CameraWorth.com

Nagel Pupille

The Nagel Pupille is a compact strut-folding camera made in Germany in the early 1930s, designed for 127 rollfilm producing 3x4cm frames. It was a small-format precision camera positioned for enthusiast use before Kodak's acquisition of the Nagel-Werk folded the model into the wider Kodak AG range.

At UK auction today, hammer prices for the Nagel Pupille sit in a wide band: the four recorded results run from £140 to £330, with a median around £230. Earlier Christie's sales from 2001–2002 sit at the top of that range, while more recent Chiswick results show the camera selling for less, so condition, completeness of the original case and the specific lens fitted drive what any given example 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: August 2024

Date Price Source
Aug 2024 £139 Chiswick Auctions
Aug 2024 £164 Chiswick Auctions
Nov 2012 EUR 850 Leitz Auction
May 2005 EUR 165 Leitz Auction
Jun 2002 £293 Christie's
Mar 2001 £329 Christie's
Mar 1998 £69 Christie's

Frequently asked questions

What is a Nagel Pupille worth today?

Recent UK auction hammer results place the Pupille between roughly £140 and £330, with clean, complete examples sitting toward the upper end of that range.

How much does a Nagel Pupille sell for at auction?

The median hammer price across the recorded sales is about £230, though the value of any individual camera depends heavily on shutter function, lens condition and whether the original case is present.

Is the Nagel Pupille a collectible camera?

Yes — as a pre-war German strut-folder made by the Nagel-Werk before its absorption into Kodak AG, the Pupille has a steady collector following, which supports the price levels seen in the sales history.

Other Nagel cameras