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The Leica Tele-Elmar 135mm f/4 telephoto lens, product code 11851. With a serial number in the 2,040,000 range, this example was manufactured in 1964. The Tele-Elmar was introduced in 1965, making this one of the very earliest examples from the first production batch. It features the distinctive early red distance scale, giving it a particularly striking appearance. Optical construction consists of five elements in three groups, with a straight helicoid focusing mechanism. A somewhat uncommon lens.
This is the longest focal length available among rangefinder-coupled lenses for Leica M cameras. The lens head can be detached for use with the Visoflex system. The minimum focusing distance is 1.5 meters, and the filter size is E39. The correct lens hood is the IUFOO/12575.
This early red-scale Tele-Elmar is not often encountered. It would look particularly impressive mounted on a Leica M3 or M2 black paint body from the same era.
Previously sold by our shop, this lens has been carefully cherished by its owners and is now being offered by us for the third time.
There are a few tiny spots of paint loss scattered across the knurled surfaces of the aperture ring and focusing helicoid. There is also one small scratch next to the depth-of-field scale on the barrel. Otherwise, there are hardly any noticeable signs of wear, and the barrel remains in remarkably beautiful condition.
Having been carefully used by one of our customers, this example delivers excellent focus, with spot-on rangefinder coupling. This is particularly welcome, as many 135mm lenses tend to have questionable rangefinder accuracy.
The focusing helicoid feels slightly stiff, but remains perfectly usable in practice. Servicing can also be arranged separately at an additional cost.
As for the glass, there are just two extremely faint cleaning marks near the edge of the front element, which should have virtually no effect on image quality. Otherwise, the optics are beautifully clear throughout, with no haze. The results of our actual shooting tests were also excellent.
Comes with third-party front and rear caps.
A lovely find for those who appreciate the earliest versions of classic Leica lenses.
