Canon EF
The Canon EF is a 35mm film SLR introduced in 1973, using the Canon FD lens mount. It was positioned as an advanced enthusiast and semi-professional body, sitting below the F-1 in the range, and is sometimes nicknamed the "Black Beauty" for its all-black finish.
At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Canon EF have ranged from around £40 to £500, with a median closer to £56 — these are saleroom results (wholesale, before commission), not dealer retail. The wide spread in 2026 reflects how condition-sensitive this model is: tidy, fully working bodies sell for substantially more than the cosmetically tired examples that make up most of the market, and an outlier clean example can push what the camera is worth well above typical levels.
Variants
Select a variant to filter the sales history below.
| Variant | Years | Edition | Sales | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 135mm f/2.0 | — | — | 0 | — |
| 135mm f/2.8 (original version) | — | — | 0 | — |
| 17-35mm f/2.8 | — | — | 0 | — |
| 20-35mm f/2.8 | — | — | 0 | — |
| 200mm f/2.8 | — | — | 0 | — |
| 400mm f/2.8L | — | — | 0 | — |
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: November 2025
| Date | Price | Value GBP | Source | Variant | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2025 | £500 | £500 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 267) Title: A Canon EF 11-24mm f/4 L USM Lens
Description:
A Canon EF 11-24mm f/4 L USM Lens, serial no 2910000851, auto focusing working, barrel VG, elements VG, with front and rear caps |
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| Oct 2025 | £56 | £45 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 110) Title: A Canon EF 35mm SLR Camera Outfit
Description:
black, serial number 257236, black, body G-VG, shutter works, with a Canon FD f/1.8 50mm lens, barrel VG, optics G, and a Tamron f/2.8 28mm lens, |
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| May 2025 | £62 | £50 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 124) Title: A Canon EF 35mm SLR Camera
Description:
comprising a Canon EF, black, body G, shutter working, with a FD f/1.8 50mm lens, barrel G, optics G. |
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| May 2025 | £280 | £280 | 🇬🇧 Tennants Auctioneers | — | |
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Auction: Scientific & Musical Instruments, Cameras & Tools (Lot 192) Title: Canon EF Camera
Description:
with FD f2.8 20mm SSC lens |
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| Aug 2023 | £40 | £40 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services | — | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 248) Title: A Canon EF SLR Camera
Description:
A Canon EF SLR Camera, black, shutter working, meter unresponsive, self timer working, body G, some brassing to edges, with FD 50mm f/1.8 S.C. lens, |
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| Nov 2015 | £45 | £45 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services (archive) | — | |
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Auction: Express Camera & Music Auction Thursday 19th November 2015 at 10:00 Lots 1-343 Cameras Lots 344-487 Music (Lot 129) Title: Canon EF Camera
Description:
Canon EF Camera, wite an f/1.8 50mm FD lens and makers case Estimate: £30 - £50 |
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| Sep 2001 | £94 | £80 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 119) Title: Canon EF no. 299552
Description:
Canon EF no. 299552 Estimate: £100 - £150 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Canon EF worth today?
Based on recent UK auction hammer results, a Canon EF is worth roughly £40 at the low end for rough, untested bodies, rising to around £500 for an exceptional clean working example, with a typical price closer to £56.
How much does a Canon EF sell for at auction?
Most Canon EF bodies sell for under £100 at UK saleroom level, though a standout example sold for £500 in late 2025 — condition and whether the meter and shutter are both functional are the main drivers of value.
Is the Canon EF a good buy for the price?
If you already use Canon FD lenses and want shutter-priority auto-exposure, the EF offers strong value at typical hammer prices, but budget for a CLA on any body where the meter behaviour is unknown.