Nettel Kamerawerk Deckrullo Nettel Tropen (Tropical)
The Deckrullo Nettel Tropen (Tropical) is a tropical-bodied folding plate camera produced by Nettel Kamerawerk in the early 20th century. Tropical models of this era were built with teak or similar hardwoods and brass fittings to withstand humid climates, and were positioned as premium field cameras for serious photographers working overseas.
Auction data for the Deckrullo Nettel Tropen is extremely thin: a single recorded UK auction hammer result of £345 from 1998 is the only reference point available, and that figure is wholesale rather than a retail or dealer price. Given the age of that sale, today's value for a comparable example cannot be reliably stated from the data alone, and what a Tropen is worth in 2026 will depend heavily on woodwork condition, bellows integrity, and shutter function. Buyers researching what one sells for should treat the historic figure as indicative only and seek fresh comparables before committing.
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.
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2005 | EUR 660 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 8 (Lot AI_8_25776) Title: Nettel Deck-Rullo Tropical
Description:
Nettel Kamerawerk Sontheim-Heilbronn, for plates 13x18cm, Tessar 4.5/21cm no.237049, focal plane shutter, very good original condition, focusing screen and special adapter for 13x18cm metal cassettes Estimate: EUR 800 - EUR 1,200 |
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| Nov 1998 | £345 | Christie's | |
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Auction: KOSLOV COLLECTION OF CAMERAS AND SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS (Lot 281) Title: Nettel-Deckrullo tropical no. S9480
Description:
Nettel-Deckrullo tropical no. S9480 Estimate: £200 - £300 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Deckrullo Nettel Tropen worth today?
The only verified UK auction record in the data is a £345 hammer price from 1998, so a current value cannot be stated with confidence; condition of the teak body, bellows and shutter will drive any modern price.
How much does a Deckrullo Nettel Tropen sell for at auction?
With just one recorded sale at £345 hammer, there is not enough data to quote a reliable range, and prospective buyers should look for fresh saleroom comparables before judging market value.
Why are tropical-bodied cameras like this priced differently from standard models?
Tropical versions used hardwood and brass construction in much smaller numbers than standard leather-covered bodies, so collector demand and rarity typically lift their price relative to the equivalent non-tropical camera.