Sinclair Tropical Una
The Sinclair Tropical Una is a British-made wood-and-brass field camera produced by James A. Sinclair of London for use in hot, humid climates. The Tropical variant used teak with brown leather bellows in place of the standard mahogany construction, and was aimed at professional and serious amateur plate photographers in the early twentieth century.
Sales data is thin: a single hammer result of £1,400 at UK auction in 2020 is the only recent reference point, so a meaningful range or median cannot be established for what a Sinclair Tropical Una is worth in 2026. Tropical-bodied British field cameras are condition-sensitive at saleroom level, and the price a clean example sells for today depends heavily on bellows integrity, completeness of dark slides, and the presence of an original lens.
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: June 2022
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2022 | £6,875 | Flints Auctions | |
|
Auction: Fine & Rare Cameras (Lot 110) Title: A Fine & Rare James A Sinclair Tropical Una High Power Telephoto 'Everest' Outfit
Description:
English, c.1910, signed to the ivorine (early celluloid plastic) plaque 'The Una Camera, James A Sinclair co Ltd, 64 Haymarket, London S.W.', the 6x4 |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| Jun 2020 | EUR 1,400 | Leitz Auction | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 36 (Lot AI_36_38030) Title: James A. Sinclair, London Sinclair Una Tropical
Description:
a rare tropical version of the Una, for 6x9cm, with Ross Xpres 4.5/5 1/2" no.107986, in beautiful condition Estimate: EUR 2,000 - EUR 2,400 |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| May 2012 | EUR 3,200 | Leitz Auction | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 21 (Lot AI_21_13711) Title: Sinclair Tropical Una 6x9cm
Description:
6x9cm version of this rare camera in stunning condition, brass fittings, polished-mahogany body, Ross Combinable 11/8' lens no.133896 in NS Perfect shutter, 6 double plate film holders, perfectly adapted Plaubel 6x6cm roll film holder, all in fitted Sinclair leather outfit case Estimate: EUR 3,500 - EUR 4,500 |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| Dec 2009 | EUR 4,400 | Leitz Auction | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 16 (Lot AI_16_19387) Title: Sinclair Tropical Una 6x9cm
Description:
6x9cm version of this rare camera in stunning condition, brass fittings, polished-mahogany body, Ross Combinable 8" lens in NS Perfect shutter, 3 double plate filmholders, Sinclair leather outfit case Estimate: EUR 2,800 - EUR 3,200 |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| Dec 2002 | £1,057 | Christie's | |
|
Auction: THE BRITISH CAMERA 1840-1960 THE JIM BARRON COLLECTION (Lot 69) Title: Una tropical hand camera
Description:
Una tropical hand camera Estimate: £300 - £500 |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| Jan 1999 | £1,035 | Christie's | |
|
Auction: Cameras, The Property of a Collector (Lot 296) Title: Tropical Una hand camera
Description:
Tropical Una hand camera Estimate: £400 - £600 |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| Aug 1998 | £632 | Christie's | |
|
Auction: CAMERAS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 389) Title: Una Tropcial camera
Description:
Una Tropcial camera Estimate: £400 - £600 |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
Frequently asked questions
What is a Sinclair Tropical Una worth today?
The only verified UK auction hammer price in our records is £1,400 from 2020, which is too small a sample to give a reliable current value.
How much does a Sinclair Tropical Una sell for at auction?
On the single recorded sale the camera sold for £1,400 at hammer, before buyer's premium; condition and completeness will move the price materially in either direction.
What affects the price of a Sinclair Tropical Una?
Bellows condition, the state of the teak and brasswork, and whether original plate holders and a period lens are included are the main factors driving value.