*Shipping to Japan Only. For overseas customer, please contact us before order.
An unnumbered nickel Elmar 5cm f3.5, with no serial number. Distance scale is in meters, with a full-turn helicoid and helicoid number 3. Commonly known as a Short Elmar. Short Elmars come in a variety of barrel lengths, but this particular example is especially short. Every time I handle it, I find myself checking to make sure I have pulled the collapsible barrel out all the way, haha.
Its compact size gives it an almost charming, adorable appearance.
Although this is not what is generally referred to as an Old Elmar, it began life as a New Elmar fitted to a Leica Model A manufactured around 1930. It was later factory-converted by Leitz at the time to Leica Screw Mount with rangefinder coupling.
Naturally, it looks right at home on a black-and-nickel Barnack Leica. Since it has no infinity lock pin, it is also well suited for use on mirrorless cameras via an adapter. Now approaching 95 years of age, this Leica lens is still very much ready for active use.
This item was previously sold by our shop and has now returned to us after being carefully used by its owner. This will be the fourth time we have offered it for sale.
There are fine scuffs, some wear to the nickel plating, and other signs of use consistent with its age, but no noticeable scratches, dents, or distortion to the name ring.
A full overhaul was completed in 2024. Thanks to the thorough servicing, both the aperture and helicoid remain smooth in operation. Focus accuracy and rangefinder coupling are also excellent.
The front element has quite a few cleaning marks, which may have some effect when shooting against strong light. The anti-reflection lacquer inside the lens barrel has been carefully reapplied, which should help produce better contrast.
The lens also performed well in our shooting test. Although the sample images are from the previous time we offered this lens, they are available in our Test Shoot Gallery. We hope you will take a look.
Original metal front and rear caps are included.
