Canon Serenar 35mm f/2.8
The Canon Serenar 35mm f/2.8 is a moderate wide-angle rangefinder lens in L39 (Leica Thread Mount) screw mount, sold under Canon's early 'Serenar' brand before the Canon name was adopted on lenses in the mid-1950s. It was designed as a compact wide companion to Canon and Leica screw-mount rangefinder bodies of the post-war era, intended for reportage, street, and general use.
Auction data for this lens is thin: a single UK saleroom hammer result from October 2023 shows the Serenar 35mm f/2.8 sells for around £160, which is the only confirmed price point in our records and sets the indicative value as of today. As that figure is a wholesale auction-hammer result rather than a retail asking price, dealer-listed copies typically command more, and condition — particularly glass clarity and original chrome finish — drives most of the variation in what a clean example is worth in 2026.
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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| Nov 2025 | EUR 2,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 47 (Lot A02440) Title: Canon f. Leica M39 Serenar 2.8/35mm no.10005
Description:
Extremely rare early lens RF coupled in Leica M39 mount, feet scale, production starts in October 1951 with no.10001, in mint condition, good optics only showing a few light cleaning marks, note the 'Japan' engraving on the side instead of on the front ring, with UV filter, front lens cap and leather case. |
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| Oct 2023 | £160 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 172) Title: A Canon 35mm f/2.8 Wide Angle Serenar Lens
Description:
A Canon 35mm f/2.8 Wide Angle Serenar Lens, chrome, serial no 11052, barrel G, elements G, with front & rear caps, 35mm finder, body G, elements G, |
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| Nov 2008 | EUR 150 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 14 (Lot AI_14_17972) Title: Canon Serenar 2.8/35mm
Description:
chrome rangefinder coupled lens, both caps, 35mm finder, keeper Estimate: EUR 300 - EUR 400 |
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| May 2005 | EUR 220 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 7 (Lot AI_7_24977) Title: Canon Serenar 2.8/35mm
Description:
rare, coupled Serenar for M39 with Canon 35mm finder, both caps, case Estimate: EUR 400 - EUR 500 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Canon Serenar 35mm f/2.8 worth today?
Based on UK auction-hammer data, a Serenar 35mm f/2.8 has sold for around £160, so that figure is a reasonable benchmark for the price a clean, working copy commands at saleroom level.
How much does a Canon Serenar 35mm f/2.8 sell for at auction?
The most recent recorded UK auction sale was £160 in October 2023; with only one confirmed result, the wider market value range cannot be reliably stated.
What mount does the Canon Serenar 35mm f/2.8 use?
It uses the L39 Leica Thread Mount (also called LTM or 39mm screw mount), which fits Canon, Leica, and other screw-mount rangefinder bodies of the period.
Is the Serenar 35mm f/2.8 the same as a Canon 35mm f/2.8?
Functionally yes — 'Serenar' was the brand Canon used on its early rangefinder lenses before standardising on the Canon name, so later examples of the same optical design appear engraved 'Canon' rather than 'Serenar'.