Canon S-II (Seiki Kogaku)
The Canon S-II is a 35mm screw-mount rangefinder produced by Seiki Kogaku, the company that later became Canon. It was a postwar Japanese rangefinder built around the Leica thread mount, positioned as a domestic alternative to the Leica II/III pattern when new.
Sales data for the S-II is thin, but the two recorded UK auction hammer results sit at £300 and £800 — wholesale levels achieved in the saleroom rather than dealer asking prices. Today in 2026, condition, completeness of original markings and matching lens combinations heavily influence what a Seiki Kogaku S-II is worth, and clean, original examples sell for a clear premium over rough, reworked bodies.
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.
Prices updated: June 2026
| Date | Price | Value GBP | Source | |
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| Jun 2026 | USD 1,494 | £1,120 | 🇺🇸 eBay | |
Title: Canon Seiki-Kogaku S-II camera, Nikkor-QC 5cm f3.5 lens. Circa 1946. DOME cap.
Description:
Canon Seiki-Kogaku S - II #15866, very EARLY circa 1946 production. Top is clean with few marks, bottom plate has LOTS of visible marks. Small dings on the bottom plate and small dings under winding knob on the back of the top plate. Location: Solon, OH, United States |
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| May 2026 | £140 | £140 | 🇬🇧 eBay | |
Title: Canon S II 35mm Rangefinder Camera Body - UK Dealer
Description:
The rangefinder image is clean and clear. Shutter speeds need a service also. Serial number is 17974. Location: Hayling Island, United Kingdom |
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| Nov 2025 | EUR 1,800 | £1,584 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 47 (Lot A02326) Title: Seiki-Kogaku Canon S-II
Description:
A rare 'Seiki-Kogaku' version of the Canon S-II (only around 2200 of these cameras were made), in excellent condition, with matching Serenar 3.5/5cm no.8854 and lens cap. |
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| Nov 2020 | £434 | £350 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science (Lot 212) Title: A Canon S-II Seiki Kogaku Rangefinder Camera
Description:
1946-47, chrome, serial no. 16541, with Seiki-Kogaku Serenar f/3.5 50mm lens, chrome, serial no. 9085, body, F-G, shutter working, slow speeds |
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| Nov 2018 | EUR 600 | £529 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 33 (Lot AI_33_36693) Title: Canon S-II
Description:
late Canon S-II in near mint condition, base plate engraved 'MADE IN OCCUPIED JAPAN' and marked with CPO symbol (quite rare in Katakana characters), with rare and matching collapsible Serenar 3.5/5cm no.13534, lens cap Estimate: EUR 1,200 - EUR 1,400 |
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| Nov 2015 | USD 1,100 | £724 | 🇺🇸 pedia_sales_tamarkin | |
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Auction: November 2015 (Lot 19) Title: Canon S II "Seiki-Kogaku" Nr. 15351 with 50mm Serenar f3,5 Nr. 9030. Engraved "Made in Occupied Japan." Leatherette lifting slightly.
Description:
Canon S II "Seiki-Kogaku" Nr. 15351 with 50mm Serenar f3,5 Nr. 9030. Engraved "Made in Occupied Japan." Leatherette lifting slightly. |
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| May 2011 | EUR 300 | £263 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 19 (Lot AI_19_12491) Title: Canon S-II Seiki-Kogaku
Description:
first version of the first post-war camera (production started with no.15000), with rare and also very early Seiki-Kogaku Serenar 3.5/5cm no.8322 (adjusted to fit this S-II), original black and early hood engraved 'SEIKI KOGAKU', shutter sticks Estimate: EUR 600 - EUR 700 |
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| May 2006 | EUR 700 | £478 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 9 (Lot AI_9_26701) Title: Canon S-II Seiki-Kogaku Tokyo
Description:
early camera with matching Seiki-Kogaku Serenar 3.5/5cm no.9107 Estimate: EUR 1,400 - EUR 1,600 |
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| May 2005 | EUR 800 | £547 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 7 (Lot AI_7_24971) Title: Canon S-II Seiki Kogaku
Description:
early S-II Canon Seiki-Kogaku Tokyo with matching Nippon-Kogaku Tokyo Nikkor-Q.C 3.5/5cm no.61073, cap, camera and lens in good original condition Estimate: EUR 1,400 - EUR 1,600 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Canon S-II (Seiki Kogaku) worth today?
Recorded UK auction hammer prices for the S-II range from around £300 to £800, with the price a given example sells for depending heavily on cosmetic condition, originality of engravings and whether a period lens is included.
How much does a Seiki Kogaku S-II sell for at auction?
With only two tracked sales, the value sits in a wide £300–£800 band at hammer; tidy, unmolested bodies tend toward the upper end while well-used examples sell for less.
Is the Canon S-II a good collector's camera?
It is of interest mainly to collectors of early Japanese rangefinders and Canon history, since it carries the Seiki Kogaku name from before the company adopted the Canon Camera Co. branding.