Elmar 90mm f/4. A Thin Elmar with a black & nickel finish. Leica product code: ELANG.
Serial number in the 320,000 range, with a meter scale.
Based on the serial number, this lens was manufactured in 1936, making it a later example among black & nickel lenses. By this time, chrome-plated finishes had already become the standard.

However, we have seen other black & nickel versions of this lens with similar or even later serial numbers. It is possible that even during the chrome era, there were special orders for nickel-finished lenses from those who preferred the earlier aesthetic.

Optical design consists of 4 elements in 3 groups. Originally uncoated, but this particular unit has been coated post-war by Leitz. A light-colored coating is visible on all lens surfaces.

When paired with a black & nickel Leica DII or DIII, it makes for an incredibly stylish setup. The nickel Thin Elmar is a lens that many are unaware of, but it is highly sought after by collectors.
A rare and desirable piece.

There is some paint loss and minor scuffing on the front barrel, but for a black & nickel Thin Elmar, this is a remarkably well-preserved example. The black paint, nickel plating, and silver inlay are all in excellent condition, making for a truly beautiful piece.

Fully overhauled by a professional technician in March 2025. The aperture and helicoid now operate flawlessly, with an exceptionally smooth feel. During the overhaul, precise focus adjustments were performed, ensuring perfect rangefinder coupling. The double image slightly overshoots at infinity, but this does not affect practical use.

On the front element, there are a few extremely faint traces of previous fungus, visible only under a loupe. However, there is no noticeable impact on image quality. Aside from this, the glass is crystal clear, free of haze or significant cleaning marks. Test shots have produced excellent results.

Comes with the original front and rear caps, as well as the original box. A fantastic addition to any collection!