Elmar 50mm f3.5, commonly known as the Red Elmar or Red Scale due to its red depth-of-field markings. The Leitz product code is ELMAR. Serial number in the 1.12 million range, made in 1953. 4 elements in 3 groups. Uses A36 filters. The helicoid distance scale is in meters.

The Red Elmar was the final version of the A36 Elmar 50mm f3.5, a lens that had been produced for more than 30 years since the days of the Leica Model A.

As the final evolution of the A36 Elmar, its high level of refinement is evident in the solid feel of the barrel and the beautiful texture of the matte bead-blasted chrome finish.

The correct original hood is the FISON. Our Flashback original FB-07 hood for the Elmar, which allows aperture adjustment while the hood remains attached, also makes an excellent companion.

This particular example is an especially fine performer.

There are no noticeable scuffs or scratches, and the lens is in quite clean cosmetic condition. The matte bead-blasted chrome finish has a beautiful shine.

Fully overhauled in September 2026. Both the aperture ring and helicoid operate very smoothly, with no stiffness or stress. Rangefinder coupling is spot-on, and focus accuracy is excellent.

There are two or three extremely light cleaning marks on the rear element that are only visible under a strong LED light, as well as slight coating deterioration on an internal element, but these should have virtually no effect on actual images. The glass is quite clean for a Red Scale Elmar.

Our test shooting results were also excellent. It delivers sharp images even wide open.

A period-correct genuine front cap and a third-party rear cap are included.