Dallmeyer (J.H.) 51mm f/1 Oscilac 4:1
The Dallmeyer 51mm f/1 Oscilac 4:1 is a specialist ultra-fast lens from the long-established London optical maker J.H. Dallmeyer. With a maximum aperture of f/1 and a stated 4:1 reproduction ratio, it was built for oscilloscope-trace recording and similar scientific imaging tasks rather than general photography.
At recent UK auction, hammer prices for this Oscilac have ranged from £250 to £650, with the two recorded results in 2023 giving a midpoint near £450 — wholesale saleroom levels achieved before buyer's premium. Specialist scientific optics like this attract a narrow pool of bidders, so today in 2026 what one sells for can swing widely depending on cosmetic condition and whether the original mounting hardware is present.
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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| May 2023 | £650 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 277) Title: A J. D. Dallmeyer Oscilac 4:1 f/1 51mm Lens
Description:
black, serial no. 723371, body, VG, elements, VG, some light internal haze and some light marks to rear element |
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| Mar 2023 | £250 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 421) Title: A J. D. Dallmeyer Oscilac 4:1 f/1 51mm Lens
Description:
black, serial no. 723375, body, G, elements, G-VG, some internal marks |
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| Nov -0001 | £338 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 199) Title: A Dallmeyer Oscillac f/1 51mm Lens
Description:
black, serial no. 723374, body F, aperture ring rough to rotate, optics F, some haze, speckling, & fungus present, (Qty: 1) |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Dallmeyer 51mm f/1 Oscilac 4:1 worth today?
Based on UK auction hammer results, value has ranged from £250 to £650, so a fair price guide for a clean example sits around the middle of that band.
How much does a Dallmeyer Oscilac sell for at auction?
The two recorded 2023 UK sales hammered at £250 and £650, reflecting the narrow but variable specialist market for ultra-fast oscillograph optics.
Was the Oscilac designed for normal photography?
No — the 4:1 designation and f/1 aperture indicate it was built for oscilloscope-trace recording, and adapting it to a stills camera typically requires custom mounting.