Kemper Kombi
The Kemper Kombi is a small-format roll film camera from the early twentieth century, designed as a compact box-style instrument that could be used for both still and stereoscopic-style work. It was sold as an inexpensive everyday camera rather than a professional tool, and today it is collected mainly as a period curiosity.
At UK auction in recent years, hammer prices for the Kemper Kombi have clustered tightly, with the two recorded saleroom results sitting at £132 and £135 — a median of around £130 and a narrow range of roughly £130–£140. As of today these are wholesale-level results before commission, and any premium over that band typically depends on the camera arriving complete with its original case or paperwork, which is what most collectors are willing to pay more for when one sells.
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: April 2025
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Apr 2025 | £288 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 251) Title: A Kemper Kombi Camera
Description:
1892, serial no. 14207, body, G-VG, shutter working, complete with maker's box |
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| Nov 2021 | EUR 280 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 39 (Lot AI_39_39633) Title: Kemper Chicago 'The Kombi'
Description:
small metal box camera for 27x27mm exposures, in excellent condition, with original makers box Estimate: EUR 400 - EUR 500 |
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| May 2020 | £135 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science (Lot 171) Title: A Kemper Kombi Camera
Description:
A Kemper Kombi Camera, 1892, serial no. 196, body, F, shutter working |
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| Nov 2018 | £132 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science & Medicine (Lot 1098) Title: A Kemper Kombi 1⅛'' Camera
Description:
1892, serial no. 22042, body, G, shutter working, lens, G-VG, some light haze |
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| Dec 2010 | EUR 185 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 18 (Lot AI_18_11831) Title: Kemper Chicago 'The Kombi'
Description:
small metal box camera for exposures 27x27mm or circular exposures with 27mm diameter, in excellent condition, complete with original maker's box Estimate: EUR 300 - EUR 400 |
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| Nov 2007 | EUR 190 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 12 (Lot AI_12_20695) Title: Kemper Chicago 'The Kombi'
Description:
small metal box camera for exposures 27x27mm or circular images with 27mm diameter, in excellent condition, complete with original makers box Estimate: EUR 300 - EUR 400 |
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| Nov 2006 | EUR 150 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 10 (Lot AI_10_15576) Title: Kemper Chicago 'The Kombi'
Description:
camera in form of a small metal box for square exposures 27x27mm or circular exposures with 27mm diameter in original condition Estimate: EUR 300 - EUR 400 |
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| Nov 2005 | EUR 230 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 8 (Lot AI_8_25501) Title: Kemper Chicago 'The Kombi'
Description:
small metal box for exposures in 27x27mm format or circular images with 27mm diameter, in original condition Estimate: EUR 300 - EUR 400 |
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| May 2004 | EUR 636 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 5 (Lot AI_5_23437) Title: Kemper Chicago 'The Kombi'
Description:
small metalbox for exposures in 27x27mm format or circular images with 27mm diameter, in excellent condition, complete with the original makers box and the rare rollfilm holder no.20979 (also boxed) Estimate: EUR 1,895 - EUR 20,979 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Kemper Kombi worth today?
Based on UK auction hammer results, a Kemper Kombi is worth around £130, with the two recorded sales falling between £132 and £135 before commission.
How much does a Kemper Kombi sell for at auction?
Recent UK saleroom sales show the Kemper Kombi sells for roughly £130–£140 at hammer, so the current market price for a presentable example sits close to that band.
What affects the value of a Kemper Kombi?
Cosmetic condition, a working shutter and the presence of original accessories such as a case or box are the main factors that push the price toward the upper end of the recorded range.