Lizars Challenge Tropen (Tropical) Model C
The Lizars Challenge Tropen (Tropical) Model C is an early 20th-century tropical-finish folding plate camera, sold under the Lizars name in the United Kingdom. Tropical models of this era were built with teak or polished hardwood bodies and brass fittings, intended for use in humid climates where standard leatherette-covered cameras deteriorated.
With only a single recorded UK auction result, the Challenge Tropen Model C is a thinly traded camera, and a meaningful price range cannot be quoted today. The one verified hammer price at saleroom level was £312 in November 2023, which gives a rough indication of what a presentable example sells for, though wholesale auction values for tropical-finish wooden cameras are highly condition-sensitive and a single data point should not be read as a firm market value.
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 2023
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2023 | £312 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 251) Title: A J. Lizars Challenge Model C Tropen (Tropical) Quarter Plate Folding Camera
Description:
1905, teak, with Beck Symmetrical lens in Unicum shutter, body G-VG, shutter sticking on slow speeds, small chip to top left corner of body, bellows (Qty: 1) |
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| Nov 2018 | £240 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science & Medicine (Lot 1331) Title: A J. Lizars 'Challenge' Model C Tropical 4¾×6½" Hand & Stand Camera
Description:
1898-1902, teak, quarter plate reducing back, with C. P. Goerz Doppel-Anastigmat Series Ic No.0 f/6.8 120mm lens, serial no. 109283, body, VG, lens, |
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| Oct 2017 | £192 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 234) Title: A J. Lizars Tropical Challenge Model C Quarter Plate Mahogany Camera
Description:
1905, with Beck Symmetrical f/8 lens, in Bausch & Lomb shutter, body, G, replacement leather to viewing hood, lens, F-G, shutter sticking |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Lizars Challenge Tropen (Tropical) Model C worth?
Public UK auction data is limited to a single hammer result of £312 in 2023, so the price a given example sells for will depend heavily on the condition of the woodwork, brass and bellows.
How much does a Lizars Challenge Tropen Model C sell for at auction?
The only recorded saleroom result we have is £312, and without further comparable sales it is not possible to give a reliable current value or range.