Wista 45
The Wista 45 is a 4x5 large-format field camera made by Wista of Japan, designed for view-camera work with sheet film. It is a folding metal-bodied technical camera aimed at landscape and studio photographers who need movements in a portable package.
At UK auction, hammer prices for the Wista 45 have ranged from around £230 to £940, with a median near £730 in recent saleroom results. The market in 2026 is condition-sensitive: clean, fully working examples with intact bellows and smooth movements sell for considerably more than worn bodies, which is why the value spread is so wide.
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 2026
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Mar 2026 | £938 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 305) Title: An Extensive Wista 45 Technical Compact Large Format Camera Outfit
Description:
black, serial number V842265, body VG-E, opens and collapses correclty, adjustments work, with a Rodenstock Apo-Ronar f/9 240mm lens, optics VG, in a |
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| Nov 2024 | £725 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 283) Title: A Wista 4x5" Large Format Field Camera
Description:
serial no. 55283, with Rodenstock Sironar f/5.6 180mm lens, black, serial no. 9225658, body, VG-E, lens, VG, shutter working, together with Schneider |
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| May 2024 | £1,500 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 233) Title: A Wista 45 Large Format Camera Outfit
Description:
1976-80-, black, serial no. V842273, with lenses including Schneider APO-Symmar f/5.6 150mm, black, serial no. 14961407, Schneider APO-Symmar f/5.6 |
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| Nov 2023 | £225 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 293) Title: A Wista Large Format Monorail Studio Camera
Description:
5 x 4in., serial no.450157, complete with Super Rollex 6 x 9cm roll film back, rail extension, additional lens boards, spare bellows and outfit case, |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Wista 45 worth today?
Based on recent UK auction hammer results, a Wista 45 is worth roughly £230 to £940, with clean working examples typically selling for around £700 to £900.
How much does a Wista 45 sell for at auction?
Recent hammer prices range from £225 in 2023 to £938 in early 2026, so the price you pay depends heavily on condition and completeness.
Why do Wista 45 prices vary so much?
Large-format field cameras are valued on bellows condition, smoothness of movements and whether a usable lens or accessories are included, which drives a wide value range.