Mountain Elmar 105mm f6.3, affectionately known as the Berg Elmar. Finished in black paint and chrome plating, often referred to as semi-chrome. The Leitz product code is ELZEN. A code name that makes you want to take it into the snowy mountains. The serial number falls in the 300,000 range, manufactured in 1936. Approximately 4,000 pieces were produced over a six-year period.
The distance scale is in meters. With a maximum aperture of f6.3, it is considered quite slow by modern standards, yet its rendering is wonderfully realistic and full of character. Under the right conditions, it can truly shine.
Slim, compact, and lightweight in a way that modern lenses can hardly achieve. The actual measured weight is only 195g. It is not suited for low-light photography, but rather a lens to keep tucked into a pocket or the corner of a camera bag, waiting for the right moment. Included are the dedicated original hood, an essential accessory for the Mountain Elmar, and a front cap. When shooting against the light, the presence or absence of the hood makes a significant difference.
Minor paint loss and light marks from normal use can be seen. The plating remains in good condition, and the inlaid engravings are clearly intact. Considering that approximately 90 years have passed since its manufacture, this is a condition that suggests it has been carefully preserved over the decades.
Fully overhauled in February 2026. The aperture and helicoid now offer a smooth, well-lubricated feel, making the focusing action especially enjoyable. Rangefinder coupling is accurate. The distance scale indicates a minimum focusing distance of 3 meters. Although the helicoid can rotate closer than 3 meters and the rangefinder can still be aligned, focus will tend toward back focus at distances under 3 meters.
The glass shows no noticeable cleaning marks or haze. It is clear and bright.
The results of our test shooting were excellent. Sample images have been posted in our test gallery. All were taken wide open. After reviewing them on a Mac monitor back at the shop, we were genuinely impressed by the superb rendering performance.
The original hood and hood cap are included, along with a bakelite rear cap.
