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Asahi Pentax S1a

The Asahi Pentax S1a is a 35mm single-lens reflex camera made by Asahi Optical Co. as part of the Pentax S-series of M42 screw-mount bodies from the 1960s. It was positioned as a lower-cost, fully mechanical alternative within the line, sold without a built-in exposure meter.

Hammer prices for the S1a at recent UK auction have run from about £50 up to £110, with the median close to £100, so what a tidy example is worth at saleroom level in 2026 remains firmly under the £150 mark. These are wholesale auction results rather than dealer retail, and condition — not rarity — is the main driver, with clean, working bodies selling for noticeably more than scruffy ones. Expect a private or dealer asking price above these figures once commission, warranty and handling are factored in.

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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: March 2025

Date Price Source
Mar 2025 £50 Special Auction Services
Jan 2024 £62 Flints Auctions
Jul 2023 £80 David Duggleby
Mar 2023 £106 Flints Auctions
Mar 2022 £112 Flints Auctions
May 2004 EUR 100 Leitz Auction

Frequently asked questions

What is a Pentax S1a worth today?

At UK auction the S1a has recently sold for roughly £50 to £110 at hammer, with a median value near £100 for a clean, fully working example.

How much does an Asahi Pentax S1a sell for?

It sells for around £50–£110 in the auction market, with the price mainly driven by cosmetic condition and shutter accuracy across all speeds.

Is the Pentax S1a worth buying as a user camera?

For the price it is a usable mechanical M42 body, but a Spotmatic at a similar value adds a built-in meter, which is why S1a values sit at the lower end of the Pentax S-series.

Does the Pentax S1a have a light meter?

No — the S1a is a fully mechanical, meterless SLR, so an external handheld or shoe-mounted meter is needed for accurate exposure.

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