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Marion Soho Tropical Reflex

The Marion Soho Tropical Reflex is a British single-lens reflex plate camera made in a tropical finish for use in hot and humid climates. It belongs to the Soho Reflex family of large-format box-form SLRs, distinguished by polished teak bodywork and brass fittings in place of the leather-covered finish used on standard-market versions.

At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Soho Tropical Reflex have ranged from roughly £750 to £3,000, with a median around £1,600 across the limited set of recorded sales. These are saleroom hammer results rather than dealer retail, and today condition of the teakwood, tightness of the bellows and completeness of the plate holders drive most of the spread in what this camera is worth.

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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: March 2018

Date Price Source
Mar 2018 EUR 1,900 Leitz Auction
Jun 2017 EUR 1,400 Leitz Auction
Dec 2010 EUR 3,000 Leitz Auction
May 2010 EUR 1,500 Leitz Auction
May 2010 EUR 2,200 Leitz Auction
Dec 2009 EUR 1,900 Leitz Auction
Nov 2004 EUR 5,000 Leitz Auction
May 2004 EUR 5,729 Leitz Auction
May 2000 £1,527 Christie's
Nov 1999 £1,265 Christie's
Mar 1999 £747 Christie's

Frequently asked questions

What is a Marion Soho Tropical Reflex worth today?

Recorded UK auction hammer results sit between about £750 and £3,000, with most clean examples selling in the middle of that range. Exceptional, fully-working examples with original plate holders have reached the upper end.

How much does a Soho Tropical Reflex sell for at auction?

Across the available sales history the median hammer price is around £1,600. The figure you see quoted is wholesale; buyer's premium on top of the hammer price typically adds 25–30%.

Why is the Tropical version more valuable than the standard Soho Reflex?

The tropical-finish cameras were made in smaller numbers and survive less often in good cosmetic condition, so collectors pay a premium for the teak-and-brass bodywork over the leather-covered standard model.

Is the Soho Tropical Reflex usable today?

It can be used with sheet film cut down to fit the original plate holders, provided the bellows are light-tight and the focal-plane shutter still runs. Many surviving examples are bought as display pieces rather than working cameras.

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