Canon 1950
The Canon 1950 is an early Canon screw-mount rangefinder, part of the 35mm rangefinder line the company developed in the late 1940s and early 1950s. It uses the Leica thread mount (M39) lens fitting and was aimed at professional and advanced amateur photographers when new.
With only two recorded UK auction hammer results, the price spread runs from £470 to £595, with the more recent 2021 sale settling near the upper end. As of 2026, anyone asking what a Canon 1950 is worth at saleroom level should treat these wholesale figures as a guide rather than a firm market value, since condition, completeness and originality drive what each example sells for.
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2025 | £438 | Flints Auctions | |
|
Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 112) Title: A Canon Model 7 Rangefinder Camera
Description:
1961-64, chrome, serial no. 832980, with Canon f/1.2 50mm lens, black/chrome, serial no. 27427, body, VG, shutter working, lens, VG, complete with |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| Jan 2025 | £120 | Tennants Auctioneers | |
|
Auction: Scientific & Musical Instruments, Cameras & Tools (Lot 139) Title: Canon Model 7 Camera
Description:
no.800591 with Canon f1.4 50mm lens |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| Apr 2022 | £2,000 | Flints Auctions | |
|
Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 79) Title: A Canon Model 7 Rangefinder Camera
Description:
1961-64, chrome, serial no. 900343, with Canon f/0.95 50mm lens, black, serial no. 16697, body, VG, shutter working, lens, G, some marks to the front |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| Nov 2021 | £595 | Flints Auctions | |
|
Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science (Lot 111) Title: A Canon Model 7 Rangefinder Camera
Description:
1961-64, chrome, serial no. 880578, with Canon f/1.2 50mm lens, chrome, serial no. 49024, body, VG, shutter working, lens, G-VG, some internal haze |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| Nov 2007 | EUR 3,200 | Leitz Auction | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 12 (Lot AI_12_20232) Title: The Canon 1950 'Skinner'
Description:
almost unknown Canon, a pre-model of Canon IV. In total only 50 of these were produced, most of them were delivered to C.R.Skinner in San Francisco. Only very few of these cameras are known to exist but this is not the only reason why it is one of the most important Canon cameras. It is the first original synchronised Canon camera, the first with 1/1000 shutter, the first to be used with a rapid winder. The camera offered is in very fine original condition and perfect working order with the matching Serenar 1.9/50mm no.24933, cap, mint condition series IV hood in black paint, the base plate engraved: MADE IN OCCUPIED JAPAN SERVICED AND GUARANTEED IN SAN FRANCISCO CALIFORNIA. Also included: documentation relating to this camera including rare literature and the original letter of authenticity from Dr. Peter Dechert Estimate: EUR 5,000 - EUR 6,000 |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| Nov 2007 | EUR 650 | Leitz Auction | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 12 (Lot AI_12_20233) Title: Canon 7
Description:
rangefinder and shutter in good working condition (meter not working), with fast Canon Lens 0.95/50mm no.14524, cap, lens needs cleaning, case Estimate: EUR 800 - EUR 900 |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| Jun 2007 | £480 | Christie's | |
|
Auction: Leica, Nikon, 35mm & Other Photographic Equipment (Lot 12) Title: Canon 7 no. 937273
Description:
Canon 7 no. 937273 Estimate: £400 - £600 |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| Jun 2004 | £1,195 | Christie's | |
|
Auction: LEICA, NIKON AND 35MM CAMERAS (Lot 190) Title: Canon 7 no. 839485
Description:
Canon 7 no. 839485 Estimate: £1,200 - £1,800 |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| Nov 2001 | £1,880 | Christie's | |
|
Auction: MAGIC LANTERNS, OPTICAL TOYS AND CAMERAS (Lot 354) Title: Canon (1950) no. 50066
Description:
Canon (1950) no. 50066 Estimate: £1,000 - £1,500 |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| Jun 2001 | £470 | Christie's | |
|
Auction: LEICA, NIKON AND 35MM CAMERAS (Lot 8) Title: Canon 7 no. 812421
Description:
Canon 7 no. 812421 Estimate: £300 - £500 |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| Oct 2000 | £188 | Christie's | |
|
Auction: LEICA, CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 148) Title: Canon 7 no. 809034
Description:
Canon 7 no. 809034 Estimate: £25 - £150 |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| Oct 1999 | £161 | Christie's | |
|
Auction: Cameras and Optical Toys (Lot 158) Title: Canon 7 no. 869087
Description:
Canon 7 no. 869087 Estimate: £200 - £300 |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||