Zeiss Ikon Ergo
The Zeiss Ikon Ergo is a compact film camera produced by the German manufacturer Zeiss Ikon. Collector interest centres on its unusual body design, and surviving examples appear only occasionally on the UK secondary market.
At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Ergo have sat in the £480–£600 range, with the two recorded results giving a midpoint around £540. Values for this model are highly condition-sensitive, and with so few comparables reaching the saleroom, what a Zeiss Ikon Ergo sells for today can swing significantly between individual lots.
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 2024
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Jun 2024 | £475 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Auction (Lot 473) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Ergo 'Spy' Monocular Style Camera
Description:
with Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar f/4.5 55mm lens, shutter fires but needs attention at slow speeds, in leather case with several plate holders. |
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| Nov 2021 | EUR 600 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 39 (Lot AI_39_39829) Title: Zeiss Ikon Ergo
Description:
Very rare detective camera made to look like a monocular, shoots at right angles to direction of viewing, for 4.5x6cm plates, in near mint condition and working order, with Tessar 4.5/5.5cm no.908037 and film plate holder Estimate: EUR 1,000 - EUR 1,200 |
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| May 2020 | £612 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science (Lot 196) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Ergo '301' Camera
Description:
A Zeiss Ikon Ergo '301' Camera, 1927-31, 4.5x6cm, black, serial no. L65516, with Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar f/4.5 55mm lens, serial no. 908019, body, VG, |
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| May 2010 | EUR 600 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 17 (Lot AI_17_11500) Title: Zeiss Ikon Ergo
Description:
very rare Zeiss detective monocular camera for plates 4.5x6cm, Tessar 4.5/5.5cm no.642842, focusing adapter, in original condition with Japanese rollfilm holder and case Estimate: EUR 800 - EUR 1,000 |
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| Nov 2006 | £540 | Christie's | |
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Auction: Cameras, Photographs and Optical Toys (Lot 434) Title: Ergo no. L65781
Description:
Ergo no. L65781 Estimate: £600 - £900 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Zeiss Ikon Ergo worth at UK auction?
Recorded UK hammer results sit between roughly £480 and £600, though with only a small number of sales the price for any individual example depends heavily on condition and completeness.
How much does a Zeiss Ikon Ergo sell for today?
Clean, working examples have sold in the £480–£600 band at UK auction; retail dealer asking prices can sit above this, as hammer figures exclude buyer's and seller's commission.
Is the Zeiss Ikon Ergo a good collector's value?
It is a scarce model with limited sales data, so its value as a collectible depends on finding a sound example at a sensible price rather than on a deep, liquid market.