CameraWorth.com

Canon L1 chrome

The Canon L1 is a 35mm rangefinder camera with a Leica-style M39 screw mount, produced by Canon during its rangefinder era before the company shifted to SLRs. The chrome finish is the standard cosmetic version of the body.

With only one tracked UK auction record, the L1 chrome has limited price evidence: a single hammer result of £100 in 2022 is the only data point available at saleroom level today. Because this is wholesale auction data rather than a dealer asking price, retail examples typically sell for more, and condition, working shutter speeds and rangefinder accuracy heavily influence what a Canon L1 is worth.

I have one to sell

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: October 2023

Date Price Source
Oct 2023 £220 Special Auction Services
Oct 2023 £100 Special Auction Services
Feb 2022 £100 Flints Auctions
Jun 2004 £191 Christie's
Jun 2000 £282 Christie's

Frequently asked questions

What is a Canon L1 chrome worth at UK auction?

Based on the single tracked sale, a Canon L1 chrome sells for around £100 at hammer, though that figure is drawn from just one result and the true market value could be higher for a clean, fully working example.

How much does a Canon L1 sell for compared to retail?

The £100 auction price reflects wholesale hammer level before commission; dealer retail prices for a serviced Canon L1 are typically higher, so this auction figure is a floor rather than a guide to replacement cost.

Is the Canon L1 a good buy at this price?

At around £100 hammer the L1 can represent fair value for a Leica-screw-mount user, but with so little recent sales data the price is uncertain and a service may be needed to bring the camera into reliable use.

Other Canon cameras