Elmar 35mm f3.5. Uncoated pre-war model. Serial number in the 230,000 range, manufactured in 1935. A wide-angle Elmar from the era when the Leica IIIa followed the Leica DIII. The Leitz product code is EKURZCHROM. Feet scale.

Constructed with 4 elements in 3 groups. As a Leitz lens, it is the second thinnest lens after the Hektor 28mm. Although a standard lens, it has recently been reevaluated and appreciated for its rich character in image rendering. When wide open, it provides sharpness in the center while the periphery falls off, delivering a pleasant and atmospheric image quality.

The compatible hoods are FLQOO or FOOKH, but our original FB-07 hood with aperture control functionality can also be used without vignetting.

There is a very slight distortion on the nameplate, but overall, it shows little signs of use and is a very beautiful lens. The chrome plating is in excellent condition, shining beautifully. It's hard to believe that nearly 90 years have passed since its manufacture.

Fully serviced in June 2024. The operation feel of the aperture and helicoid is as expected, very smooth and silky. Before the overhaul, there was some haziness in the middle element, but the maintenance has restored the glass to a clear, haze-free state. There are no wiping scratches on the front element, which is common with this lens. It is a pre-war Elmar that allows you to enjoy its original image quality.

Sample images are posted in the test gallery. Test shots were taken with a Leica M240. The soft rendering typical of uncoated lenses and the high resolution in the focused areas leave a good impression. It is a lens that lets you feel the quality of the glass.