Early Elmar 5cm f3.5. A rare chrome-barrel version that pairs especially well with both chrome and black-paint bodies. Helicoid No. 3. Rangefinder coupled. The distance scale is in meters, a welcome feature. Half-turn helicoid. Purple-toned coating.
Following the Anastigmat and Elmax fitted to the earliest Leica A models from 1925, this early Elmar became the standard lens and was made using optical glass supplied by C.P. Goerz. It dates from around 1926 to 1929. Nearly 100 years old!!
This example was later factory-converted by Leitz to a rangefinder-coupled Leica screw mount lens, and its elements were also coated. Traces of its original Leica A configuration can still be seen inside the barrel and elsewhere.
A36 diameter. Compatible with the FISON hood as well as our original FB-07 hood for the Elmar 50mm, which allows aperture adjustment with the hood attached.
An early Elmar with four desirable features: chrome barrel, meter scale, coating, and its early origin. And to top it off, this example is in beautiful condition. A combination that is not easy to find!
This item was previously sold by us and has now returned in the same condition as when we last sold it, having been carefully used by its owner. Welcome back!
This Old Elmar shows only minimal signs of use and is in very clean condition. There is only slight wear on the collapsible barrel, with no loss of chrome plating.
A full overhaul was carried out in 2025. Thanks to the thorough servicing, both the aperture and helicoid remain smooth to operate. The inside of the barrel was also carefully refinished with matte black lacquer to reduce internal reflections, which should help produce images with better contrast.
We tested the lens on our Leica M10-P demo camera. Rangefinder coupling is spot-on, and the lens delivers the three-dimensional rendering and strength characteristic of the Old Elmar.
Under a strong LED light, there is extremely slight deterioration of the coating that is only just visible, but this should have virtually no effect on actual images. There are no noticeable scratches or haze, and the glass is clear and bright.
Original front and rear caps are included.
