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Voigtlander& Sohn Vitessa

The Voigtländer Vitessa is a 35mm folding rangefinder camera introduced in the early 1950s. It is recognisable for its twin "barn-door" front covers that fold out to reveal the lens, and the tall plunger on the top plate that simultaneously advances the film and cocks the shutter. When new, it was positioned as a compact precision camera for enthusiasts.

At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Vitessa have sat in a fairly narrow band: the three most recent results from 2023 and 2024 fell between £50 and £80, with a median close to £56. Across the longer record the range is wider, from around £50 up to £250 for exceptional examples, and today the camera typically sells for less than it did in the late 1990s and early 2000s saleroom peak. Condition is the main price driver — a smooth-folding body with a clean Ultron lens and working plunger is worth noticeably more than a stiff or hazy example.

Variants

Select a variant to filter the sales history below.

Variant Years Edition Sales Price Range
Type 132 — — 0 —
Type 133 — — 1 £90 – £90
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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: July 2024

Date Price Source Variant
Jul 2024 £50 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions —
Apr 2024 £80 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services —
Jan 2023 £56 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions —
Nov 2018 £90 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions Type 133
Jun 2005 £60 🇬🇧 Christie's —
Mar 2004 £227 🇬🇧 Christie's —
May 2003 £94 🇬🇧 Christie's —
Mar 2003 £82 🇬🇧 Christie's —
Mar 2003 £105 🇬🇧 Christie's —
Jul 2002 £141 🇬🇧 Christie's —
May 2002 £176 🇬🇧 Christie's —
Feb 2002 £211 🇬🇧 Christie's —
Jul 2001 £129 🇬🇧 Christie's —
Jul 2001 £94 🇬🇧 Christie's —
Mar 2001 £82 🇬🇧 Christie's —
Aug 2000 £105 🇬🇧 Christie's —
Jan 1999 £253 🇬🇧 Christie's —
Nov 1998 £207 🇬🇧 Christie's —
Jul 1998 £115 🇬🇧 Christie's —
Jan 1998 £184 🇬🇧 Christie's —
Jan 1998 £63 🇬🇧 Christie's —

Frequently asked questions

What is a Voigtländer Vitessa worth today?

At UK auction in 2023 and 2024 the Vitessa has sold for roughly £50 to £80 at the hammer, with a median around £56 for typical user-grade examples.

How much does a Vitessa sell for in top condition?

Clean, fully working examples have historically reached the £180–£250 range at auction, though results at that level have become less common in recent years.

What affects the price and value of a Vitessa most?

Mechanical condition of the folding barn doors and plunger wind, lens clarity and rangefinder accuracy are the main factors; a stiff or hazy camera will sit at the bottom of the range while a smooth, clean Ultron-equipped body sits at the top.

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