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Canon 50mm f/1.2

The Canon 50mm f/1.2 is a fast standard prime rangefinder lens in Leica thread mount (L39/LTM), produced for Canon's screw-mount rangefinder bodies of the 1950s. It was designed as a low-light standard for 35mm rangefinder photography, competing directly with the fast Leica and Nikon normals of the era.

At recent UK auction, hammer prices for this 50mm f/1.2 have ranged from £230 to £325, with only two recorded sales giving a midpoint around £278. As of today in 2026, condition is the dominant driver of what a clean example is worth, and copies free of haze and cleaning marks sell for more than glassy but hazy ones at saleroom level.

Variants

Select a variant to filter the sales history below.

Variant Years Edition Sales Price Range
EF f/1.2L USM — — 7 £60 – £600
f/1.2 — — 5 £169 – £581
FD f/1.2L — — 14 £140 – £598
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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.

Prices updated: August 2026

Date Price Value GBP Source Variant
Aug 2026 £466 £466 🇬🇧 eBay EF f/1.2L USM
Aug 2026 £600 £600 🇬🇧 eBay EF f/1.2L USM
Aug 2026 £453 £453 🇬🇧 eBay FD f/1.2L
Aug 2026 £507 £507 🇬🇧 eBay EF f/1.2L USM
Aug 2026 £568 £568 🇬🇧 eBay EF f/1.2L USM
Aug 2026 £600 £600 🇬🇧 eBay EF f/1.2L USM
Jul 2026 £60 £60 🇬🇧 eBay EF f/1.2L USM
Jul 2026 USD 695 £520 🇺🇸 eBay FD f/1.2L
Jul 2026 USD 700 £524 🇺🇸 eBay FD f/1.2L
Jul 2026 USD 479 £358 🇺🇸 eBay FD f/1.2L
Jul 2026 USD 650 £486 🇺🇸 eBay FD f/1.2L
Jul 2026 USD 800 £598 🇺🇸 eBay FD f/1.2L
Sep 2025 £400 £320 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions FD f/1.2L
Jul 2025 £140 £140 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services FD f/1.2L
Apr 2025 £150 £120 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions EF f/1.2L USM
Jan 2025 £200 £160 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions FD f/1.2L
May 2024 £438 £350 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions FD f/1.2L
Feb 2024 £140 £140 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services FD f/1.2L
Feb 2024 £360 £360 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services FD f/1.2L
Oct 2023 £230 £230 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services f/1.2
Jul 2023 £325 £260 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions FD f/1.2L
Jun 2023 £225 £180 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions f/1.2
May 2023 £238 £190 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions —
May 2023 £325 £260 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions f/1.2
Nov 2018 £456 £380 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions FD f/1.2L
Jul 2015 £150 £150 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services (archive) —
Nov 2008 EUR 700 £581 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction f/1.2
Jul 2002 £199 £169 🇬🇧 Christie's f/1.2
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Frequently asked questions

What is a Canon 50mm f/1.2 L39 lens worth today?

Based on recorded UK auction hammer results, the Canon 50mm f/1.2 in L39 mount has a value between £230 and £325, with the price paid depending on cosmetic condition and glass clarity.

How much does a Canon 50mm f/1.2 screw-mount sell for at UK auction?

The two tracked UK hammer sales achieved £230 and £325, putting the typical price around the high £200s for a usable example.

Is the Canon 50mm f/1.2 L39 rare?

It is considerably scarcer than the Canon 50mm f/1.4 and f/1.8 screw-mount lenses, which is reflected in the limited auction record and keeps values firm for clean copies.

What should I check before buying one?

Prioritise glass condition — haze, fungus and cleaning marks on the large elements are common — and confirm the aperture is oil-free and the focus helicoid moves smoothly across its full range.

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