Asahi Pentax LX Gold
The Asahi Pentax LX Gold is a commemorative variant of the Pentax LX, a 35mm professional SLR introduced in 1980 to mark Asahi Optical's 60th anniversary. Finished with gold-plated fittings and special leatherette, it was produced in limited numbers and sold as a collector's edition rather than a working tool.
At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the LX Gold have sat between roughly £1,900 and £2,000, with a median around £1,950 across the two recorded sales. As of 2026, what the camera is worth today depends heavily on completeness — the presentation case, gold-finished lens and original documentation materially affect what it sells for at saleroom level.
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: November 2021
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Nov 2021 | EUR 2,600 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 39 (Lot AI_39_39546) Title: Pentax LX Gold
Description:
very rare gold-plated Pentax LX with reptile leather covering, in very good condition (minimal traces of corrosion on the gold plating), with matching fast SMC Pentax 1.2/50mm no.1469776 (heavy brass barrel, good optics, incl. front cap), only about 300 examples of this special camera were produced Estimate: EUR 4,000 - EUR 4,500 |
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| Nov 2018 | EUR 1,900 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 33 (Lot AI_33_36726) Title: Pentax LX Gold
Description:
rare gold plated LX with reptile leather covering with matching fast SMC Pentax 1.2/50mm no.1470658, according to several sources only about 300 examples were produced, with cap, case, maker's boxes Estimate: EUR 3,000 - EUR 3,600 |
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| Nov 2014 | EUR 2,000 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 26 (Lot AI_26_30843) Title: Pentax LX Gold
Description:
rare gold plated LX with reptile leather covering with matching fast SMC Pentax 1.2/50mm no.1470122 (heavy lens), according to several sources only about 300 examples were produced, with cap, case, maker's boxes Estimate: EUR 4,000 - EUR 4,500 |
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| Nov 2011 | EUR 2,600 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 20 (Lot AI_20_13198) Title: Pentax LX Gold
Description:
rare gold plated LX with reptile leather covering with matching fast SMC Pentax 1.2/50mm no.1469962 (heavy lens), according to several sources only about 300 examples were produced Estimate: EUR 5,000 - EUR 6,000 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Pentax LX Gold worth today?
Based on UK auction hammer results, an LX Gold is worth roughly £1,900–£2,000, with complete boxed outfits sitting at the upper end of that range.
How much does a Pentax LX Gold sell for at auction?
Recorded UK hammer prices cluster around £1,950, though the small sample size means individual results can move outside that band depending on completeness.
Why is the LX Gold more valuable than a standard LX?
It was a limited commemorative edition with gold-plated fittings and a matched presentation outfit, so its price reflects collector demand for the finish and packaging rather than any mechanical difference.