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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 — — 1 £150 – £150
f/1.2 — — 4 £199 – £325
FD f/1.2L — — 8 £140 – £456
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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: September 2025

Date Price Source Variant
Sep 2025 £400 Flints Auctions FD f/1.2L
Jul 2025 £140 Special Auction Services FD f/1.2L
Apr 2025 £150 Flints Auctions EF f/1.2L USM
Jan 2025 £200 Flints Auctions FD f/1.2L
May 2024 £438 Flints Auctions FD f/1.2L
Feb 2024 £360 Special Auction Services FD f/1.2L
Feb 2024 £140 Special Auction Services FD f/1.2L
Oct 2023 £230 Special Auction Services f/1.2
Jul 2023 £325 Flints Auctions FD f/1.2L
Jun 2023 £225 Flints Auctions f/1.2
May 2023 £325 Flints Auctions f/1.2
Nov 2018 £456 Flints Auctions FD f/1.2L
Nov 2008 EUR 700 Leitz Auction —
Jul 2002 £199 Christie's f/1.2

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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