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Dallmeyer (J.H.) 13.5cm f/4.5 Dalrac

The Dallmeyer 13.5cm f/4.5 Dalrac is a medium-telephoto lens from the long-established British optical maker J.H. Dallmeyer. With a 135mm focal length and f/4.5 maximum aperture, it was designed as a portrait and moderate-telephoto objective for plate and roll-film cameras of its era.

At recent UK auction, the Dalrac 13.5cm f/4.5 is a niche collector's piece rather than a user-grade staple, and hammer prices reflect that. A November 2025 sale fetched £90, while a much earlier Christie's result from 2004 came in at £143, giving a small-sample range of roughly £90–£143 with a midpoint near £117. Given how thin the data is in 2026, what a Dalrac is worth today depends heavily on cosmetic condition, completeness of mount fittings, and whether the buyer wants a display piece or a shooter.

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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 £90 Special Auction Services
Nov 2023 £162 Flints Auctions
Oct 2019 £324 Flints Auctions
May 2006 EUR 550 Leitz Auction
Feb 2004 £143 Christie's

Frequently asked questions

What is a Dallmeyer 13.5cm f/4.5 Dalrac worth in 2026?

Based on UK auction hammer results, recent value sits in the £90–£143 range, with a clean example most recently selling for £90 in late 2025.

How much does a Dallmeyer Dalrac 135mm f/4.5 sell for at auction?

Hammer prices in the saleroom have ranged from £90 to £143, though the sample is small and the final price depends heavily on glass condition and mount completeness.

Is the Dallmeyer Dalrac a good user lens or a collector's item?

Given its age, uncoated or lightly coated optics, and the scarcity of compatible mounts, the Dalrac is primarily a collector's lens; its modest price reflects limited practical use on modern cameras.

What condition issues most affect the price of a Dallmeyer 13.5cm f/4.5?

Fungus, haze, cleaning marks, oil on the aperture blades and seized focus mounts all push value toward the lower end of the range, while clean glass and smooth mechanics support prices closer to the £143 top result.

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