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Pignons Alpa Reflex I

The Alpa Reflex I is a 35mm camera produced in Switzerland by Pignons SA of Ballaigues, introduced in the mid-1940s. It was a precision-engineered instrument aimed at the upper end of the 35mm market, built in small quantities rather than mass-produced.

At recent UK auction, hammer results for the Alpa Reflex I have ranged from roughly £290 to £810, with a median around £540 — these are saleroom wholesale prices rather than retail asking figures. Today in 2026 the value a given example sells for depends heavily on cosmetic condition, working shutter, and whether the original lens is present, with clean outfits pulling toward the top of the range and tired bodies toward the bottom. Because Alpa production numbers were small, supply at any one sale is thin, which keeps the price band wide.

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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 2025

Date Price Source
Nov 2025 £562 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions
Jun 2025 £288 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions
Nov 2024 EUR 5,500 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction
Jan 2024 USD 400 🇺🇸 pedia_sales_tamarkin
Jun 2021 EUR 400 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction
Apr 2021 £806 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions
Jun 2019 EUR 600 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction
Jun 2019 EUR 850 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction
Mar 2018 EUR 1,900 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction
Mar 2018 EUR 550 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction
Jun 2017 EUR 3,400 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction
Jun 2017 EUR 1,700 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction
Jun 2015 EUR 4,000 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction
Mar 2014 EUR 1,300 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction
Nov 2013 EUR 2,000 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction
May 2013 EUR 1,300 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction
Nov 2012 EUR 1,000 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction
Mar 2007 £264 🇬🇧 Christie's
Mar 2007 £252 🇬🇧 Christie's
Mar 2007 £396 🇬🇧 Christie's
Nov 2005 EUR 720 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction
Mar 2004 £478 🇬🇧 Christie's
Mar 2004 £478 🇬🇧 Christie's
Nov 2003 EUR 3,542 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction
Apr 2003 £376 🇬🇧 Christie's
Nov 2001 £470 🇬🇧 Christie's
Jan 2001 £705 🇬🇧 Christie's
Oct 1999 £253 🇬🇧 Christie's
Jun 1999 £632 🇬🇧 Christie's
May 1999 £402 🇬🇧 Christie's
Nov 1998 £575 🇬🇧 Christie's
Nov 1998 £460 🇬🇧 Christie's
Aug 1998 £632 🇬🇧 Christie's
Jun 1998 £747 🇬🇧 Christie's
Jan 1998 £460 🇬🇧 Christie's

Frequently asked questions

What is an Alpa Reflex I worth today?

At UK auction the Alpa Reflex I has sold for roughly £290 to £810 in recent years, with a median hammer price near £540. Clean, fully working examples sit at the upper end of that band.

How much does an Alpa Reflex I sell for at auction?

Recent UK hammer prices have spanned £288 to £806, so the price any individual camera sells for will depend on condition, completeness, and whether a period lens is included.

Why does the Alpa Reflex I hold its value?

Pignons built Alpa cameras in small numbers in Switzerland, so supply is limited and collector demand supports the price even for bodies that need service.

Is the Alpa Reflex I a good user camera?

It can be used, but service options are limited and repair costs are high, so most buyers treat it as a collector piece rather than a daily shooter.

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