Rollei Rolleiflex SL 26
The Rolleiflex SL 26 is a 126 cartridge-format SLR introduced by Rollei in the late 1960s. It used the Instamatic-style 126 film cartridge in a single-lens-reflex body, positioning it as a higher-end alternative to the simpler 126 viewfinder cameras that dominated the format.
At UK auction, hammer prices for the Rolleiflex SL 26 have been modest, with recorded saleroom results of £60 in 2023 and £88 in 2025 — a working range of roughly £60–£88 and a midpoint near £74. Today the SL 26 is a niche collector item rather than a user camera, and what it is worth at auction depends heavily on completeness and the presence of original accessories, since the obsolete 126 format limits practical demand.
Variants
Select a variant to filter the sales history below.
| Variant | Years | Edition | Sales | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| chrome | — | — | 2 | £3,000 – £4,000 |
| Dummy | — | — | 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: August 2025
| Date | Price | Source | Variant | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 2025 | £88 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 195) Title: A Rolleiflex SL26 Camera Outfit
Description:
black, body G, shutter works, with lenses a Tessar f/2.8 40mm, a Pro-Tessar f/3.2 28mm, a Pro-Tessar f/4 80mm all optics G with very light haze. |
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| Apr 2023 | £60 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services | — | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 136) Title: A Rolleiflex SL26 Camera
Description:
A Rolleiflex SL26 Camera, serial no 3512574, shutter working, meter responsive, body G, with Carl Zeiss 40mm f/2.8 Tessar, 28mm f/3.2 and 80mm f/4 |
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| Jun 2021 | EUR 4,000 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | chrome | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 38 (Lot AI_38_39492) Title: Rolleiflex SL 26 chrome prototype
Description:
a unique, early prototype of the Rolleiflex SL 26 chrome, SLR camera for 126 film cartridges, only about 30 pieces were finally put into production (most of them destroyed because of inadequate chrome quality used for the top housing), interesting to note some differences in the shape of the top plate and prism, the engraving 'Rolleiflex' on the side, double engraving 'Made in Germany by Rollei' on the back and round door opening button, with pre-series Tessar 2.8/40mm no.2584438, in very good condition Estimate: EUR 6,000 - EUR 8,000 |
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| Nov 2018 | EUR 3,000 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | chrome | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 33 (Lot AI_33_36514) Title: Rolleiflex SL26 chrome 0-Series
Description:
one of only 30 cameras produced in chrome finish for testing and marketing purposes, in near mint condition, only minimal signs of use on the body, Tessar 2.8/40mm no.4550981, lens cap, special ever-ready case. Despite being easy to use and its compact dimensions, the SL26 could not compete with Japanese products and was therefore a commercial flop, still - especially in this scarce chrome finish - it is an important part of the history of Rollei Estimate: EUR 3,000 - EUR 3,500 |
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| May 2003 | EUR 125 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 2-3 (Lot AI_2_22267) Title: Rolleiflex SL 26
Description:
126 rollfilm, black body, with a Tessar f/2.8 40mm lens, engraved “Made in Germany by Rollei” Estimate: EUR 1,970 - EUR 3,519,579 |
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| May 2003 | £58 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: MAGIC LANTERNS AND OPTICAL TOYS AND CAMERAS (Lot 231) Title: Rolleiflex SL26 no. 3500084
Description:
Rolleiflex SL26 no. 3500084 Estimate: £100 - £150 |
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| Nov 1998 | £40 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: KOSLOV COLLECTION OF CAMERAS AND SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS (Lot 171) Title: Rolleiflex SL26 no. 3518430
Description:
Rolleiflex SL26 no. 3518430 Estimate: £25 - £100 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Rolleiflex SL 26 worth today?
Recent UK auction hammer results sit between £60 and £88, giving a typical value around £70–£90 for a complete, working example.
How much does a Rolleiflex SL 26 sell for at auction?
It sells for a modest price — the two recorded UK saleroom results are £60 (2023) and £88 (2025), reflecting limited demand for the obsolete 126 cartridge format.
Is the Rolleiflex SL 26 still usable?
126 cartridge film is no longer in regular production, so the camera is generally bought as a collector piece rather than a working tool, which keeps its market price low.