Showa Kogaku Leotax D IV
The Leotax D IV is a 35mm rangefinder camera produced in Japan by Showa Kogaku, part of the Leotax line of Leica-inspired screw-mount bodies made in the post-war era.
At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Leotax D IV have ranged from roughly £100 to £300, with only a small number of recorded results to draw on. Today the model trades at saleroom level as a collector item rather than a user camera, and condition, completeness of top-plate engravings and working shutter speeds drive what a clean example is worth.
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: March 2026
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Mar 2026 | £100 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 43) Title: A Showa Optical Works Leotax D IV Rangefinder Camera Body
Description:
chrome, serial number 12532, body G-VG, light usage marks to bottom plate, shutter works but speeds inconsistent, RF patch visible and moving. |
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| Dec 2024 | £100 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 11) Title: A Showa Leotax D IV 35mm Rangefinder Camera
Description:
chrome, serial number 14041, body G, advance works, shutter release fires, curtains are slow and do not complete the cycle, with a Tanaka Kogaku |
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| May 2020 | £208 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science (Lot 105) Title: A Showa Kogaku Leotax Model D IV Rangefinder Camera
Description:
A Showa Kogaku Leotax Model D IV Rangefinder Camera, 1950-51, chrome, serial no. 9180, with Tokyo Opt. Co. Simlar f/3.5 50mm lens, chrome, serial no. |
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| May 2010 | EUR 300 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 17 (Lot AI_17_11322) Title: Leotax D IV
Description:
early camera in very good condition with matching Simlar 3.5/5cm no.562564, Leotax everready case Estimate: EUR 600 - EUR 700 |
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| Jan 1998 | £345 | Christie's | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 222) Title: Leotax D IV no. 14199
Description:
Leotax D IV no. 14199 Estimate: £250 - £350 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Leotax D IV worth today?
Based on UK auction hammer results, a Leotax D IV has sold in the £100–£300 range, with the price heavily dependent on cosmetic condition and shutter function.
How much does a Leotax D IV sell for at auction?
Recent and historical UK auction sales place the Leotax D IV between about £100 and £300 at the hammer, excluding buyer's premium.
Is the Leotax D IV a good user camera?
It can be used with Leica screw-mount lenses, but given the limited sales data and age, most buyers treat it as a collector piece and budget for a service.