CameraWorth.com

Canon L1

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.

Variants

Select a variant to filter the sales history below.

Variant Years Edition Sales Price Range
black — — 3 £1,265 – £2,300
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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 13 recorded sales.

Last checked on eBay: 13 August 2026. Most recent sale: July 2026.

Date Price Value GBP Source Variant
Jul 2026 £12 £12 🇬🇧 eBay —
Jul 2026 £14 £14 🇬🇧 eBay —
Jul 2026 £15 £15 🇬🇧 eBay —
Jun 2026 £10 £10 🇬🇧 eBay —
Oct 2023 £100 £100 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services —
Oct 2023 £220 £220 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services —
Feb 2022 £100 £80 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions —
Oct 2015 £80 £80 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services (archive) —
Nov 2014 EUR 1,600 £1,265 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction black
May 2009 EUR 2,600 £2,300 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction black
Jun 2005 £1,800 £1,500 🇬🇧 Christie's black
Jun 2004 £191 £160 🇬🇧 Christie's —
Jun 2000 £282 £240 🇬🇧 Christie's —
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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.

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