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Sanderson Tropen Hand & Standkamera (Tropical)

The Sanderson Tropen Hand & Standkamera is the tropical variant of Sanderson's British-made hand-and-stand plate camera, a large-format folding design intended for use either handheld or on a tripod. Tropical-specification bodies of this period were typically finished in polished hardwood with brass fittings, aimed at photographers working in hot and humid climates where standard leather-covered bodies were prone to failure.

At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Sanderson Tropen have ranged from around £220 to £600, with a median close to £350 across the tracked sales. The 2019 result of £600 at Flints is the strongest recent data point, while earlier Christie's sales between 2000 and 2007 cluster in the £220–£490 band, so today a clean, complete example tends to sell for a mid-three-figure sum at saleroom level, with condition of the woodwork, bellows and brass driving most of the variation in what the camera 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: January 2026

Date Price Source
Jan 2026 £220 Special Auction Services
Jan 2025 £164 Chiswick Auctions
Aug 2024 £227 Chiswick Auctions
Nov 2023 £300 Flints Auctions
Nov 2023 £325 Flints Auctions
Nov 2021 £682 Flints Auctions
Nov 2020 £397 Flints Auctions
Oct 2019 £600 Flints Auctions
Mar 2007 £216 Christie's
Sep 2004 £262 Christie's
Nov 2003 £305 Christie's
May 2003 EUR 553 Leitz Auction
May 2003 £282 Christie's
Feb 2002 £352 Christie's
Nov 2000 £493 Christie's
Sep 1999 £437 Christie's
Jul 1998 £552 Christie's

Frequently asked questions

What is a Sanderson Tropen Hand & Standkamera worth today?

Based on UK auction hammer prices, a Sanderson Tropen is typically worth between about £220 and £600, with a median value of roughly £350 for examples in collectable condition.

How much does a Sanderson Tropical sell for at auction?

Recent UK hammer prices show the camera sells for £220 to £600, with the strongest 2019 result reaching £600 and earlier Christie's sales settling in the £280–£490 range.

What affects the price of a Sanderson Tropen the most?

Condition of the bellows, hardwood and brasswork, along with completeness of plate holders and the ground-glass back, have the largest effect on the price paid at auction.

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