Canon P black
The Canon P is a 35mm rangefinder camera introduced in 1959, using the Leica M39 screw mount. The black-finished version of the P is far less common than the standard chrome body, as Canon produced the P primarily in chrome.
Hammer prices for the black Canon P at UK auction have historically been strong, with recorded sales of £900 and £1,500 — a median around £1,200 and a range of roughly £900–£1,500. As of today in 2026 the black finish carries a clear premium over chrome examples at saleroom level, and condition of the black paint is the dominant factor in what one sells for.
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: June 2019
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Jun 2019 | EUR 1,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 34 (Lot AI_34_37343) Title: Canon P black paint
Description:
rare original black paint Canon P in near mint condition and in good working order, Canon P was canon's best selling rangefinder camera, over 100.000 examples have been made, only few hundred in black paint finish Estimate: EUR 800 - EUR 1,000 |
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| Dec 2010 | EUR 2,600 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 18 (Lot AI_18_12187) Title: Canon P Schwarz Lackiert
Description:
original and rare black painted Canon P in good working condition, black Canon Lens 1.8/50mm no.320543, cap Estimate: EUR 2,200 - EUR 2,600 |
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| Dec 2009 | EUR 1,500 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 16 (Lot AI_16_19536) Title: Canon P black paint
Description:
original black painted Canon P in good working condition, rare black Canon Lens 1.8/50mm no.259230, original black UV filter, cap, black painted Canon Meter (working, cond. B+) Estimate: EUR 2,800 - EUR 3,200 |
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| May 2004 | EUR 900 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 5 (Lot AI_5_23761) Title: Canon P black
Description:
very rare, original black painted Canon P, missing the selftimer level Estimate: EUR 1,959 - EUR 706,527 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a black Canon P worth today?
At recent UK auction, black Canon P bodies have sold in the region of £900 to £1,500, with the price driven by the originality of the black paint.
How much does a black Canon P sell for compared to the chrome version?
The black P sells for a clear premium over the chrome P at auction because Canon made far fewer black bodies, so collectors pay more for the finish.
Is the black Canon P value affected by repainting?
Yes — a repainted body has materially lower value than an original-paint example, so verifying paint originality is the single most important check before buying.