Canon IVS
The Canon IVS is a 35mm rangefinder camera with a screw-mount lens fitting, part of Canon's early rangefinder line produced in the 1950s before the company transitioned to its later bayonet-mount system. It was positioned as a Leica-style interchangeable-lens rangefinder for serious amateurs and professionals of the period.
At UK auction in recent years, hammer prices for the Canon IVS have ranged from around £88 to £120, with both recorded sales falling in that band. As of 2026, what a Canon IVS is worth at saleroom level depends heavily on cosmetic condition, shutter accuracy and whether a matched period lens is included; clean, fully-working bodies tend to sell for the upper end of that range.
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: January 2026
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Jan 2026 | £88 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 592) Title: A Canon IVS Rangefinder Body
Description:
chrome, serial number 94734, body VG, shutter working but sticks at 1 second, RF patch clearly visible and moving Note: A 5% import VAT applies to |
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| Oct 2023 | £120 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 168) Title: A Canon IVS Rangefinder Camera
Description:
A Canon IVS Rangefinder Camera, Canon Camera Company Inc Japan on top plate, made in Japan on base, serial no 61276, shutter working, rangefinder |
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| Oct 2023 | £210 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 167) Title: A Canon IVS Rangefinder Camera
Description:
A Canon IVS Rangefinder Camera, Canon Camera Company Inc Japan on top plate, serial no 73661, shutter working, rangefinder functions, body G-VG, |
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| Jun 2004 | £239 | Christie's | |
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Auction: LEICA, NIKON AND 35MM CAMERAS (Lot 194) Title: Canon IVS no. 75521
Description:
Canon IVS no. 75521 Estimate: £200 - £300 |
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| Jun 2004 | £179 | Christie's | |
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Auction: LEICA, NIKON AND 35MM CAMERAS THE PROPERTY OF A COLLECTOR (Lot 13) Title: Canon IVS no. 69405
Description:
Canon IVS no. 69405 Estimate: £150 - £200 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Canon IVS worth today?
Based on UK auction hammer results, a Canon IVS sells for roughly £88 to £120, with the price depending on cosmetic condition and whether the shutter and rangefinder are working correctly.
How much does a Canon IVS sell for at auction?
Recent UK saleroom records show hammer prices of £88 (January 2026) and £120 (October 2023), so a value in that range is a reasonable expectation for a body-only example.
Does the Canon IVS take Leica screw-mount lenses?
Yes — the IVS uses the M39 / Leica thread mount, so period Canon screw-mount lenses and other LTM-compatible optics will fit, though rangefinder coupling accuracy should be checked.
Is the Canon IVS still serviceable?
Canon no longer services these cameras, but independent classic-camera repairers can typically clean and adjust the shutter and rangefinder, which is a key factor in the price a clean example commands.