Canon VIT
The Canon VIT is a 35mm rangefinder camera with Leica thread mount (L39 screw mount), introduced in 1958. The 'T' designation refers to its trigger-wind film advance lever positioned on the camera baseplate, distinguishing it from the lever-wind VIL variant. It sat near the top of Canon's screw-mount rangefinder line at launch.
Hammer prices for the Canon VIT at UK auction sit in a wide band: a clean example sold for £120 in 2023, while a Christie's result reached £776 in 2004 — a spread reflecting condition, completeness and the auction-hammer level (wholesale, before commission). Today the more recent £120 figure is the better guide to what an average user-grade body sells for, with exceptional or collector-grade examples capable of pulling significantly more. With only two recorded UK auction sales, the value of any individual VIT is highly condition-sensitive.
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: August 2023
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Aug 2023 | £120 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 98) Title: A Canon VI-T Rangefinder Camera Body
Description:
A Canon VI-T Rangefinder Camera Body, serial no 604277, film advance lever/shutter working, rangefinder functions, self timer working, body G, some |
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| Jun 2004 | £776 | Christie's | |
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Auction: LEICA, NIKON AND 35MM CAMERAS (Lot 209) Title: Canon VIT no. 603306
Description:
Canon VIT no. 603306 Estimate: £400 - £600 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Canon VIT worth today?
Based on UK auction hammer results, a typical user-grade Canon VIT sells for around £120, while exceptional examples have reached several hundred pounds; the price you pay depends heavily on cosmetic condition, shutter accuracy and rangefinder alignment.
How much does a Canon VIT sell for at auction?
Recorded UK auction hammer prices for the VIT range from £120 to £776, with the higher figure being an older Christie's result for a notable example.
Is the Canon VIT the same as the Canon VI-L?
No — the VIT uses a trigger-wind advance on the baseplate, while the VI-L uses a conventional top-plate wind lever; both share the same body and L39 screw mount but the VIT is the less common of the pair.
Does the Canon VIT take Leica screw mount lenses?
Yes, it uses the L39 / M39 Leica thread mount, so it accepts Canon's own screw-mount lenses as well as Leica LTM and other compatible third-party optics.