CameraWorth.com

Pignons Alpa Reflex I

The Alpa Reflex I is a 35mm camera produced in Switzerland by Pignons SA of Ballaigues, introduced in the mid-1940s. It was a precision-engineered instrument aimed at the upper end of the 35mm market, built in small quantities rather than mass-produced.

At recent UK auction, hammer results for the Alpa Reflex I have ranged from roughly £290 to £810, with a median around £540 — these are saleroom wholesale prices rather than retail asking figures. Today in 2026 the value a given example sells for depends heavily on cosmetic condition, working shutter, and whether the original lens is present, with clean outfits pulling toward the top of the range and tired bodies toward the bottom. Because Alpa production numbers were small, supply at any one sale is thin, which keeps the price band wide.

I have one to sell

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 2025

Date Price Source
Nov 2025 £562 Flints Auctions
Jun 2025 £288 Flints Auctions
Nov 2024 EUR 5,500 Leitz Auction
Jan 2024 USD 400 pedia_sales_tamarkin
Jun 2021 EUR 400 Leitz Auction
Apr 2021 £806 Flints Auctions
Jun 2019 EUR 600 Leitz Auction
Jun 2019 EUR 850 Leitz Auction
Mar 2018 EUR 550 Leitz Auction
Jun 2017 EUR 1,700 Leitz Auction
Jun 2017 EUR 3,400 Leitz Auction
Jun 2015 EUR 4,000 Leitz Auction
Mar 2014 EUR 1,300 Leitz Auction
Nov 2013 EUR 2,000 Leitz Auction
May 2013 EUR 1,300 Leitz Auction
Nov 2012 EUR 1,000 Leitz Auction
Mar 2007 £252 Christie's
Mar 2007 £396 Christie's
Mar 2007 £264 Christie's
Nov 2005 EUR 720 Leitz Auction
Mar 2004 £478 Christie's
Mar 2004 £478 Christie's
Nov 2003 EUR 3,542 Leitz Auction
Apr 2003 £376 Christie's
Nov 2001 £470 Christie's
Jan 2001 £705 Christie's
Oct 1999 £253 Christie's
Jun 1999 £632 Christie's
May 1999 £402 Christie's
Nov 1998 £575 Christie's
Nov 1998 £460 Christie's
Aug 1998 £632 Christie's
Jun 1998 £747 Christie's

Frequently asked questions

What is an Alpa Reflex I worth today?

At UK auction the Alpa Reflex I has sold for roughly £290 to £810 in recent years, with a median hammer price near £540. Clean, fully working examples sit at the upper end of that band.

How much does an Alpa Reflex I sell for at auction?

Recent UK hammer prices have spanned £288 to £806, so the price any individual camera sells for will depend on condition, completeness, and whether a period lens is included.

Why does the Alpa Reflex I hold its value?

Pignons built Alpa cameras in small numbers in Switzerland, so supply is limited and collector demand supports the price even for bodies that need service.

Is the Alpa Reflex I a good user camera?

It can be used, but service options are limited and repair costs are high, so most buyers treat it as a collector piece rather than a daily shooter.

Other Pignons cameras