Leica Focotar Enlarging Lens
The Leitz Focotar is an enlarging lens made by Leitz for darkroom use, designed to project negatives onto photographic paper rather than for taking pictures on a camera. It was offered in several focal lengths over many decades to suit different negative formats, and is mounted in an enlarger via the standard Leitz threaded barrel.
With only a single recorded UK auction result, the Focotar's value at saleroom level is thinly documented: one example sold for £212 at hammer in August 2022, and that figure is the only firm price reference we have as of today in 2026. As a single data point it indicates roughly what a clean copy sells for in the auction market, but it is not a reliable median, and condition, focal length and the specific Focotar version will move the price either side of that figure.
Variants
Select a variant to filter the sales history below.
| Variant | Years | Edition | Sales | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50mm f/4.5 | — | — | 3 | £15 – £44 |
| 95mm f/4.5 | — | — | 0 | — |
Sales History
Prices shown are realised prices — auction results and completed eBay sales, never asking prices. Most saleroom figures are hammer prices, before commission; some houses publish a premium-inclusive figure, and we do not adjust for condition. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher. How this figure is calculated.
Prices updated: July 2026
| Date | Price | Value GBP | Source | Variant | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 2026 | £27 | £27 | 🇬🇧 eBay | 50mm f/4.5 | |
Title: Leica Leitz Wetzlar Focotar 50mm f4.5 Enlarging Lens 16781R - M39 enlarger fit
Description:
Lens is in good condition. With bubble lens case. Location: Swansea, United Kingdom |
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| May 2026 | USD 60 | £44 | 🇺🇸 eBay | 50mm f/4.5 | |
Title: Leica Leitz Focotar 50mm f4.5 Enlarging lens, Sharp, M39, *Read
Description:
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Leica Leitz Focotar 50mm f4.5 Enlarging lens, Sharp, M39, *Read at the best online prices at eBay UK! Free delivery for many products! Location: Louisville, CO, United States |
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| Aug 2022 | £212 | £170 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 764) Title: A Leitz V35 Photographic Enlarger
Description:
complete with colour filter set, carrier, & power lead, also with Leitz Focotar f/2.8 40mm lens, optics G, with slight haze, (Qty: 1) |
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| Feb 2022 | £19 | £15 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | 50mm f/4.5 | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 542) Title: A Leica Focotar f/4.5 50mm Lens
Description:
DOOCQ, in maker's bubble |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Leitz Focotar enlarging lens worth?
On the limited evidence available, one example sold for £212 at UK auction in 2022, so that figure is the only concrete guide to current value, with condition and focal length likely to shift the price in either direction.
How much does a Leitz Focotar sell for at auction?
The single recorded UK hammer price in our data is £212, achieved in August 2022; with only one sale on file this should be treated as indicative rather than a firm market price.
Is the Focotar a camera lens or an enlarging lens?
It is an enlarging lens, designed to be fitted to a darkroom enlarger to project negatives onto photographic paper, not to be mounted on a Leica camera body.
What should I check before buying a used Focotar?
Inspect the glass for fungus, haze, separation and coating scratches, confirm the aperture blades are clean and oil-free, and make sure the focusing or mounting threads turn smoothly and are undamaged.