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Kowa Optical Kowa Six

The Kowa Six is a medium format 6x6 single lens reflex camera made by Kowa Optical of Japan, introduced in the late 1960s. It was positioned as a more affordable alternative to the dominant 6x6 SLR systems of its era, using a leaf-shutter design built into its interchangeable lenses.

At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Kowa Six have ranged from about £110 to £260, with a median around £190 — a level that reflects saleroom wholesale results rather than dealer retail asking prices. As of 2026 the camera sells for noticeably less than comparable Bronica or Hasselblad bodies, and what a Kowa Six is worth today depends heavily on whether the leaf shutters in the lenses still fire accurately across all speeds. Clean, fully functional outfits with a working waist-level finder tend to achieve the upper end of the price range.

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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
Sep 2025 £200 Special Auction Services
Jul 2025 £180 Special Auction Services
Oct 2024 £260 Special Auction Services
Dec 2023 £110 Special Auction Services
May 2004 £191 Christie's
Apr 2003 £129 Christie's
Aug 2000 £105 Christie's

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