Voigtlander& Sohn Bessa I
The Voigtländer Bessa I is a folding medium-format roll-film camera taking 6x9 (and with mask, 6x4.5) frames on 120 film. Produced in West Germany in the post-war era, it was positioned as an entry-level folder beneath the rangefinder-equipped Bessa II.
Auction data for the Bessa I is thin: a single UK saleroom hammer result on file shows £30 in 2023, which gives an indicative wholesale level rather than a reliable median. Today values at auction are heavily condition-led, and what a Bessa I sells for can vary widely depending on bellows integrity and shutter health, so this figure should be treated as a floor rather than a guide price.
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: May 2025
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| May 2025 | £19 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 165) Title: A Voigtlander Bessa-I Folding Medium Format Camera
Description:
chrome, body VG, opens and closes properly, shutter working, with a Vaskar f/4.5 105mm lens, optics G. |
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| Oct 2024 | £28 | Harper Field Auctions | |
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Auction: Buying & Selling (Lot 1348) Title: Voigtlander Bessa 1 folding camera with Vaskar 1:4.5/105 lens, in original leather case with hood
Description:
Voigtlander Bessa 1 folding camera with Vaskar 1:4.5/105 lens, in original leather case with hood |
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| Jun 2023 | £45 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 464) Title: A Voigtländer Bessa I Folding Camera
Description:
A Voigtländer Bessa I Folding Camera, shutter working, body G-VG, with 105mm f/4.5 Vaskar lens, elements G-VG, with worn manual, ERC and maker's box |
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| Apr 2023 | £30 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 137) Title: A Voigtländer Bessa I Folding Camera
Description:
A Voigtländer Bessa I Folding Camera, shutter sluggish on slow speeds, self-timer working, body G, tiny ding to top plate, slight lifting of |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Voigtländer Bessa I worth today?
On the limited UK auction evidence available, a Bessa I has sold for around £30 at hammer, though clean working examples with good bellows can command more.
How much does a Bessa I sell for at auction?
The only recorded UK auction price in our data is £30 in 2023; with so few data points, this should be read as indicative only.
Is the Bessa I the same as the Bessa II?
No — the Bessa I is the simpler scale-focus model, while the Bessa II adds a coupled rangefinder and typically commands substantially higher prices.