Kodak 7 Inch f/2.5 Aero Ektar
The Kodak 7 Inch f/2.5 Aero Ektar is a large-aperture aerial lens originally produced for US military reconnaissance cameras during the 1940s. It covers 4x5 inch format and has developed a following among large format photographers who adapt it to press cameras for its shallow depth of field and distinctive out-of-focus rendering.
At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the 7 Inch f/2.5 Aero Ektar have spanned roughly £190 to £450, with a median result near £300 — these are wholesale saleroom figures rather than dealer retail. As of today in 2026, the value of a given example is highly condition-sensitive, with haze-free glass, smooth iris action, and intact cell threads separating lenses that sell for around £200 from those that price toward the upper end of the range.
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: October 2024
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Oct 2024 | £454 | Chiswick Auctions | |
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Auction: Photographica (Lot 154) Title: A Kodak 178mm f/2.5 Aero-Ektar 5x5 Lens
Description:
A Kodak 178mm f/2.5 Aero-Ektar 5x5 Lens Serial No: EM4725 Body: G Optics: VG |
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| Jan 2023 | £225 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 514) Title: A Kodak Aero-Ektar Photographic Reconnaissance Lens
Description:
made in U.S.A., serial no. EE6705, f/2.5 7in.178mm, body G, elements F, strong haze, together with a Schneider-Kreuznach Componon f/4 50mm enlarging |
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| Nov 2018 | EUR 300 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 33 (Lot AI_33_36598) Title: Eastman Kodak Aero-Ektar 2.5/7"
Description:
very fast large format lens, covering 5x5", in very good condition, clean optics and working iris diaphragm Estimate: EUR 600 - EUR 700 |
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| Oct 2017 | £312 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 135) Title: A Koadk Aero Ektar f/2.5 178mm Lens
Description:
serial no. ER1018, body, G, elemenets, G, some cleaning marks to front element and yellow discolouration internally, mounted on machined aluminium |
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| Nov 2011 | EUR 190 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 20 (Lot AI_20_13100) Title: Kodak Aero-Ektar 2.5/178mm
Description:
fast aerial lens with cleaning marks on front, aperture to 16, hood, cap Estimate: EUR 200 - EUR 250 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Kodak 7 Inch f/2.5 Aero Ektar worth?
At UK auction, hammer prices have ranged from about £190 to £450 over the past decade, with a median price near £300; clean, haze-free examples sell for the upper end of that range.
How much does a 7 Inch f/2.5 Aero Ektar sell for today?
The most recent UK auction result was £454 in late 2024, which is consistent with the gradual rise in prices for clean examples; tired or hazy lenses still trade closer to £200.
Why is the rear element yellow?
The Aero Ektar uses thoriated glass elements that yellow over time due to low-level radiation from the thorium; this is a known characteristic rather than a fault and can be lightened by extended exposure to UV light.
What camera does the Aero Ektar fit?
It was originally fitted to military aerial cameras, and today it is most commonly adapted by users to 4x5 Speed Graphic and similar press-type cameras for ground-based photography.