Olympus Pen
The Olympus Pen is a half-frame 35mm camera line introduced by Olympus in 1959, exposing two 18×24mm frames in the space of a standard 24×36mm negative. The series was positioned as a compact, economical alternative to full-frame 35mm cameras, doubling the exposure count on a standard roll of film.
With only a single UK auction record on file, the price evidence for what an Olympus Pen is worth is thin: one example sold for £50 at hammer in April 2023. That figure is a wholesale saleroom result rather than a retail asking price, and today values vary widely by specific Pen variant and condition, so a one-sale sample should be treated as indicative only.
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 | £38 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 223) Title: An Olympus Pen Half Frame Camera Body
Description:
silver, body F, shutter cycle only completes intermittently. |
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| Apr 2023 | £50 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 181) Title: An Olympus Pen Half Frame Camera
Description:
with Olympus D.Zuiko f/3.5 28mm lens, body, VG, shutter working, lens, G-VG, in maker's soft case IR533987 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is an Olympus Pen worth today?
Based on the single UK auction hammer result on file, an Olympus Pen sold for around £50, though the price for any given example depends heavily on which Pen variant it is and its cosmetic and mechanical condition.
How much does an Olympus Pen sell for at UK auction?
The one verified sale in our records sells for £50 at hammer in 2023; with such limited data, this should be treated as a single data point rather than a reliable market value.
Why does the Olympus Pen take twice as many shots per roll?
The Pen is a half-frame camera, exposing an 18×24mm frame instead of the standard 24×36mm, which doubles the number of exposures available on a roll of 35mm film.