Chrome barrel Elmar 50mm f3.5. Leitz product code ELMAR. Serial number in the 1.01 million range, made in 1952. Coated. Optical design of 3 groups, 4 elements. A36 filter size. Meter scale distance markings. The coating shows a pale bluish-purple with a light amber tint.
This Elmar falls into the serial range where red Elmar versions begin to appear. On this example, the name ring has the same satin chrome finish as the red Elmar, while the focusing helicoid is finished in glossy chrome. From the same period, the opposite combination can also be found, with a glossy chrome name ring and a red-scale helicoid.
When we first encountered this type of Elmar, we suspected a parts combination. However, after gathering and comparing many samples and seeing that they cluster in specific serial ranges, it became clear that these are genuine transitional models. They are typically found among Elmar 50mm lenses with serial numbers from about 970,000 to 1.04 million, most commonly around the 1 million mark.
For those not interested, this may be trivial detail. But the more you learn, the more you notice, and before you know it, you are deep in the Leica rabbit hole. We are completely hooked ourselves.
The Elmar 5cm, Leica’s standard lens, has been supplied since around 1926. The correct original hood is the FISON, but our original Elmar hood FB-07, which allows aperture operation, can also be used with this lens.
There is a minor mark near the infinity index at the base of the barrel, but otherwise the nameplate and mount show almost no signs of use, resulting in a very clean overall appearance.
Fully overhauled in January 2026. The aperture and helicoid now operate smoothly with a refined feel. Rangefinder coupling is spot on. The matte anti-reflection lacquer inside the barrel has also been neatly repainted, promising a more crisp and well-defined rendering.
A few very light cleaning marks can be seen on the front element, but they should have no effect on actual images. No haze is present, and the glass is clear and bright. Test shots confirmed excellent performance.
A very clean original front cap and a third-party rear cap are included.
An ideal companion for a beautiful Barnack Leica.
