Leitz 50mm f/1 Noctilux-M
The Leitz 50mm f/1 Noctilux-M is an ultra-fast standard prime for the Leica M rangefinder system, designed around an f/1 maximum aperture for available-light and low-light photography. Widely known among M-system users simply as the "Noctilux", it remains one of the most recognisable fast-fifty designs made for the M bayonet mount.
At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the 50mm f/1 Noctilux-M have ranged from £3,625 to £5,000, with the most recent saleroom result in November 2025 settling at £3,625 and a 2023 sale reaching £4,750 — these are wholesale auction figures that sit below dealer retail. As of 2026, the recent three-sale median is close to £4,750, which is a useful benchmark for what a clean working copy is worth today. Older results from 1999 (£977) and 2004 (£1,250) show how far the market price for this lens has climbed over the past two decades.
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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| Nov 2025 | £3,625 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 43) Title: A Leitz Noctilux-M f/1 50mm Lens
Description:
black, serial no. 3220615, body, VG-E, elements, E, complete with maker's lens hood, caps, paperwork and original box |
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| Jun 2025 | EUR 8,500 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 46 (Lot A01856) Title: Noctilux 1/50mm 11821 E58 First Batch
Description:
Sought-after E58 Noctilux from the first production year, in beautiful, near-mint condition condition, very good optics, with 12519 hood and both caps. Estimate: EUR 8,000 - EUR 9,000 |
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| May 2023 | £4,750 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 39) Title: A Leitz Noctilux-M f/1 50mm Lens
Description:
2001, black, serial no. 3985392, body, E, elements, E, in maker's soft pouch |
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| Jun 2021 | EUR 5,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 38 (Lot AI_38_39109) Title: Noctilux-M 1/50mm 11822 E60
Description:
E60 version with built-in hood, in mint condition, perfect optics, with both caps Estimate: EUR 6,000 - EUR 7,000 |
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| Jun 2020 | EUR 14,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 36 (Lot AI_36_37548) Title: Noctilux 1/50mm 11603 'The last 100'
Description:
Complete and new limited special edition of the last 100 LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50 mm f/1 lenses in high quality lacquered wooden box, complete with all papers and accessories. Over 30 years after its market launch in 1976, the production of the high-performance lens LEICA NOCTILUX- M 50mm f/1 was discontinued in 2008. The last lenses were sold as an exclusive special edition. For the first time, a lens was supplied in a fine lacquered wooden box with dehumidifying function. It was made by the Elie Bleu Tabletier, which has a long tradition of excellent craftsmanship. With its team of 35 cabinet makers, Elie Bleu is a familiar name among lovers of valuable cigars and watches for the production of premium quality wooden cases and cabinets for stylish yet safe keeping of their treasures. As the world’s first serial production 35 mm lens featuring a speed of f/1 the Noctilux represents a milestone in the history of photography. The special edition also comprises a high-quality leather-bound book with gilt edging. This book tells the Leica story and features a thorough description of the art of lens design. Estimate: EUR 16,000 - EUR 20,000 |
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| May 2020 | £4,288 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science (Lot 63) Title: A Leitz Noctilux-M f/1 50mm Lens
Description:
A Leitz Noctilux-M f/1 50mm Lens, 1981, E60, black, serial no. 3154261, body, VG, elements, VG, some light internal haze, complete with filter and |
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| Nov 2016 | EUR 6,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 29 (Lot AI_29_33763) Title: Noctilux-M 1/50mm 11822 'The Last Lens'
Description:
the very last 1/50mm Noctilux produced and the very last lens made by Ernst Leitz Canada in Midland for Leica, 6-bit coded, in new and unused condition with perfect optics, both caps - this high performance lens 11822 was produced from 1992 in Midland. Estimate: EUR 7,000 - EUR 8,000 |
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| Dec 2009 | EUR 6,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 16 (Lot AI_16_19827) Title: Noctilux 11603 1,0/50mm " The last 100 "
Description:
Limited special edition of the last 100 LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50mm f/1 lenses in high quality lacquered wooden humidor, new, unused and complete in maker's box Estimate: EUR 10,000 - EUR 12,000 |
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| Nov 2004 | EUR 1,250 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 6 (Lot AI_6_24465) Title: Noctilux-M 1.0/50mm
Description:
first version, mint with hood 12544, guarantee card, original maker's box Estimate: EUR 1,600 - EUR 1,900 |
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| Jun 2000 | £1,175 | Christie's | |
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Auction: Leica Cameras (Lot 319) Title: Noctilux-M f/1 50mm. no. 3813530
Description:
Noctilux-M f/1 50mm. no. 3813530 Estimate: £1,000 - £1,500 |
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| Nov 1999 | £977 | Christie's | |
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Auction: Magic Lanterns, Optical Toys and Cameras (Lot 294) Title: Noctilux f/1 50mm. no. 2750128
Description:
Noctilux f/1 50mm. no. 2750128 Estimate: £600 - £900 |
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