
quite unknown German 24x36mm viewfinder camera, with coupled rangefinder, focal plane shutter (works), Xenar 3.5/50mm without number, only very few of these cameras are known to exist, there is also no information, why Hensoldt stopped to produce this camera after a few samples, first time to be offered on a public auction Estimate: EUR 6,000 - EUR 8,000 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Hensoldt Publica worth today?
Recorded auction hammer prices range from about £11,000 to £88,000, so value depends heavily on condition, completeness and provenance rather than a single market figure.
How much does a Hensoldt Publica sell for at auction?
The two verified UK/European auction results on file show wholesale hammer prices of £11,000 and £88,125, indicating a wide spread for this rare model.
Is the Hensoldt Publica a rare camera?
Yes — sales records are very sparse, which is itself a signal of rarity and a reason prices at auction can vary so widely.