Elmar 50mm f3.5 in Leica M mount with an E39 filter thread. The Leitz code is ELMAM. Serial number in the 1.18 million range, made in 1954. This is an early example from the first year of production, and notably dates from the very first year of the Leica M3.
The red mounting index dot is painted, and the helicoid is marked in meters.
This is the final evolution of the classic 50mm f3.5 Elmar, whose lineage stretches all the way back to the old Elmar fitted to the Leica A in 1926. It would later evolve into the f2.8 version incorporating new types of optical glass.
Naturally, the lens is coated, and its construction is quite elaborate, with three internal anti-reflection ribs inside the barrel to suppress stray light.
Though an orthodox lens in design, it produces images with a wonderfully distinctive character. Pair it with an early single-hook ITOOY hood and an early double-stroke Leica M3 with Buddha-ear strap lugs, and the combination would have an unbeatable period atmosphere.
There are some rub marks and areas of shine around the front edge of the filter ring and other parts of the barrel. However, as the original matte bead-blasted chrome finish itself has a rather shiny appearance, signs of use are relatively inconspicuous from a distance. A practical user-grade cosmetic condition.
The lens received a full overhaul in 2024 under the previous owner. The aperture and helicoid operate smoothly, and rangefinder coupling is excellent. The glass shows slight coating deterioration and a few extremely faint cleaning marks on an internal element, but these should have virtually no effect on actual images. There is no haze, and the glass remains clear and bright.
Comes with the original Leica front cap and a genuine Leica rear cap from a later period.
