Krügener Delta (Detective, 9x12, square, rollfilm)
The Krügener Delta is a German-made detective-style plate camera, produced in a 9x12cm format and a square rollfilm version. As a late-19th to early-20th-century detective camera from a Frankfurt-based maker, it was positioned as a discreet field camera for amateur photographers of its era.
At UK auction, hammer prices for the Krügener Delta have ranged from £600 to £1,375, with the two recorded sales averaging around £990 — figures that reflect wholesale saleroom levels rather than retail or dealer asking prices. Today in 2026 the model trades thinly, so any individual result is heavily dependent on configuration, completeness and condition rather than a settled market median. Collectors should treat these prices as reference points: what a Krügener Delta is worth at sale can swing widely between the detective, 9x12 plate and rollfilm variants.
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: November 2018
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Nov 2018 | EUR 600 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 33 (Lot AI_33_36973) Title: Krügener Delta Detective Rollfilm
Description:
unique Delta camera with a provision for 12cm wide roll film, totally different to standard models, special back with film plane tensioning lever, focusing only possible by opening the front and moving the lens assembly, stamped inside with serial number '137' and with Krügener logo and number 3019 on back, in very good condition, possibly made to order modification or a prototype Estimate: EUR 1,200 - EUR 1,400 |
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| Nov 2002 | EUR 1,375 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 1 (Lot AI_1_20860) Title: KRÜGENER DETEKTIV 9x12 cm
Description:
Polished mahogany body stamped with trademark for Dr Krügener Bockheim Frankfurt, with internal magazine for 50 plates, Achromat lens, shutter with 6 speed settings |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Krügener Delta worth today?
Recorded UK auction hammer prices sit between £600 and £1,375, so a clean, complete example can reasonably be valued within that range depending on variant and condition.
How much does a Krügener Delta sell for at auction?
The two documented hammer results are £600 and £1,375, giving an average sale price near £990 before buyer's premium.
Which variant of the Delta is most valuable?
The sales record is too thin to rank the detective, 9x12 plate and square rollfilm versions reliably; price has tracked condition and completeness more than format in the data available.
Is the Krügener Delta a good user camera?
It is primarily a collector's piece — bellows, shutter and plate-holder condition usually determine whether an example can still be exposed, and parts are scarce.