Canon Serenar 85mm f/1.5
The Canon Serenar 85mm f/1.5 is a fast short-telephoto lens in Leica L39 screw mount, produced in the early post-war era before Canon adopted its rangefinder bayonet. It was designed as a premium portrait and low-light optic for Canon rangefinder bodies and other L39-compatible cameras.
At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Serenar 85mm f/1.5 have ranged from £800 to £5,000, with a 2025 result of £2,200 sitting near the middle of that spread — these are saleroom wholesale levels rather than dealer retail. As of 2026, what a Serenar 85mm f/1.5 sells for today depends heavily on cosmetic condition, glass clarity, and whether the original caps and finder are present, which explains the wide value spread. Clean, haze-free examples pull well above the median, while copies with optical faults typically change hands at the lower end.
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 2,200 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 47 (Lot A02258) Title: Canon f. Leica M39 1.5/85mm
Description:
Rare fast black/chrome lens in rangefinder coupled Leica M39 screw mount, later meter/feet scale, in very good condition, good lenses only showing a few light cleaning marks, with front lens cap and original leather case (cond. B). |
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| Oct 2023 | £800 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 180) Title: A Canon 85mm f/1.5 Serenar Lens
Description:
A Canon 85mm f/1.5 Serenar Lens, chrome, serial no 10309, barrel G, elements P-F, heavy haze to rear element, with caps, 85mm f/1.5 hood, some |
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| Jan 2023 | USD 2,000 | pedia_sales_tamarkin | |
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Auction: 2023 Auction Results (Lot 231) Title: Canon 85mm Serenar f1,5 Nr. 10042
Description:
Canon 85mm Serenar f1,5 Nr. 10042 |
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| Jun 2022 | EUR 5,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 40 (Lot AI_40_40165) Title: Canon f. Leica M39 1.5/85mm
Description:
unusual fast black/chrome lens in rangefinder coupled Leica M39 screw mount, in very good condition, good lenses only showing few light cleaning marks, barrel close to the screw mount slightly filed by a previous owner (not affecting the operation), with both caps Estimate: EUR 10,000 - EUR 12,000 |
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| Nov 2020 | £595 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science (Lot 220) Title: A Canon Serenar f/1.5 85mm Lens
Description:
chrome, serial no. 10160, body, G, elements, F-G, cleaning marks to front element and some internal marks, complete with lens hood and maker's case |
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| May 2010 | EUR 600 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 17 (Lot AI_17_11352) Title: Canon Serenar 1,5/85mm
Description:
late all-chrome first type in fine condition, feet scale, both caps, original hood Estimate: EUR 400 - EUR 500 |
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| Dec 2009 | EUR 550 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 16 (Lot AI_16_19540) Title: Canon Serenar 1.5/85mm
Description:
extremely early first type (production started with no.10001) in near mint condition with both caps, finder and leather case Estimate: EUR 800 - EUR 900 |
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| Jun 2008 | EUR 800 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 13 (Lot AI_13_17462) Title: Canon Lens 1.5/85mm
Description:
in coupled M39 screw mount, rare black/chrome portrait lens with clean optics, original hood, matching 85mm finder Estimate: EUR 600 - EUR 700 |
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| Jan 1999 | £575 | Christie's | |
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Auction: Cameras, The Property of a Collector (Lot 167) Title: Canon 85mm. f/1.5 no. 11227
Description:
Canon 85mm. f/1.5 no. 11227 Estimate: £140 - £200 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Canon Serenar 85mm f/1.5 worth?
Based on UK auction hammer results, the lens has sold between £800 and £5,000, with a recent 2025 sale at £2,200 giving a reasonable mid-market reference price.
How much does a Canon Serenar 85mm f/1.5 sell for at auction?
Recent UK saleroom results show a spread from £800 for lesser examples up to £5,000 for the strongest copies, with condition of the glass and helicoid driving most of the variation.
Why do values of the Serenar 85mm f/1.5 vary so much?
The price gap reflects condition-driven demand: haze, fungus, oil on the blades, or stiff focus can pull a copy toward the £800 end, while clean, fully functional examples achieve the higher figures.
Does the Serenar 85mm f/1.5 fit Leica cameras?
Yes — it is an L39 (39mm screw) mount lens, so it mounts directly on Leica screw-mount bodies as well as Canon rangefinders and other L39-compatible cameras.