Prewar Elmar 35mm f3.5. Product code EKURZCHROM. Serial number in the 510,000 range, manufactured in 1939. Meter scale, convenient for snapshots. Optical design is 3 elements in 4 groups.
Originally this Elmar 35mm would have been uncoated, but this example was later coated by Leitz. The benefit of the coating can be clearly appreciated in actual shooting.
Among Leitz products, it is one of the thinnest lenses, second only to the Hektor 28mm. At full aperture, the center is sharp while the falloff at the edges produces a distinctive atmosphere. Despite its orthodox design, it is a lens that reveals great depth of expression the more you use it, and has been re-evaluated in recent years.
Compatible hoods are FLQOO or FOOKH. Flashback Camera’s own FB-07 hood with aperture control function can also be used without vignetting.
Light scuffs and a tiny ding can be seen on the edge near the mtr engraving at the base, but overall the exterior is in good condition. Fully overhauled in September 2025. Thanks to careful servicing, the helicoid action is very smooth, the aperture ring turns freely, and rangefinder coupling is spot on with accurate focusing.
The front element shows a faint wipe mark and slight coating deterioration around the periphery. On the rear element edge there are two or three pinhead-sized balsam separations, but none of these affect actual photography. No haze or fungus traces are present, making the glass clean for a pre-war Elmar. Image performance was also good.
Comes with the original front cap.
