Beck Frena Presentation Model
The Beck Frena Presentation Model is a British-made box-style detective camera dating from the late Victorian era, produced by R. & J. Beck of London. It belongs to the Frena family, which used a magazine-loading system for sensitised cut films rather than rollfilm or plates, and the Presentation Model was a higher-grade variant of the standard Frena line.
Auction data for this model is extremely thin: a single recorded UK saleroom hammer result from December 2009 reached £800, which gives an indicative wholesale value rather than a reliable market range. With no further sales to compare against, today's worth depends heavily on completeness, cosmetic presentation and the presence of original fittings, and a fresh sale could easily move the price in either direction.
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 2020
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Nov 2020 | EUR 750 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 37 (Lot AI_37_38959) Title: Beck Ltd, England Frena Presentation Model
Description:
Deluxe version of the Frena, half-plate, brown calves leather-covered body, gilt brass fittings, swan-neck changing handle with built in spirit level, Rapid Rectilinear lens and carrying strap. According to McKeown's Price Guide, 'The camera could be tilted slightly and the film plumbed with the handle to create the same effect as a tilt back', rare camera in original condition Estimate: EUR 1,200 - EUR 1,400 |
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| Nov 2016 | EUR 650 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 30 (Lot AI_30_34324) Title: Beck Ltd, England Frena Presentation Model
Description:
Deluxe version of the Frena, half-plate, brown calves leather-covered body, gilt brass fittings, swan-neck changing handle with built in spirit level, Rapid Rectilinear lens and carrying strap. According to McKeown's Price Guide, 'The camera could be tilted slightly and the film plumbed with the handle to create the same effect as a tilt back', rare camera in original condition Estimate: EUR 1,000 - EUR 1,400 |
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| Nov 2014 | EUR 1,100 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 26 (Lot AI_26_30718) Title: Beck Ltd, England Frena Presentation Model
Description:
Deluxe version of the Frena, half-plate, brown calves leather-covered body, gilt brass fittings, swan-neck changing handle with built in spirit level, Rapid Rectilinear lens and carrying strap. According to McKeown's Price Guide, 'The camera could be tilted slightly and the film plumbed with the handle to create the same effect as a tilt back', dealers plaque 'LONDON STEREOSCOPIC Co.', rare camera in fine condition Estimate: EUR 1,400 - EUR 1,700 |
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| Dec 2009 | EUR 800 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 16 (Lot AI_16_19344) Title: Beck Ltd, England Frena Presentation Model
Description:
Deluxe version of the Frena, half-plate, brown calves leather-covered body, gilt brass fittings, Swan-neck changing handle with built in spirit level, Rapid Rectilinear lens and carrying strap. According to McKeown's Price Guide, 'The camera could be tilted slightly and the film plumbed with the handle to create the same effect as a tilt back,' dealers plaque: LONDON STEREOSCOPIC Co., rare camera in fine condition Estimate: EUR 1,400 - EUR 1,700 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Beck Frena Presentation Model worth today?
The only recorded UK auction hammer result sits at £800 from 2009, so a clean, complete example can reasonably be expected to sell for a broadly similar figure, though the limited data means the true value is uncertain.
How much does a Beck Frena Presentation Model sell for at auction?
Public sales data shows just one hammer price of £800, achieved at a UK specialist sale; without further comparables, that single result is the best available reference for current price expectations.
What affects the value of a Beck Frena Presentation Model?
Condition of the wood and leather, a functioning shutter, and an intact original film magazine are the main drivers; presentation-grade fittings and any original case or accessories will also lift the price a collector is willing to pay.