Asahi Pentax Asahiflex |
The Asahiflex I is a 35mm single-lens reflex camera made by Asahi Optical Co. of Japan, introduced in the early 1950s as the first Japanese-built 35mm SLR. It used a waist-level reflex viewing system rather than a pentaprism, placing it among the earliest entries in the postwar Japanese SLR market.
With only one tracked UK auction record, pricing data is thin: a Christie's hammer result from 2007 reached £204, and that figure remains the sole reference point for what an Asahiflex I sells for at saleroom level. Because hammer prices reflect wholesale levels rather than retail, dealer asking prices today in 2026 typically sit higher than this auction figure, and condition, completeness with original lens, and working shutter are the main factors that move the value of any given example.
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2007 | £204 | Christie's | |
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Auction: Cameras, Photographs and Optical Toys (Lot 231) Title: Asahiflex no. 61107
Description:
Asahiflex no. 61107 Estimate: £200 - £400 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is an Asahiflex I worth today?
Auction evidence is limited to a single 2007 UK hammer price of £204, so any current value estimate carries significant uncertainty and depends heavily on cosmetic condition and shutter function.
How much does an Asahiflex I sell for at auction?
The only tracked UK auction sale recorded a hammer price of £204, which represents the wholesale saleroom level rather than a retail price.
Why is the Asahiflex I collectible?
It is recognised as the first Japanese 35mm SLR, which gives it historical significance for collectors of early postwar Japanese camera production.