Canon L-1
The Canon L-1 is a 35mm rangefinder camera with a Leica screw mount (M39/LTM), produced by Canon in the mid-1950s. It sat in Canon's professional rangefinder line, offering interchangeable screw-mount lens compatibility at a time when Canon was building its reputation alongside German rangefinder makers.
Hammer prices for the Canon L-1 at recent UK auction have ranged from around £210 to £400, with limited sample size making a single median figure unreliable. As of 2026, what a Canon L-1 sells for at saleroom level depends heavily on cosmetic condition, shutter accuracy, and whether the rangefinder optics are clear; clean working bodies tend to achieve 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.
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Apr 2024 | £210 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 136) Title: A Canon L1 Rangefinder Camera
Description:
A Canon L1 Rangefinder Camera, serial no 562010, shutter working, rangefinder working, body G, light marks/scratches to base plate, with Canon 50mm |
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| Dec 2021 | £397 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 429) Title: A Canon Model L1 Rangefinder Camera
Description:
with Canon f/1.2 50mm lens, body, F-G, shutter working but slowest speeds sticking, lens, F, some internal fungus and marks |
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| May 2013 | EUR 400 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 23 (Lot AI_23_14865) Title: Canon L1 outfit
Description:
rare and early body in excellent working order, rare black Canon mirror reflex housing with Canon Lens 3.5/200mm no.11554 (internal marks, cap) Estimate: EUR 700 - EUR 900 |
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