Krügener Delta (Magazine/Detective, 9x12, no finders)
The Krügener Delta in the 9x12 magazine/detective configuration is an early German plate camera designed for concealed or quick-action use, taking 9x12cm glass plates fed from an internal magazine. Krügener of Frankfurt produced detective-style cameras of this kind in the late 19th century, when box-form magazine designs were a common alternative to folding plate cameras.
Sales data for this specific Krügener Delta variant is extremely thin: the only recorded UK auction hammer result on file is £313 from 2003, so a meaningful current price band cannot be derived. As of today in 2026, anyone trying to work out what a Krügener Delta 9x12 magazine/detective without finders is worth should treat that single saleroom figure as a historical reference point only, not a guide to what the camera sells for now.
Variants
Select a variant to filter the sales history below.
| Variant | Years | Edition | Sales | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12x16 | — | — | 1 | £800 – £800 |
| 12x17 | — | — | 0 | — |
| 13x18, no finders | — | — | 0 | — |
| 13x18, square | — | — | 0 | — |
| 9x12, square, back-loading | — | — | 0 | — |
| 9x12, square, early | — | — | 2 | £600 – £700 |
| 9x12, square, late | — | — | 0 | — |
| 9x12, square, rollfilm back | — | — | 2 | £600 – £1,375 |
| 9x12, vertical | — | — | 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: November 2018
| Date | Price | Source | Variant | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2018 | EUR 600 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | 9x12, square, rollfilm back | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 33 (Lot AI_33_36973) Title: Krügener Delta Detective Rollfilm
Description:
unique Delta camera with a provision for 12cm wide roll film, totally different to standard models, special back with film plane tensioning lever, focusing only possible by opening the front and moving the lens assembly, stamped inside with serial number '137' and with Krügener logo and number 3019 on back, in very good condition, possibly made to order modification or a prototype Estimate: EUR 1,200 - EUR 1,400 |
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| Mar 2018 | EUR 700 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | 9x12, square, early | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 32 (Lot AI_32_36193) Title: Dr. Krügener Delta
Description:
rare early version for 9x12cm plates, polished wooden body in excellent condition, early bellows-type changing bag with wooden top, no viewfinders, shutter string protection cap, magazine filled with numbered plates Estimate: EUR 1,000 - EUR 1,200 |
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| Jun 2017 | EUR 600 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | 9x12, square, early | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 31 (Lot AI_31_35298) Title: Krügener Delta
Description:
rare early version for 9x12cm plates, leather-covered body, thick wooden lens board contains waist-level finder and retractable wire frame finder, guillotine shutter, red bellows, in original condition Estimate: EUR 1,200 - EUR 1,400 |
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| Nov 2015 | EUR 800 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | 12x16 | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 28 (Lot AI_28_32257) Title: Dr. Krügener Delta
Description:
rare early version for large format 12x16cm plates, polished wooden body in excellent condition, working shutter, with very rare original instruction booklet in German Estimate: EUR 1,200 - EUR 1,400 |
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| May 2010 | EUR 400 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 17 (Lot AI_17_11554) Title: Krügener Delta Magazin Kamera
Description:
9x12cm detective camera, polished mahogany with magazine for 12 plates, unmarked and slightly different to the series model Estimate: EUR 700 - EUR 800 |
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| Dec 2009 | EUR 300 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 16 (Lot AI_16_19494) Title: Krügener Delta Magazine Camera
Description:
9x12cm detective camera, polished wood with magazine for 12 plates, stamped: Dr.R.Krügener's Delta-Camera Patent, dealers plaque: TIETGEN & Co. PHOTOGR.ARTIKEL HAMBURG Estimate: EUR 500 - EUR 700 |
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| May 2003 | EUR 313 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 2-3 (Lot AI_2_21575) Title: Krügener Delta camera
Description:
9x12cm, internal plate magazine with changing mechanism, leather covered wood body with plaque for ALB Glock & Cie Karlsruhe Baden. Estimate: EUR 1,892 - EUR 4 |
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| Nov 2002 | EUR 1,375 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | 9x12, square, rollfilm back | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 1 (Lot AI_1_20860) Title: KRÜGENER DETEKTIV 9x12 cm
Description:
Polished mahogany body stamped with trademark for Dr Krügener Bockheim Frankfurt, with internal magazine for 50 plates, Achromat lens, shutter with 6 speed settings |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Krügener Delta 9x12 magazine/detective worth today?
Recorded auction evidence is limited to a single UK hammer result of £313 from 2003, so a reliable current value cannot be quoted; condition and completeness would dominate any present-day price.
How much does a Krügener Delta of this type sell for at auction?
With only one verified sale on record, there is no established price range; collectors should treat the £313 figure as a historic data point rather than a current market value.
Why does this example have no finders, and does it matter for value?
The listing specifically notes the camera is supplied without finders, which on a detective-style camera reduces usability and collector appeal and would typically lower the price compared with a complete example.