Voigtlander& Sohn Bessa
The Voigtländer Bessa is a folding roll-film camera produced by Voigtländer & Sohn of Braunschweig. It belongs to the family of medium-format folders that the firm built from the late 1920s through the post-war period, aimed at amateur photographers wanting a pocketable camera for roll film.
Auction evidence for the Bessa is thin, with only a single recorded UK hammer result of £96 from 2005 — a wholesale saleroom price rather than a dealer retail figure. With so little recent data, it is not possible to give a reliable current value or sells-for figure for 2026, and condition, lens variant and shutter type would in any case drive a wide spread.
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: June 2025
| Date | Price | Value GBP | Source | |
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| Jun 2025 | £31 | £25 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 167) Title: A Voigtlander Bessa Folding Medium Format Camera
Description:
black, body F, opens and folds correctly, lens and shutter not sitting straight, with a Skopar f/3.5 10.5cm lens, optics F. |
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| May 2005 | £96 | £80 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | |
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Auction: CAMERAS, PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT AND OPTICAL TOYS INCLUDING (Lot 241) Title: Bessa camera no. J666960
Description:
Bessa camera no. J666960 Estimate: £80 - £100 |
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| Oct 2003 | £65 | £65 | 🇬🇧 Bonhams | |
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Auction: Mechanical Music, Cameras & Railwayana (Lot 590) Title: Voigtlander Rangefinder Bessa Camera,
Description:
6 x 9 folding, black & nickel, with 6 x 4.5 finder switch & 10.5cm f3.5 Skopar no. 2148261 in a Compur-Rapid shutter. Estimate: £70 - £90 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Voigtländer Bessa worth today?
The single UK auction record in our data sold for £96 in 2005, which is too little evidence to quote a current market value with any confidence.
How much does a Voigtländer Bessa sell for at auction?
Only one hammer price is on file (£96), so a reliable sells-for range cannot be given; condition and the specific lens/shutter combination would heavily influence the price.
Is the Voigtländer Bessa a film camera?
Yes — it is a roll-film folding camera made by Voigtländer & Sohn for amateur use.