CameraWorth.com

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.

I have one to sell

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
Nov 2025 EUR 2,200 Leitz Auction
Oct 2023 £800 Special Auction Services
Jan 2023 USD 2,000 pedia_sales_tamarkin
Jun 2022 EUR 5,000 Leitz Auction
Nov 2020 £595 Flints Auctions
Dec 2009 EUR 550 Leitz Auction
Jun 2008 EUR 800 Leitz Auction
Jan 1999 £575 Christie's

Other Canon lenses