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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.

Based on 28 recorded sales.

Last checked on eBay: 12 August 2026. Most recent sale: 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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