Minolta Auto Press
The Minolta Auto Press is a Japanese press-type camera from Minolta's early line-up, built for sheet/roll film in the compact press-camera format that was standard before 35mm SLRs took over professional news work. It sits among Minolta's pre-war and early post-war product range rather than the 35mm system cameras the brand became known for later.
With only two UK auction hammer results on file, the Minolta Auto Press has sold for between £120 and £420, giving a midpoint around £270 — and as of 2026 that remains the best guide to what the camera is worth at saleroom level. Because these are wholesale hammer prices rather than dealer retail, clean, fully-working examples with an intact shutter and lens typically sell for more than rougher bodies, and the thin data set means any single sale can shift the apparent price.
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 2006
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2006 | EUR 420 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 10 (Lot AI_10_15638) Title: Minolta Auto Press
Description:
6.5x9cm, collapsible strut camera, a copy of the Plaubel Makina (shutter needs service), coupled rangefinder and automatic parallax adjustment, Nippon Promar 3.5/105mm no.103951, case, ex Spira Collection Estimate: EUR 350 - EUR 450 |
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| Mar 2004 | £119 | Christie's | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT - THE PROPERTY OF A COLLE (Lot 225) Title: Auto Press no. 24858
Description:
Auto Press no. 24858 Estimate: £100 - £150 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Minolta Auto Press worth today?
Based on UK auction hammer results, a Minolta Auto Press is worth roughly £120 to £420 depending on condition and completeness, with a midpoint value around £270.
How much does a Minolta Auto Press sell for at auction?
Recorded UK hammer prices range from £119 in 2004 to £420 in 2006, so most examples sell for a price somewhere in that band rather than at a fixed figure.
Why does the price vary so much?
The sales sample is small and press cameras are highly condition-sensitive, so a working shutter, clean lens and light-tight bellows push value toward the top of the range while faults push it toward the bottom.