How to identify old cameras
To identify an old camera, start with the maker, model name, lens markings, format, serial number, and condition. Do not rely on age alone.
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To identify an old camera, start with the maker, model name, lens markings, format, serial number, and condition. Do not rely on age alone.
Auction records are market evidence, not a final appraisal. Condition, authenticity, provenance, size, medium, completeness, working status, and demand can materially change value.
Identification checklist
- Photograph maker marks, model names, lens text, shutter text, serial numbers, and film compartment labels.
- Identify the format: 35mm, 120, 620, instant, folding, box, plate, movie, or specialist camera.
- Record condition before testing: bellows, shutter, rangefinder, lens glass, corrosion, dents, missing parts, and accessories.
What similar items actually sold for
To help ground this guide in real market activity, here are recent example auction comps from Appraisily’s internal database. These matched sales are market context only, not an object estimate or identification, and they do not guarantee a price for your specific folding camera.
Shown USD range: USD 20-USD 225. Median of these 6 USD examples: USD 60.
| Comparable | What sold | Auction house | Date | Lot | Source-reported amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Folding Camera, c. 1885 | Auction Team Breker | 2025-09-13 | 259 | EUR 2,000 |
 |
Antique Conley by W. Schiller & Co. Folding Traveling Plate Camera with Case | Sarasota Estate Auction | 2025-06-08 | 1202 | USD 225 |
 |
Folding camera 30s, ZEISS Ikonta 520/16 | Auktionshaus Wersching | 2021-12-11 | 1239 | EUR 20 |
 |
Vintage Kodak Pocket Model E Folding Camera | Lion and Unicorn | 2025-02-11 | 67 | USD 20 |
 |
Kodak No. 2A Pocket Folding Camera | Donley Auction Services | 2022-03-19 | 1506 | USD 50 |
 |
ANTIQUE ZEISS COMPUR FOLDING CAMERA | Davis Brothers Auction | 2022-04-29 | 1208 | USD 70 |
|
VINTAGE GERMAN SUPER IKONTA 533 16 FOLDING CAMERA | Antique Arena Inc | 2025-03-16 | 348 | USD 100 |
 |
No. 2A Kodak Autographic Folding Camera | Dana J. Tharp Auctions | 2024-11-09 | 36 | USD 25 |
 |
Kodak 1A Autographic JR Folding Camera | Danielle Elizabeth Antique & Estate Auctioneers | 2022-07-17 | 3 | AUD 20 |
How these auction records were verified
Each row retains its exact source URL, lot identity, retrieval time, access result, and immutable record hash. Live source access was blocked; the exact record matched Appraisily's immutable pipeline provenance. Inspect the public comparable provenance record.
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