Phenix JG 50
The Phenix JG 50 is a Chinese-made 35mm SLR from Phenix, a brand based in China that produced manual-focus film cameras for the budget end of the market. As a basic JG-series body, it sits among entry-level student and training SLRs rather than enthusiast equipment.
Sales data for the JG 50 is extremely thin: a single UK auction hammer result of £2,800 is on file from June 2015, which is an outlier rather than a reliable guide to what the camera is worth today in 2026. With only one wholesale saleroom datapoint and no recent comparables, there is no meaningful price range or median to quote, and current value at auction would need to be reassessed against fresh listings before anyone could say with confidence how much a JG 50 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.
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Jun 2017 | EUR 1,800 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 31 (Lot AI_31_35528) Title: Phenix Camera Co. China JG50
Description:
Rare Chinese Leica copy, made by Phenix Camera Company, with M39 Phenix 2.8/50mm lens no.109, build-in light meter, red/brown leather covering and strap. While being essentially a limited version of the Yasuhara T981, the JG50 commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the People's Republic of China 1949-1999, only 500 JG50 were produced, this one is one of only 10 engraved 'OFFICAL USA EXPORT', with the obvious misspelling in 'official', complete outfit in red presentation case, golden box, papers and outer wooden case. Estimate: EUR 3,000 - EUR 3,500 |
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| Nov 2016 | EUR 1,900 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 30 (Lot AI_30_34145) Title: Phenix JG50
Description:
produced by Phenix Camera Company, China - compact 24x36mm rangefinder with interchangeable lenses. With PHENIX 2.8/50mm lens. Brand new with all accessories in wooden box. The JG 50 commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the People's Republic of China 1949-1999. Only 500 JG 50 were produced. It is a special version of the famous Yasuhara T981-- the camera which started the new rangefinder renaissance in 1999. This is one of the rarest Leica copies. The finder with a 50mm bright line and a 1:1 viewing size. The shutter is the standard Copal shutter. The original Yasuhara T981 was discontinued in 2001 after about 4,000 were produced. Estimate: EUR 1,200 - EUR 1,400 |
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| Jun 2015 | EUR 2,800 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 27 (Lot AI_27_31509) Title: Phenix Camera Co. China JG50
Description:
Rare Chinese Leica copy, made by Phenix Camera Company, with M39 Phenix 2.8/50mm lens no.153, build-in light meter, red/brown leather covering and strap. While being essentially a limited version of the Yasuhara T981, the JG50 commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the People's Republic of China 1949-1999, only 500 JG50 were produced, this one is one of only 10 engraved 'OFFICAL USA EXPORT', with the obvious misspelling in 'official', complete outfit in red presentation case, golden box, papers and outer wooden case. Estimate: EUR 1,800 - EUR 2,400 |
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| Nov 2014 | EUR 1,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 26 (Lot AI_26_31196) Title: PHENIX JG50
Description:
produced by Phenix Camera Company, China - compact 24x36mm rangefinder with interchangeable lenses. With PHENIX 2.8/50mm lens. Brand new with all accessories in wooden box. The JG 50 commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the People's Republic of China 1949-1999. Only 500 JG 50 were produced. It is a special version of the famous Yasuhara T981-- the camera which started the new rangefinder renaissance in 1999. This is one of the rarest Leica copies. The finder with a 50mm bright line and a 1:1 viewing size. The shutter is the standard Copal shutter. The original Yasuhara T981 was discontinued in 2001 after about 4,000 were produced. Estimate: EUR 1,800 - EUR 2,400 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Phenix JG 50 worth today?
There is only one UK auction record on file (£2,800 in 2015), which is not enough to establish a reliable current value or price range.
How much does a Phenix JG 50 sell for at UK auction?
Hammer prices cannot be generalised from a single 2015 sale; buyers should track current listings rather than rely on that one figure as a market price.
Is the Phenix JG 50 a good buy?
It is an entry-level Chinese 35mm SLR, so its value lies in low-cost film shooting rather than collectability, and condition should drive any purchase decision.