Ihagee Night-reflex (Nachtreflex)
The Ihagee Night-reflex (Nachtreflex) is a pre-war German plate-format reflex camera built by Ihagee of Dresden, designed for low-light work with a high-speed lens. It is a scarce specialist instrument from the early decades of the twentieth century rather than a mass-market model.
Auction evidence for the Night-reflex is thin: the two recorded UK saleroom hammer results sit at £8,000 (2016) and £35,625 (2002), so any sense of what one is worth today rests on a very small sample of wholesale auction prices rather than retail asking levels. Condition, completeness of the original lens, and provenance drive value, and a single strong sale can reset expectations for what the next example sells for.
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: June 2020
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2020 | EUR 13,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 36 (Lot AI_36_38334) Title: Ihagee Night Reflex (2500) + Plasmat 1.5/9cm
Description:
4.5x6cm reflex camera with fast Hugo Mayer Plasmat 1.5/9cm no.464287, focal-plane shutter 1/15-1/1000, extremely rare, the other known camera was sold at WestLicht in 2002. This beautifully made wooden leather covered reflex camera (Nachtreflex) is in excellent original condition, the lens is clear and clean. Estimate: EUR 16,000 - EUR 18,000 |
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| Nov 2016 | EUR 8,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 29 (Lot AI_29_33590) Title: Ihagee Night Reflex (2500)
Description:
4.5x6 with Hugo Mayer Plasmat 1.5/9cm no.464287, focal-plane shutter 1/15-1/1000, extremely rare, the other known camera was sold at WestLicht in 2002. This beautifully made wooden leather covered reflex camera (Nachtreflex) is in fantastic original condition, the lens is clear and clean. Estimate: EUR 16,000 - EUR 18,000 |
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| Nov 2002 | EUR 35,625 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 1 (Lot AI_1_21384) Title: NACHTREFLEX (2500) 4,5x6 cm Plasmat
Description:
Ihagee Nightreflex 4,5x6 with Hugo Mayer Plasmat 1,5/9cm no.464028, focal-plane shutter 1/15-1/1000, a very sought after camera, few examples known |
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Frequently asked questions
What is an Ihagee Night-reflex (Nachtreflex) worth today?
On the limited UK auction record available in 2026, hammer prices have ranged from £8,000 to £36,000, but with only two data points any current value estimate should be treated as indicative rather than a firm market price.
How much does an Ihagee Nachtreflex sell for at auction?
The two recorded UK auction sales hammered at £8,000 and £35,625, and the gap between them shows how strongly condition, completeness, and the original lens influence what this camera sells for.
Why does the price vary so much?
With so few examples appearing publicly, each sale sets its own benchmark, and originality of the lens, working shutter, and intact bellows are the main factors that move the price.