Old Elmar 5cm f3.5. A rare chrome barrel version that matches beautifully with both chrome and painted bodies. Helicoid number 3. Rangefinder-coupled. The distance scale on the helicoid is the very welcome meter scale. Half-turn helicoid. Finished with a purple-tinted coating.
Following the early Leica Model A Anastigmat and Elmax of 1925, this early Elmar—using optical glass supplied by C.P. Goerz—was the standard lens of the period. Produced circa 1926–1929, it has nearly reached its 100th anniversary.
This particular example was later factory-converted by Leitz to a Leica screw mount, rangefinder-coupled version, and the elements were coated at that time. Traces of its original Model A era can still be seen in the inner barrel and other details.
A36 filter size. Compatible with the FISON hood, as well as our shop’s original FB-07 hood for the Elmar 50mm, which allows full aperture operation.
An early Elmar that ticks all the boxes: chrome barrel, meter scale, coated optics—and in beautiful condition. A truly hard-to-find example.

Shows only minimal signs of use and is a very clean example of the classic Elmar. Wear on the collapsible barrel is slight, and there is no plating loss.
Fully overhauled in December 2025. Thanks to careful servicing, the aperture and helicoid operate with a smooth, pleasant feel. The matte anti-reflection lacquer inside the barrel has also been carefully reapplied, promising more crisp and well-defined rendering.
In real-world test shots using our shop demo Leica M10-P, rangefinder coupling is spot on, and the lens delivers the characteristic depth and strength that define the classic Elmar look.
When examined under strong LED light, there is extremely minor coating deterioration visible, but it has virtually no effect on actual photographs. There are no noticeable scratches or haze, and the glass is clear and bright throughout.
A genuine front cap is included.