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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.

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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 500 Leitz Auction
Nov 2013 EUR 300 Leitz Auction
May 2010 EUR 550 Leitz Auction
May 2005 £264 Christie's
Nov 2002 EUR 600 Leitz Auction
Feb 2002 £293 Christie's

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.

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