Olympus Pen W
The Olympus Pen W is a half-frame 35mm viewfinder camera from Olympus's Pen series, introduced in the late 1950s. The W variant was positioned as a wide-angle model within the Pen line, aimed at photographers who wanted a compact camera capable of fitting twice as many frames onto a standard roll of 35mm film.
At UK auction, hammer prices for the Pen W have sat in a narrow £140–£150 band across the records to hand, with both results clustered tightly around a £145 median. As of 2026, what a Pen W is worth at saleroom level depends heavily on cosmetic condition and whether the wide lens is clean and free of haze, and the thin sample size means a single strong example could push the next result higher than this range suggests.
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: January 2026
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Jan 2026 | £150 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 245) Title: An Olympus Pen W Half Frame 35mm Camera
Description:
black, but heavily brassed, shutter working, with a Zuiko f/2.8 25mm lens. Note: A 5% import VAT applies to this lot for UK bidders only. |
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| Oct 2023 | £140 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 441) Title: An Olympus PEN W Half Frame Camera
Description:
An Olympus PEN W Half Frame Camera, shutter working, body G, light wear, with E Zuiko W 25mm f/2.8 lens, elements G-VG, with soft case, manual, in |
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Frequently asked questions
What is an Olympus Pen W worth today?
Recent UK auction hammer results sit between £140 and £150, so a clean, working example sells for around that level, with exceptional condition potentially pushing the price higher.
How much does an Olympus Pen W sell for at auction?
The two most recent UK hammer prices were £140 and £150, giving a median value of about £145 before commission.
What affects the price and value of a Pen W?
Lens clarity, shutter accuracy, cosmetic condition and the presence of the original case or accessories are the main factors that move the price up or down.