Kodak Retina I
The Kodak Retina I (117) is a 35mm folding viewfinder camera, the first model in Kodak's Retina series introduced in the mid-1930s. It was positioned as a compact, precision-built camera using the then-new 135 cartridge, which Kodak launched alongside it.
Sales data for the Retina I (117) is extremely thin: only one UK auction-hammer result is on file, a sale at £170 back in 2005, so any current valuation is indicative rather than market-tested. As of today there is not enough recent saleroom evidence to state with confidence what a Retina I (117) sells for or is worth on the open market in 2026.
Variants
Select a variant to filter the sales history below.
| Variant | Years | Edition | Sales | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ia | — | — | 1 | £44 – £44 |
| Ib | — | — | 0 | — |
| Type 010 | — | — | 2 | £25 – £30 |
| Type 013 | — | — | 0 | — |
| Type 118 | — | — | 0 | — |
| Type 119 | — | — | 2 | £20 – £45 |
| Type 126 | — | — | 0 | — |
| Type 141 | — | — | 0 | — |
| Type 143 | — | — | 0 | — |
| Type 148 | — | — | 0 | — |
| Type 149 | — | — | 1 | £20 – £20 |
| Type 167 | — | — | 0 | — |
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: May 2026
| Date | Price | Source | Variant | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | £30 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services | Type 010 | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 143) Title: A Kodak Retina I 35mm Camera
Description:
A Kodak Retina I 35mm Camera, type 010, shutter working, body G-VG, slight brassing to finder edge, with 50mm f/3.5 Ektar lens, elements G-VG |
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| May 2026 | £20 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services | Type 119 | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 142) Title: A Kodak Retina I Type 119 Camera
Description:
A Kodak Retina I Type 119 Camera, serial no 136694K, shutter sluggish in slow speeds, body G, some paint wear/chips to edges, bellows G, with |
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| Apr 2026 | £25 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | Type 010 | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 93) Title: A Kodak Retina 1 Type 126 Folding Camera
Description:
black, body G, operates correctly, shutter works, with Xenar lens. |
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| Aug 2024 | £45 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services | Type 119 | |
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Auction: TWO DAY: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 228) Title: A Kodak Retina I Type 119 Camera
Description:
A Kodak Retina I Type 119 Camera, serial no 142502K, body G-VG, shutter working, with Schneider Kreuznach 5cm f/3.5 Retina Xenar lens, elements G, |
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| Aug 2024 | £20 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services | Type 149 | |
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Auction: TWO DAY: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 229) Title: A Kodak Retina I Type 149 Camera
Description:
A Kodak Retina I Type 149 Camera, serial no 281889K, body G-VG, some slight wear, shutter working, with Schneider Kreuznach 5cm f/3.5 Retina Xenar |
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| Mar 2022 | £44 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | Ia | |
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Auction: The Collectors sale (Lot 414) Title: A Kodak Retina Ia Type 015 35mm Camera
Description:
chrome, body G-VG, shutter working, with Schnieder-Kreuznach Retina-Xenar 50mm f/3.5 lens, optics G, some light haze present, together with (Qty: 1) |
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| Nov 2008 | EUR 130 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 14 (Lot AI_14_18036) Title: Kodak Retina I Type 117
Description:
first type in good working order with Xenar 3.5/5cm no.687281 in Compur shutter Estimate: EUR 200 - EUR 250 |
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| Nov 2008 | EUR 550 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 14 (Lot AI_14_18037) Title: Kodak Retina I Type 117
Description:
According to McKeown's Price Guide to Antique & Classic Cameras this Retina I type 117 no.464119 is the last serial number known to exist. The camera is in excellent original condition with Xenar 3.5/5cm no.695039 in perfect working Compur-Rapid shutter Estimate: EUR 400 - EUR 500 |
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| May 2006 | EUR 350 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 9 (Lot AI_9_26747) Title: Kodak Retina I Type 117
Description:
first Retina in nice original condition with Xenar 3.5/5cm no.710479, Compur shutter, instructions Estimate: EUR 200 - EUR 300 |
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| May 2005 | EUR 170 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 7 (Lot AI_7_25016) Title: Retina I Typ 117
Description:
the first model Retina in black/nickel finish, Xenar 3.5/5cm no.691698 in Compur-shutter, good general condition Estimate: EUR 200 - EUR 250 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Kodak Retina I (117) worth today?
With only a single UK auction record on file (£170 in 2005), there is not enough recent data to give a reliable current value; condition, completeness and bellows integrity will drive any price achieved.
How much does a Kodak Retina I (117) sell for at auction?
The only logged UK hammer price is £170, but this is a single historic data point rather than a current market range.
Is the Retina I (117) a collectible camera?
As the first model in the Retina series and an early 35mm folding camera, it has collector interest, though its market price depends heavily on originality and working condition.