Showa Kogaku Gemflex (I)
The Showa Kogaku Gemflex (I) is a Japanese subminiature twin-lens reflex camera from the post-war era. It was a niche product aimed at enthusiasts of compact precision cameras rather than the mainstream rollfilm TLR market.
Sales data for the Gemflex (I) is extremely thin: a single recorded UK auction hammer result in 2002 reached £293, which gives only a historic reference point rather than a reliable guide to what one is worth today in 2026. Because subminiature TLRs trade infrequently at saleroom level, current value depends heavily on completeness, cosmetic condition and the presence of the original case, and a clean example would likely sell for a similar or higher figure when one surfaces.
Sales History
Prices shown are realised prices — auction results and completed eBay sales, never asking prices. Most saleroom figures are hammer prices, before commission; some houses publish a premium-inclusive figure, and we do not adjust for condition. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher. How this figure is calculated.
Prices updated: March 2018
| Date | Price | Value GBP | Source | |
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| Mar 2018 | EUR 500 | £441 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 32 (Lot AI_32_36121) Title: Showa Optical Gemflex I
Description:
subminiature TLR for square exposures on special 14mm rollfilm, 'Made in occupied Japan', first type in good condition, with copy of short instructions Estimate: EUR 600 - EUR 800 |
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| Nov 2013 | EUR 300 | £251 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 24 (Lot AI_24_10749) Title: Showa Optical Gemflex I
Description:
subminiature TLR, 'Made in occupied Japan', first type in very good condition with yellow filter case (cond. C) Estimate: EUR 600 - EUR 700 |
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| May 2010 | EUR 550 | £471 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 17 (Lot AI_17_11533) Title: Showa Optical Gemflex I
Description:
subminiature TLR, 'Made in occupied Japan', first type in nice condition Estimate: EUR 400 - EUR 500 |
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| May 2005 | £264 | £220 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | |
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Auction: CAMERAS, PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT AND OPTICAL TOYS INCLUDING (Lot 149) Title: Gemflex I no. 3482
Description:
Gemflex I no. 3482 Estimate: £200 - £400 |
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| Nov 2002 | EUR 600 | £382 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 1 (Lot AI_1_21045) Title: SHOWA KOGAKU GEMFLEX I
Description:
Early model, marked Made in Occupied Japan, TLR subminiature for 14x14mm exposures on Midget rollfilm |
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| Feb 2002 | £293 | £249 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 295) Title: Gemflex I no. 6398
Description:
Gemflex I no. 6398 Estimate: £300 - £400 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Showa Kogaku Gemflex (I) worth?
On the limited evidence available, one example sold at UK auction for £293, so a comparable price is a reasonable starting reference, though scarcity means individual results can vary significantly.
How much does a Gemflex (I) sell for at auction today?
Recent UK auction activity for this model is sparse; the most recent recorded hammer price was £293, and a clean, complete example today would be expected to sell in a broadly similar range when one appears.
Is the Gemflex (I) rare?
Yes — it is a subminiature TLR that appears only occasionally in the auction market, which is why price discovery is difficult and condition has an outsized effect on value.