Pignons Alpa Reflex II
The Alpa Reflex II is a 35mm single-lens reflex camera built in Switzerland by Pignons S.A. It was positioned as a premium, hand-assembled instrument aimed at professionals and well-funded enthusiasts rather than the mass market.
Hammer prices for the Alpa Reflex II at recent UK auction have ranged from around £50 for a tired, spares-or-repair body up to £625 for a clean, functional example sold in late 2024. Earlier Christie's saleroom results from 2001 recorded £470 and £705 at the hammer, so today's wholesale levels for collector-grade bodies remain broadly in line with values achieved a generation ago. Note that these are auction-hammer figures and exclude buyer's premium, so what a Pignons-made Alpa ultimately sells for at retail is meaningfully higher.
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 2024
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Nov 2024 | £625 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 223) Title: A Pignons Alpa Reflex II SLR Camera
Description:
1945-52, chrome, serial no. 23143, with Schneider Alpa-Xenon f/1.9 50mm lens, serial no. 2856591, body, VG, shutter working, lens, VG, some light |
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| Aug 2024 | £50 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: TWO DAY: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 305) Title: An Alpa Reflex II Camera body
Description:
An Alpa Reflex II Camera body, for parts, serial no 21895, shutter fires, sticking in slow speeds, no shutter button, no finder, later adapted lens |
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| Nov 2020 | USD 450 | pedia_sales_tamarkin | |
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Auction: November 2020 Auction Results (Lot 1) Title: Alpa Reflex II with 50mm Bolca-I Anastigmat f2,8
Description:
Alpa Reflex II with 50mm Bolca-I Anastigmat f2,8 |
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| Jun 2020 | EUR 4,500 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 36 (Lot AI_36_38146) Title: Alpa Reflex II
Description:
very rare Alpa Reflex with custom red leather covering, in beautiful condition and working order, with Angenieux Alitar 1.8/50mm no.83.632 Estimate: EUR 2,800 - EUR 3,200 |
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| Nov 2016 | EUR 1,600 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 29 (Lot AI_29_33694) Title: Alpa Reflex Mod.2
Description:
in amazing mint condition and perfect working order, rare late synchronized version (one of only 519 cameras produced), matching serial number in the back, with Schneider Alpa-Xenon 1.9/5cm no.2785991, tripod holder, front cap and Alpa Lenses brochure, a camera which is very hard to find in this condition! Estimate: EUR 2,000 - EUR 2,400 |
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| Nov 2013 | EUR 700 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 24 (Lot AI_24_20819) Title: Alpa Reflex
Description:
early second type in very fine condition with Angenieux Alpar 2.9/50mm no.54.371 Estimate: EUR 800 - EUR 1,000 |
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| Nov 2003 | EUR 938 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 4 (Lot AI_4_22965) Title: Alpa Reflex II + 2,9/50
Description:
Wunderschöner Originalzustand mit 2,9/50mm Angenieux Alpar Nr.54051, Tasche, Anleitung Estimate: EUR 19,460 - EUR 139,130 |
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| Jun 2001 | £470 | Christie's | |
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Auction: LEICA, NIKON AND 35MM CAMERAS (Lot 47) Title: Alpa Reflex (II) no. 20271
Description:
Alpa Reflex (II) no. 20271 Estimate: £400 - £600 |
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| Jun 2001 | £705 | Christie's | |
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Auction: LEICA, NIKON AND 35MM CAMERAS (Lot 40) Title: Alpa Reflex II no. 21759
Description:
Alpa Reflex II no. 21759 Estimate: £600 - £900 |
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| Aug 2000 | £528 | Christie's | |
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Auction: Cameras and Photographic Equipment (Lot 208) Title: Alpa Reflex (II) no. 20069
Description:
Alpa Reflex (II) no. 20069 Estimate: £400 - £600 |
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| Jun 2000 | £199 | Christie's | |
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Auction: Leica Cameras (Lot 2) Title: Alpa Reflex (II) no. 14959
Description:
Alpa Reflex (II) no. 14959 Estimate: £200 - £400 |
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| May 1998 | £460 | Christie's | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 235) Title: Alpa Reflex model II no. 21969
Description:
Alpa Reflex model II no. 21969 Estimate: £400 - £600 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is an Alpa Reflex II worth today?
On current evidence, a working Alpa Reflex II is worth roughly £470 to £630 at UK auction hammer, with rough or incomplete bodies trading much lower.
How much does an Alpa Reflex II sell for at auction?
Recent and historical UK hammer prices span about £50 to £710, with the most recent clean-example result being £625 in November 2024.
Why does the price range for the Alpa Reflex II vary so much?
The value of a Pignons-made Alpa is highly condition-sensitive: a smooth, accurate shutter and a clean viewing system push prices toward the upper end, while mechanical faults can collapse the price to double-digit figures.