Elmar 3.5cm f3.5 in nickel finish. A representative wide-angle lens from prewar Leitz. The Leitz product code is EKURZKUP. Serial number is in the 210,000 range, manufactured in 1934. 4 elements in 3 groups. Uncoated. Rangefinder-coupled. Pleasingly, the distance scale is marked in meters. The helicoid is the half-turn type.

Introduced in 1930, the Elmar 35mm gradually evolved over the years. With the release of the DII in 1932, it became a rangefinder-coupled version known as the heavy cam type, and in 1933 it was improved from a full-turn helicoid to a half-turn helicoid.

Next to the Hektor 28mm, this is one of the most compact Leica lenses, making it an excellent choice for carrying around. Mount it on a black and nickel Leica DII or DIII and enjoy its wonderfully atmospheric appearance.

It can also be enjoyed on modern digital M bodies and mirrorless cameras via an adapter.

This item was previously sold by our shop. It was carefully used by the customer and has now returned to us.

There are some light scuffs and minor scratches, but for a nickel Elmar made over 90 years ago, it remains in very good cosmetic condition. The plating is also well preserved.

As with when we sold it previously, all functions, including the aperture and helicoid, operate very smoothly. Rangefinder coupling is spot-on.

There are a few very shallow cleaning marks on the front element, but they should have virtually no effect on actual images. Otherwise, there is no haze, and the glass is beautifully clear. Our latest test shots were again very good.

The original front and rear caps are included. The front cap is made of Bakelite, and the rear cap is made of brass.