Zeiss Ikon Tropen Adoro 230/3 (Tropical)
The Zeiss Ikon Tropen Adoro 230/3 is a tropical-model folding plate camera, with its body finished in polished hardwood and brass fittings rather than the leatherette covering used on standard Adoro variants. Tropical cameras of this kind were intended for use in humid climates, and the Adoro line was produced by Zeiss Ikon from the late 1920s. The 230/3 designation indicates the larger plate format within the series.
At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Tropen Adoro 230/3 have spanned roughly £180 to £400, with a median around £360 — these are saleroom wholesale levels rather than dealer retail. A 2024 sale closed at £180 while an earlier result reached £400, so what a Tropen Adoro is worth today depends heavily on the completeness of the wood finish, brass work, and bellows. Cosmetically strong examples with original lens and holders sell for a clear premium over tired bodies.
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.
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Oct 2024 | £180 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 97) Title: A Zeiss Ikon Tropen Adoro 230/3 Tropical 6 x 9 Folding Plate Camera
Description:
A Zeiss Ikon Tropen Adoro 230/3 Tropical 6 x 9 Folding Plate Camera, serial no Q 97203, body G-VG, bellows G, with Carl Zeiss Jena 10.5cm f/4.5 |
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| Nov 2023 | EUR 650 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 43 (Lot AI_20220621_1414_41777) Title: Zeiss Ikon Tropen Adoro 230/3
Description:
Quite uncommon and beautiful tropical camera for 6.5x9cm plates, polished teak, brown leather bellows, with Tessar 4.5/10.5cm no.1859247 in Compur shutter, in mint condition and working order, with focusing back, 5x film plate backs and original leather case. Estimate: EUR 800 - EUR 1,000 |
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| Nov 2022 | EUR 400 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 41 (Lot AI_41_40928) Title: Zeiss Ikon Tropen Adoro 230/3
Description:
quite uncommon and beautiful tropical camera for 6.5x9cm plates, polished teak, brown leather bellows, with Tessar 4.5/10.5cm no.1859247 in Compur shutter, in mint condition and working order, with focusing back, 5x film plates backs and original leather case Estimate: EUR 800 - EUR 1,000 |
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| Nov 2019 | EUR 300 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 35 (Lot AI_35_37812) Title: Zeiss Ikon Tropen Adoro 230/3
Description:
tropical camera for 9x12cm plates, polished teak, brown leather bellows, reinforced edges, with Tessar 4.5/13.5cm no.1006020 in Compur shutter, excellent condition Estimate: EUR 600 - EUR 700 |
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| Feb 2005 | £360 | Christie's | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 198) Title: Adoro tropical 230/3 no. Q97530
Description:
Adoro tropical 230/3 no. Q97530 Estimate: £400 - £600 |
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| Nov 2004 | EUR 521 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 6 (Lot AI_6_24040) Title: Zeiss Ikon Tropen Adoro 230/3
Description:
6.5x9cm for plates, polished teak, brown leather bellows, Tessar 4.5/10.5cm in Compur shutter, very good condition Estimate: EUR 1,000 - EUR 1,400 |
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