Elmar 50mm f3.5 with nickel-plated barrel. The New Elmar from the era of the Leica DII and DIII, with rangefinder coupling.
Leitz product code: ELMAR. Serial number in the 160,000 range, manufactured in 1933. Uncoated. Half-turn helicoid with distance markings in meters. Helicoid number 6. The optical construction remains unchanged from the Old Elmar, consisting of 4 elements in 3 groups.
The quintessential standard lens that helped establish Leica's reputation. Even more than 90 years after its manufacture, this lens has lost none of its value as a photographic tool. The enduring quality of Leitz craftsmanship is truly impressive, with these lenses still in active use today. With an L/M adapter, it can also be used on modern digital Leica M cameras. A delightful lens for those who enjoy pairing cameras and lenses across generations.
Beyond its consistently reliable rendering and the gentle color reproduction characteristic of an uncoated lens, its understated nickel sheen and remarkably compact, lightweight construction, something rarely found in modern lenses, add to its appeal.
The appropriate original hood is the FISON. Our own FB-07 Elmar hood, featuring a convenient aperture adjustment mechanism, is also compatible.
The collapsible barrel shows considerable wear, with brass exposure along the edges and other areas from many years of use. Considering that more than 90 years have passed since its manufacture, the overall cosmetic condition is quite respectable.
Overhauled in October 2026. Thanks to careful servicing, both the aperture ring and helicoid operate smoothly and effortlessly. Rangefinder coupling is spot-on, and focusing accuracy is excellent. The matte black lacquer inside the barrel has also been neatly reapplied to reduce internal reflections, promising improved contrast in the resulting images.
The front and rear elements show a few light cleaning marks, and there is slight discoloration of the glass around the edges of the front element. These are unlikely to affect image quality.
The results of our test shooting were also very good. A fine example, ready to be put to good use.
Comes with third-party front and rear caps.
