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Shincho Seiki Co. Darling-16

The Darling-16 is a Japanese subminiature camera produced by Shincho Seiki Co. It uses the 16mm subminiature film format and falls into the post-war collector category of pocketable novelty cameras.

Auction data for the Darling-16 is extremely thin: the only recorded UK saleroom hammer result on file is £540 from a Christie's sale in 2005, so a reliable median or range cannot be quoted for today's market. Buyers asking what a Darling-16 is worth in 2026 should treat that historic figure as a single data point rather than a current price guide, as values for 16mm subminiatures are highly condition- and completeness-sensitive at auction.

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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: March 2018

Date Price Source
Mar 2018 EUR 300 Leitz Auction
May 2007 EUR 400 Leitz Auction
Sep 2005 £540 Christie's
May 2005 £336 Christie's

Frequently asked questions

What is a Darling-16 worth today?

With only one verified UK auction hammer result on file (£540 in 2005), a current market value cannot be stated with confidence; condition, completeness, and working order will dominate any price achieved.

How much does a Shincho Seiki Darling-16 sell for at auction?

The single recorded sale on file fetched £540 at Christie's in 2005, but this is a wholesale hammer price and not necessarily representative of the price a comparable example would sell for now.

Is the Darling-16 a collectible camera?

It sits within the 16mm subminiature collector niche, where value depends heavily on rarity, originality, and accessories rather than usability.

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