Zeiss Ikon Movikon 16 (5495)
The Zeiss Ikon Movikon 16 (catalogue number 5495) is a 16mm clockwork cine camera made in Germany for advanced amateur and semi-professional cinematography. It uses a spring-driven motor and a fixed or interchangeable lens configuration depending on the variant, and was positioned as a higher-end movie camera when new.
At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Movikon 16 have ranged from roughly £71 to £400, with results in the last couple of years clustered between £100 and £210 — a median around £160 at saleroom level, before buyer's premium. In today's market (2026), clean, functional examples with a working spring motor and intact optics sit at the upper end of that range, while tired or incomplete bodies sell for under £100. Condition, completeness (case, instructions, original lens) and whether the spring drive still runs to speed are the main factors shaping what the camera sells for.
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: November 2025
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Nov 2025 | £212 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 498) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Movikon 16mm Motion Picture Camera
Description:
black, serial no. W5423, together with a Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar f/2.7 2cm lens, a Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar f/1.4 2.5cm & original lens hood, a Carl (Qty: 1) |
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| Nov 2023 | £100 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 525) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Movikon 16 16mm Motion Picture Camera
Description:
black, motor winds & runs slowly, requires a service, with Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar f/1.4 25mm lens, optics G-VG, also with a Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar (Qty: 1) |
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| Nov 2016 | EUR 400 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 29 (Lot AI_29_33895) Title: Zeiss Ikon Movikon 16 outfit
Description:
16mm spool load camera in very good working condition, with a complete set of 5 lenses: Tessar 2.7/2cm no.1121145, Sonnar 1.4/2.5cm no.1914293 (hood), Sonnar 2.8/5cm no.2014879, Sonnar 2.8/7.5cm no.2254559 (hood), very rare Tele-Tessar 6.3/18cm no.2073825, matching, very rare 436/21 viewfinder for every lens from 2cm to 18cm, red leather outfit case Estimate: EUR 800 - EUR 1,000 |
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| Nov 2004 | £71 | Christie's | |
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Auction: CAMERAS, MAGIC LANTERNS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 46) Title: Movikon 16 no. W35320
Description:
Movikon 16 no. W35320 Estimate: £100 - £150 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Zeiss Ikon Movikon 16 worth today?
Based on UK auction hammer results, a Movikon 16 is typically worth between about £100 and £210, with exceptional examples having reached £400 and rough bodies selling for well under £100.
How much does a Movikon 16 (5495) sell for at auction?
Recent UK saleroom results show the Movikon 16 sells for around £100 to £212 at hammer, with the median price sitting near £160 before buyer's premium.
What affects the value of a Movikon 16?
The biggest factors are whether the spring motor runs correctly, the condition of the lens and viewfinder, and whether the camera comes with its original case and accessories — complete, working examples command a clear premium.
Is the Movikon 16 still usable?
Yes, 16mm film is still available, so a serviced Movikon 16 with a functioning clockwork drive can still be shot with, though film and processing costs are a larger ongoing expense than the camera's purchase price.