Olympus M-1
The Olympus M-1 is a 35mm SLR introduced in 1972 as the original designation of what became the OM-1 after Leica objected to the "M" naming. Only a small number of M-1 bodies were produced before the rename, which is the main reason collectors treat it differently from the much more common OM-1.
Sales data for the M-1 is thin: a single UK auction hammer result from October 2024 sold for £106, which gives a reference point rather than a reliable range. Because that figure is a wholesale saleroom result rather than a retail price, what an M-1 is worth in 2026 in a dealer window or on a collector marketplace today can sit noticeably higher, and condition and completeness (correct M-1 engraved top plate, matching lens) materially affect what a clean example sells for.
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.
Prices updated: April 2026
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Apr 2026 | £475 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 319) Title: An Olympus M-1 SLR Camera Outfit
Description:
1972, chrome, serial no. 136911, with Olympus M-System F.Zuiko f/1.8 50mm lens, black/chrome nose, serial no. 108080, body, VG, shutter working, lens, |
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| Jun 2025 | EUR 4,500 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 46 (Lot A01934) Title: Olympus M-1 black paint 'Sample' with 1.8/50mm
Description:
One of the rarest Japanese cameras ever made, in original black paint finish, demo camera with 'SAMPLE' engraved on the back, introduced in 1972, the M-1 was meant to be a part of a 'M-System', Leica quickly protested against the name of the system and Olympus decided to change the name to 'OM-System', the camera offered is in beautiful, mint condition, with matching very rare M-System F.Zuiko Auto-S 1.8/50mm no.110731 (front lens cap) with ever-ready leather case, only a few of these cameras are known to exist! Estimate: EUR 4,000 - EUR 5,000 |
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| Oct 2024 | £106 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 153) Title: An Olympus M-1 SLR Camera
Description:
1972, chrome, serial no. 113943, with Olympus M-System F.Zuiko f/1.8 50mm 'chrome nose' lens, serial no. 105816, body, G, shutter working, marks to |
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| Jul 2023 | £120 | David Duggleby | |
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Auction: Maritime, Scientific Instruments & Cameras (Lot 3038) Title: Olympus M-1 camera body, serial no. 110865, circa 1972, with ' Olympus M-System F.Zuiko Au...
Description:
Olympus M-1 camera body, serial no. 110865, circa 1972, with ' Olympus M-System F.Zuiko Au... |
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| Nov 2019 | EUR 3,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 35 (Lot AI_35_37905) Title: Olympus M-1 black paint
Description:
one of the rarest Japanese cameras ever made - an Olympus M-1 in original black paint finish, the camera offered is in beautiful, near mint condition, with matching M-System F.Zuiko Auto-S 1.8/50mm no.124437, lens cap, leather case, strap, instructions, unnumbered maker's box, a black paint M1 never went into production, only a few of these cameras are known to exist Estimate: EUR 5,000 - EUR 5,500 |
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| May 1998 | £345 | Christie's | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 223) Title: Olympus M-1 no. 119178
Description:
Olympus M-1 no. 119178 Estimate: £20 - £120 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is an Olympus M-1 worth today?
Based on a single 2024 UK auction hammer price of £106, that figure is the only verified data point available; the market value of a genuine M-1 in clean condition is typically higher at retail, but a precise range cannot be given from one sale.
How much does an Olympus M-1 sell for at auction?
The one recorded UK auction result in our data shows an M-1 selling for £106 hammer in October 2024, which excludes buyer's premium.
Why is the Olympus M-1 different from the OM-1?
The M-1 was the original 1972 name for the camera; after Leica objected to the use of "M", Olympus renamed it the OM-1, making early M-1-marked bodies scarcer than the OM-1 that followed.
Is the price of an Olympus M-1 driven by condition?
Yes — because the premium over an OM-1 depends on the original M-1 engraving and overall originality, cosmetic and mechanical condition strongly influence what a body sells for.