Ilford Advocate II
The Ilford Advocate II is a British-made 35mm viewfinder camera from the early 1950s, recognisable by its cream/ivory vitreous-enamel body finish that set it apart from the black-and-chrome cameras that dominated the era. It was sold as a mid-market 35mm option aimed at amateur photographers.
At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Advocate II have clustered tightly around £150, with three 2025–2026 saleroom results all landing at that figure. A single Christie's result from 2002 reached £470, but that sale is an outlier from a specialist auction more than two decades ago and is not reflective of what the camera is worth today in 2026. As of today, a realistic auction value sits at about £150, with condition of the distinctive enamel finish being the main swing factor in what an 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: January 2026
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Jan 2026 | £150 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 464) Title: A Ilford Advocate II Camera
Description:
A Ilford Advocate II Camera, serial no 1919-9119, shutter working, body G, with Dallmeyer 35mm f/4.5 Anastigmat lens, elements F-G, some fungus, in |
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| Nov 2025 | £900 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 149) Title: A Ilford Advocate II Camera
Description:
A Ilford Advocate II Camera, serial no 1919W-6345, shutter working, body G, with Wray 35mm f/3.5 Lustrar lens, elements F-G, some fungus, in Ilford |
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| Jul 2025 | £150 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 178) Title: A Series II Ilford Advocate Camera
Description:
A Series II Ilford Advocate Camera, shutter sluggish/sticking in slow speeds, body G, some light marks, with Dallmeyer 35mm f/3.5 Anastigmat lens, |
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| Jul 2025 | £150 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 489) Title: An Ilford Advocate Series II Camera
Description:
An Ilford Advocate Series II Camera, serial no 1919-6901, shutter working, body G, some paint wear/scratches to back, with Dallmeyer 35mm f/3.5 |
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| May 2020 | £172 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science (Lot 124) Title: An Ilford Advocate Series II Camera
Description:
An Ilford Advocate Series II Camera, 1953, serial no. 1919-9201, with Dallmeyer Anastigmat f/3.5 35mm lens, serial no. 455783, body, VG, shutter and |
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| Dec 2002 | £470 | Christie's | |
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Auction: THE BRITISH CAMERA 1840-1960 THE JIM BARRON COLLECTION (Lot 1) Title: Advocate Series II camera no. 6744
Description:
Advocate Series II camera no. 6744 Estimate: £60 - £90 |
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| Nov -0001 | £200 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 628) Title: An Ilford Advocate II 35mm Viewfinder Camera
Description:
white, body G-VG, shutter working but sticks on slow speeds, optics G, some light fungus present, together with a Beck of London Microscope Ilford (Qty: 1) |
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Frequently asked questions
What is an Ilford Advocate II worth today?
Based on UK auction hammer results from 2025 and 2026, an Ilford Advocate II is worth around £150, with clean, cosmetically strong examples achieving the upper end of that level.
How much does an Ilford Advocate II sell for at auction?
Recent UK auction sales price the Advocate II at £150 hammer, and the three most recent results all closed at exactly that figure.
Why is the Ilford Advocate II's value so dependent on condition?
The camera's cream vitreous-enamel finish is easily chipped and stained, so cosmetic condition is the single biggest driver of price — tatty examples sell below the £150 norm while mint ones can push higher.
Is a 2002 sale at £470 a reliable guide to price?
No — that Christie's result is more than twenty years old and reflects a different collector market; current hammer prices of around £150 are the relevant benchmark.