Kodak Ektra II
The Kodak Ektra II is a 35mm rangefinder camera produced by Kodak in the United States, positioned at the top of Kodak's professional line when introduced in the 1940s. It used the proprietary Ektra bayonet mount and was sold with a range of Ektar lenses.
At UK auction in recent years, hammer prices for the Ektra II have ranged from £6,000 to £30,000, with a median around £12,000 — wholesale saleroom results before buyer's premium. As of 2026 the model remains thinly traded and condition-sensitive, so values today swing widely depending on cosmetic state, mechanical function and which Ektar lens is included with the body.
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.
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2023 | EUR 6,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 43 (Lot AI_20220621_1414_41767) Title: Kodak Ektra II prototype
Description:
Introduced in 1941 Kodak Ektra was the most advanced rangefinder 35mm of its time. It was the first 35mm rangefinder camera to have a parallax compensated viewfinder, the first rangefinder system to offer lens coating on all lenses, the first to offer lever advance and use a film rewind lever. The Ektra was also one of the most expensive cameras of its time - at 700USD it was the equivalent of a compact car. Because of low sales, only around 2500 cameras were made and Ektra was discontinued in 1948. The planned Ektra II never went into production – only a few prototype examples have been made and right now only four cameras are known to exist - serial numbers 7020, 7021, 7032 and here 7046 are recorded so far. A major difference planned for introduction with the Ektra II was the provision for the optional film back with a spring-driven motor drive. With its high-speed operation, it forced Kodak engineers to upgrade the shutter with more robust and reliable parts. Several other improvements to the camera have also been made, like an upgraded viewfinder, larger, more stable tripod mount, different markings on the speed selector dial etc. The offered camera is in excellent condition, with only minimal signs of age on the body, the shutter needs maintenance. With Kodak Ektar 1.9/50mm no.ER462, film back no.6277. The serial number ‘B-7046’ is engraved on the tripod mount. The Kodak Ektra II is an extreme rarity and this offers a unique opportunity for every camera collector. Estimate: EUR 12,000 - EUR 14,000 |
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| Nov 2022 | EUR 12,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 41 (Lot AI_41_40623) Title: Kodak Ektra II prototype
Description:
Introduced in 1941 Kodak Ektra was the most advanced rangefinder 35mm of its time. It was the first 35mm rangefinder camera to have a parallax compensated viewfinder, the first rangefinder system to offer lens coating on all lenses, the first to offer lever advance and use a film rewind lever. The Ektra was also one of the most expensive cameras of its time - at 700USD it was the equivalent of a compact car. Because of low sales, only around 2500 cameras were made and Ektra was discontinued in 1948. The planned Ektra II never went into production – only a few prototype examples have been made and right now only four cameras are known to exist - serial numbers 7020, 7021, 7032 and here 7046 are recorded so far. A major difference planned for introduction with the Ektra II was the provision for the optional film back with a spring-driven motor drive. With its high-speed operation, it forced Kodak engineers to upgrade the shutter with more robust and reliable parts. Several other improvements to the camera have also been made, like an upgraded viewfinder, larger, more stable tripod mount, different markings on the speed selector dial etc. The offered camera is in excellent condition, with only minimal signs of age on the body, the shutter needs maintenance. With Kodak Ektar 1.9/50mm no.ER462, film back no.6277. The serial number ‘B-7046’ is engraved on the tripod mount. The Kodak Ektra II is an extreme rarity and this offers a unique opportunity for every camera collector. Estimate: EUR 24,000 - EUR 26,000 |
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| Nov 2018 | EUR 30,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 33 (Lot AI_33_36550) Title: Kodak Ektra II prototype
Description:
Introduced in 1941 Kodak Ektra was the most advanced rangefinder 35mm in its time. It was the first 35mm rangefinder camera to have a parallax compensated viewfinder, the first rangefinder system to offer lens coating on all lenses, the first to offer lever advance and using a film rewind lever. The Ektra was also one of the most expensive cameras in its time - at 700USD it cost was an equivalent of a compact car. Because of low sale volumes only around 2500 cameras have been made and Ektra was discontinued in 1948. The planned Ektra II never went into a production – only a few prototype examples have been made and only three cameras are known to exist - serial numbers 7020, 7021 and here 7032 are recorded so far. A major difference planned for introduction with the Ektra II was provision for optional film back with spring-driven motor drive. With its high speed operation it forced Kodak engineers to upgrade the shutter with more robust and reliable parts. Several other improvements to the camera have also been made, like upgraded viewfinder, larger, more stable tripod mount, different markings on the speed selector dial etc. The offered camera is in excellent condition, with only minimal signs of age on the body. With Kodak Ektar 1.9/50mm no.ER275, film back no.AB3446 (engraved with ‘open-closed’ instead of the usual ‘lock-unlock’). The serial number ‘B-7032’ is engraved on the tripod mount. This is the first time a Kodak Ektra II is offered for sale in a public auction. It is a unique opportunity for every camera collector. Estimate: EUR 40,000 - EUR 50,000 |
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