O.P.L.-Foca Foca Universel
The Foca Universel is a 35mm rangefinder camera produced in France by O.P.L.-FOCA, introduced in the early 1950s. It was positioned as a higher-tier domestic alternative to imported German rangefinders, featuring interchangeable lenses on a proprietary bayonet mount.
At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Foca Universel have sat in a narrow band of roughly £110–£120, with a median close to £114 based on the limited records available. As of today these saleroom results reflect wholesale levels for modest-condition examples; cleaner bodies with matched lenses tend to sell for more, while the small sample size means individual results can swing the value either way.
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 2006
| Date | Price | Value GBP | Source | |
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| Jul 2006 | £108 | £90 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | |
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Auction: Leica Cameras. The John Patrick Duigenan Collection (Lot 2) Title: Foca no. 200.163
Description:
Foca no. 200.163 Estimate: £100 - £150 |
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| Feb 2004 | £119 | £100 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT INCLUDING MAGIC LANTERNS (Lot 110) Title: Foca Universelle no. 087100
Description:
Foca Universelle no. 087100 Estimate: £120 - £180 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Foca Universel worth today?
Recent UK auction hammer results place the value at roughly £110–£120, though the limited data means a clean, complete example could sell for more.
How much does a Foca Universel sell for at auction?
The two tracked UK auction sales settled at £108 and £119, giving a median price of about £114 at saleroom level before commission.
Is the Foca Universel a good collector's camera?
It appeals to collectors of post-war French precision optics, but buyers should factor in the difficulty of servicing and the scarcity of matched-mount lenses when assessing value.