Early Elmar 5cm f/3.5. This is an Elmar made with glass from C.P. Goerz, originally fitted as standard to early Leica Model A cameras of the 1920s. This particular lens was later factory-converted by Leitz for Leica screw-mount rangefinder coupling. The helicoid number is 1, and the distance scale is marked in meters. It bears the “Germany” engraving and features the short-barrel design. The glass is uncoated.
One notable characteristic of this example is its unusually tall aperture tab. I do not recall having seen this type before, but there would have been no reason to fabricate such a part separately, and it clearly has the workmanship of Leitz. It is safe to regard it as original. The ease of operation provided by this tall tab is especially noteworthy.
Another striking feature of this particular lens is the unusually dense distance scale markings, even when compared with other early and later Elmar lenses. It is a piece that gives a real sense of Leitz’s trial-and-error process during this formative period.
Although this lens is approximately 100 years old, it can still be enjoyed on current digital Leica M cameras when fitted with an L/M adapter. Please enjoy this early Elmar, a lens that helped lay the foundation for the Leica tradition that continues to this day.
This lens was previously sold by our shop. It was cherished by its owner and has now returned to us. Its condition remains as good as when we last sold it.
The collapsible section shows some light rubbing from use, but plating wear is minimal, and the exterior condition is very good for an early Elmar.
For this resale, the lens underwent another full overhaul in June 2026. All controls operate smoothly, and the rangefinder coupling is spot-on. The matte anti-reflection lacquer on the inside of the barrel has also been carefully reapplied, so an even cleaner, more contrasty rendering can be expected.
The front element shows a fair number of extremely faint cleaning marks, but these should have no effect on actual images. Our test shots also produced good results.
The correct hood for this lens is the FISON, but our original FB-07 hood with aperture-control functionality is extremely convenient.
A genuine Bakelite front cap is included.
