A Leicavit MP camera was one of the highlights of the Robert White collection sale at Bonhams on September 19.

It realised £26,250 ($34,230) - up 31.2% on its £20,000 ($26,080) estimate.

The Leicavit MP was produced in a limited run of 400

The camera is one of only 400 made in the mid-1950s and remains in exceptional condition. Its rapid winding mechanism allowed photographers to shoot up to two frames per second, making it ideal for photojournalists.

White, who founded the Robert White chain of photography stores under his own name, died of cancer last year.

All of the proceeds from the sale will go to Poole hospital in Dorset, where they will fund new equipment and staff bursaries.

White was also a keen motor enthusiast and the sale featured selections from his collection of classic motorbikes and cars - including a 1930 Bentley 4½ litre that sold for £315,000 ($410,760).

His collection of Lalique glass mascots also performed well, with a rare Hibou figurine achieving £47,500 ($61,940).

Jon Baddeley, global director of collector's sales at Bonhams, commented in the run-up to the auction: "As one would expect from a man who made cameras and photography his life's work, the pieces collected by Robert White are rare, of immense quality, and are of historical significance.

"Robert certainly had an eye for quality."

Please sign up to our free newsletter to receive exciting news about antique auctions.