Asahi Pentax Pentax S1a
The Asahi Pentax S1a is a 35mm film SLR from the M42 screw-mount era of Asahi Optical's Pentax line. It was positioned within the company's earlier Spotmatic-period range and is sought today by collectors of vintage Japanese SLRs rather than as a working tool.
Sales data for the Pentax S1a is very thin: the only verified UK auction record on file is a single hammer result of £25 in June 2023, so the documented saleroom value sits at the low end of vintage SLR pricing. With one data point it is not possible to give a reliable range or median, and what an S1a is worth today in 2026 will depend heavily on cosmetic condition, working shutter speeds and whether a period lens is included.
Variants
Select a variant to filter the sales history below.
| Variant | Years | Edition | Sales | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| black | — | — | 1 | £70 – £70 |
Sales History
Prices shown are realised prices — auction results and completed eBay sales, never asking prices. Most saleroom figures are hammer prices, before commission; some houses publish a premium-inclusive figure, and we do not adjust for condition. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher. How this figure is calculated.
Rows marked offer accepted did sell, on the date shown, but eBay does not publish the amount that was accepted. The figure we show is what the seller was asking, so the true sale price was lower — treat it as an upper bound. These rows are excluded from every price range, average and valuation on this site.
Prices updated: January 2026
| Date | Price | Value GBP | Source | Variant | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2026 | asked £72.46 — sold for less offer accepted | — | 🇬🇧 eBay listing | black | |
| Jan 2026 | USD 95 | £70 | 🇺🇸 eBay | black | |
Title: Rare Black Paint Asahi Pentax S1a 35mm SLR camera body only EXC WORKING!
Description:
RARE BLACK PAINT VERSION. EXCELLENT WORKING! Shutter is fine. All speeds are accurate. Opening and closing is easy. Location: Kiev, Ukraine |
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| Jun 2023 | £25 | £20 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 348) Title: A Pentax S1a 35mm SLR Camera
Description:
chrome, body G-VG, shutter working but second curtain doesn't fully close, requires service, with Super-Takumar f/2 55mm lens, optics G, some light (Qty: 1) |
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| Feb 2005 | £60 | £50 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 134) Title: Pentax S1a no. 678999
Description:
Pentax S1a no. 678999 Estimate: £80 - £120 |
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| Oct 1998 | £57 | £50 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS & OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 194) Title: Pentax S1a no. 704631
Description:
Pentax S1a no. 704631 Estimate: £25 - £100 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Pentax S1a worth today?
Based on the limited UK auction data available, a Pentax S1a has sold for around £25 at hammer, though clean, fully working examples with a lens can sell for more. The single data point makes a precise value hard to pin down.
How much does a Pentax S1a sell for at auction?
The one verified UK saleroom result on file is £25 hammer in 2023. That price reflects a body-only or modest-condition sale and excludes buyer's premium.
Is the Pentax S1a a good buy at this price?
At around £25 it is an inexpensive entry into M42-mount shooting, but factor in the cost of a service or light-seal replacement before treating it as a user camera.