Multiscope & Film Co. Al-Vista PanoramicCameras
The Al-Vista is a panoramic roll-film camera produced by the Multiscope & Film Co. of Burlington, Wisconsin, introduced in the late 1890s. It used a swinging lens to expose a wide-format negative, and was sold as a comparatively affordable panoramic option in its day.
Public auction data for the Al-Vista is thin: a single recorded UK saleroom result from 1998 saw an example hammer at £126, a wholesale-level result rather than a retail or dealer asking price. With only one verified sale on file, today's value is difficult to pin down, and condition, completeness of the swinging-lens mechanism, and inclusion of original accessories will heavily influence what any given example sells for.
Sales History
Prices shown are realised prices — auction results and completed eBay sales, never asking prices. Most saleroom figures are hammer prices, before commission; some houses publish a premium-inclusive figure, and we do not adjust for condition. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher. How this figure is calculated.
Prices updated: November 2000
| Date | Price | Value GBP | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2000 | £176 | £150 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | |
|
Auction: MAGIC LANTERNS, OPTICAL TOYS AND CAMERAS (Lot 308) Title: Al-Vista panoramic camera
Description:
Al-Vista panoramic camera Estimate: £200 - £300 |
||||
|
Loading...
|
||||
| Nov 1998 | £126 | £110 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | |
|
Auction: KOSLOV COLLECTION OF CAMERAS AND SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS (Lot 269) Title: Al-Vista panoramic camera
Description:
Al-Vista panoramic camera Estimate: £150 - £200 |
||||
|
Loading...
|
||||
Frequently asked questions
What is an Al-Vista panoramic camera worth today?
With only one verified UK auction record (£126 in 1998), a current market price is hard to fix; value depends almost entirely on condition and whether the swinging-lens mechanism still functions.
How much does an Al-Vista panoramic camera sell for at auction?
The single recorded UK hammer price is £126, but this is a wholesale auction result excluding commission and may not reflect what a clean, working example would fetch in 2026.
What should I check before buying an Al-Vista?
Confirm the swinging lens sweeps smoothly under its air-brake governor, and check the bellows, wooden body and covering for the shrinkage and pinholes typical of cameras of this age.