Spirotechnique Calypso
The Spirotechnique Calypso is a 35mm underwater film camera, designed for use without an external housing. It was introduced in the late 1950s and was sold by the French diving-equipment company Spirotechnique before the design was later licensed to Nikon.
At UK auction, hammer prices for the Calypso are thinly traded, with the two recorded sales fetching £350 and £700 — a wide spread that reflects how much condition and completeness drive what this camera is worth today. With so few data points, any single figure should be treated as indicative rather than a firm market price in 2026.
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.
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Nov 2020 | EUR 700 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 37 (Lot AI_37_38968) Title: Spirotechnique Calypso
Description:
early underwater camera (forerunner of the Nikonos), first type with grey plastic imitation sealskin covering, shutter speeds from 1/30 to 1/1000s, in good original condition and perfect working order, Som Berthiot 3.5/35mm no.00795 Estimate: EUR 1,400 - EUR 1,600 |
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| Nov 2015 | EUR 1,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 28 (Lot AI_28_32892) Title: Spirotechnique Calypso
Description:
early underwater camera (forerunner of the Nikonos), first type with grey plastic imitation sealskin (1/30-1000 sec.) in very good original condition and perfect working order, Som Berthiot 3.5/35mm no.00582, strap Estimate: EUR 2,000 - EUR 2,500 |
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| May 2009 | EUR 420 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 15 (Lot AI_15_18409) Title: Spirotechnique Calypso
Description:
classic underwater camera, first type Calypso (30-1000/sec.) with grey plastic imitation sealskin, Som Berthiot 3.5/35mm Flor, strap, cap Estimate: EUR 600 - EUR 800 |
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| Nov 2006 | EUR 1,700 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 10 (Lot AI_10_15604) Title: Spirotechnique Calypso
Description:
early underwater camera (forerunner of the Nikonos), first type with grey plastic imitation sealskin (1/30-1000 sec.) in fantastic original condition and perfect working order, Som Berthiot 3.5/35mm, cap, straps, finder, various instruction sheets in English, original makers box, complete flash unit, hard to find in such perfect condition. Ex Spira Collection Estimate: EUR 1,200 - EUR 1,500 |
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| Nov 2004 | EUR 698 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 6 (Lot AI_6_24078) Title: Spirotechnique Calypso
Description:
early underwater camera for 24x36mm, Flor 3.5/35mm, 1st model, good condition with strap Estimate: EUR 600 - EUR 800 |
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| Apr 2003 | £352 | Christie's | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT.THE PROP OF DRS.M.SORRELL (Lot 134) Title: Calypso no. 316
Description:
Calypso no. 316 Estimate: £100 - £150 |
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| Oct 2000 | £470 | Christie's | |
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Auction: LEICA, CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 168) Title: Calypso no. 4930
Description:
Calypso no. 4930 Estimate: £180 - £250 |
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