Elmar 50mm f2.8, late version. Dual scale in feet and meters. Leitz product code 11112. Serial number in the 2.32 million range, produced in 1969 during the Leica M4 era. E39 filter size. Compatible hoods include ITOOY, IROOA, ITDOO, and 12585.
A modern design that belies its roughly 60 years of age. With its refined form and functional beauty, it pairs naturally even with current Leica digital bodies. As expected from a lens made during Leitz’s postwar golden age, the build quality and finish are superb.
The Elmar f2.8 is known for its slightly soft and gentle rendering at or near wide open, but stop it down a little and it delivers a crisp, sharp image while retaining a pleasing softness and character.
Many Elmar f2.8 lenses suffer from haze embedded in the newer glass elements that is difficult to remove, but this example is unusually clear with bright, clean optics. While production numbers were high, finding one with such clean glass is quite rare.

There are slight marks on the front edge of the barrel from hood attachment and removal, but overall it shows minimal signs of use and remains in very clean condition. The collapsible section has almost no signs of wear and retains a beautiful shine. One you almost hesitate to collapse.
Fully overhauled in March 2026. Both the aperture ring and helicoid operate very smoothly with a pleasing feel. Focus is accurate, and rangefinder coupling is spot on. The internal anti-reflection matte lacquer has been carefully reapplied, allowing the lens to deliver its original crisp rendering.

There is only very minor coating wear, with no effect on image quality. The glass is clear and free from cleaning marks or haze, and the coating remains intact throughout. Test shots confirmed excellent performance.

Comes with a clean original front cap, a plastic case, and the original box (serial numbers do not match).
A condition that is not easily found.