Olympus FTL
The Olympus FTL is a 35mm film SLR introduced in the early 1970s. It used an M42 screw lens mount, an unusual choice for Olympus, and was a short-lived model produced before the company shifted its SLR line to the OM bayonet system.
With only a thin sales record to draw on, recent UK auction hammer prices for the Olympus FTL sit in a narrow £35–£38 range, giving a median around £37 in today's market. Because these are wholesale saleroom results rather than dealer retail, what an FTL is worth at a shop counter typically sits higher, and condition and the presence of a working meter are the main factors that decide whether one sells for the lower or upper end of that band.
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: August 2026
| Date | Price | Value GBP | Source | |
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| Aug 2026 | USD 111 | £83 | 🇺🇸 eBay | |
Title: Olympus FTL 35mm Film Camera w/ Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.8 Lens Vtg Japan Working!
Description:
Olympus FTL Specifications. Lens Mount: Olympus FTL mount (not the later OM mount). Zuiko lenses are well regarded for their optical quality. Viewfinder: Through-the-lens (TTL) optical viewfinder. Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States |
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| Aug 2026 | £70 | £70 | 🇬🇧 eBay | |
Title: Olympus FTL with Zuiko F 50mm F1.8 Lens. Boxed
Description:
Olympus FTL 35mm slr camera with 50mm lens in original box. Camera is very clean with only very little use. Meter works, shutter speeds are good. Lens has some internal haze and dust. Lens functions are smooth. Wear to box, half of internal packaging is missing. Case in excellent condition. Location: North Shields, United Kingdom |
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| Jul 2026 | £95 | £95 | 🇬🇧 eBay | |
Title: Olympus FTL 35mm SLR Camera with 50mm f/1.8 Auto‑S Lens – Tested – Excellent
Description:
The FTL is a historically significant model: Olympus’s onlyM42‑mount SLR, produced briefly before the launch of the OM‑series. Olympus FTL 35mm SLR body. Clean Excellent examples paired with the correct 50mm Auto‑S lens are increasingly scarce and desirable. Location: Woodmancote, United Kingdom |
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| Jun 2026 | EUR 199 | £172 | 🇪🇺 eBay | |
Title: Olympus FTL + Olympus Auto-S 1:1.4 50mm 35mm SLR Film Camera
Description:
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Olympus FTL + Olympus Auto-S 1:1.4 50mm 35mm SLR Film Camera at the best online prices at eBay UK! Free delivery for many products! Location: Assen, Netherlands |
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| Jun 2026 | USD 152 | £114 | 🇺🇸 eBay | |
Title: OLYMPUS FTL Film Camera
Description:
We will help you to find what you are looking for by searching all over Japan. . Location: Japan, Japan |
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| May 2026 | £25 | £25 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 228) Title: An Olympus FTL SLR Camera
Description:
An Olympus FTL SLR Camera, shutter working, mirror sticking up in slow speeds, meter responsive, self timer working, body G-VG, with F. Zuiko 50mm |
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| May 2026 | USD 23 | £17 | 🇺🇸 eBay | |
Title: Olympus FTL 35mm SLR Film Camera w/ 50mm f/1.8 Lens M42 Mount Vintage Untested
Description:
• Model: FTL. • Mount: M42 Screw Mount. • M42 mount compatible with many systems. • Classic manual SLR design. • Lens: 50mm f/1.8. • Format: 35mm Film. Looks to be in good shape. Rubber lens hood is slightly ripped but still attached. Location: Venice, Florida, United States |
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| May 2026 | £102 | £102 | 🇬🇧 eBay | |
Title: Olympus FTL Zuiko Auto-S 1.8/50 mm EMERGENCY TESTED
Description:
• Item not tested for functionality (NOTTESTED). It was the first Olympus SLR to feature an M42 screw mount and is now a sought-after collector’s piece. Modell: FTL. The Olympus FTL with Zuiko Auto-S 1.8/50mm is a fascinating piece of Olympus history and a rare predecessor to the iconic OM series. Location: Nürnberg, Germany |
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| Mar 2026 | £62 | £50 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 107) Title: An Olympus FTL 35mm SLR Camera
Description:
silver, body G-VG, shutter fires, meter responds to light, with a Zuiko f/1.8 50mm lens, optics F-G with some spots, with case. |
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| Aug 2024 | £35 | £35 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: TWO DAY: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 696) Title: An Olympus FTL SLR Camera
Description:
An Olympus FTL SLR Camera, shutter issue, does not fully cock on one stroke, holds in bulb, fast in slow speeds, meter responsive, self timer working, |
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| Jul 2023 | £45 | £45 | 🇬🇧 David Duggleby | |
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Auction: Maritime, Scientific Instruments & Cameras (Lot 3039) Title: Olympus FTL camera body, serial no. 109019, with 'Olympus F.Zuiko Auto-S 1:1.8 f=50mm' len...
Description:
Olympus FTL camera body, serial no. 109019, with 'Olympus F.Zuiko Auto-S 1:1.8 f=50mm' len... |
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| Mar 2023 | £38 | £30 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 207) Title: An Olympus FTL SLR Camera
Description:
chrome, body G, mirror behaviour sporadic, camera may require a repair, not tested with batteries, together with an Olympus F. Zuiko f/1.8 50mm lens, (Qty: 1) |
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Frequently asked questions
What is an Olympus FTL worth today?
Based on recent UK auction hammer results, an Olympus FTL is worth roughly £35–£38, though clean, fully working examples can price higher at retail.
How much does an Olympus FTL sell for at auction?
Recorded UK hammer prices show the FTL sells for around £35 to £38, with the median price close to £37.
Why is the Olympus FTL unusual within the Olympus SLR range?
The FTL uses the M42 screw mount rather than the OM bayonet that defined later Olympus SLRs, which is the main reason collectors take an interest in it.