Cart 0
Exceptionally fine 1934 3.5/50mm Leitz Leica Elmar lens - Leitz- Petrakla Classic Cameras

Leitz

Exceptionally fine 1934 3.5/50mm Leitz Leica Elmar lens

$ 325.00 USD

Leica camera not included!

This is an early 3.5/50mm Elmar lens. Its serial number (293315) indicates it was produced in Germany in 1934. The elmar is an adventurous, go anywhere do anything lens and it's the correct standard lens for most Leica cameras produced before and during WWII. Even if you own faster, larger lenses, it’s hard to go wrong with the legendary elmar. The lens is wonderfully compact when it’s slid down into the camera body, making it very easy to pocket your camera. Extended and ready for use, the lens is a very capable performer and certainly fast enough when you’re out and about during the day. This lens has a beautiful rendering and a classic look that defined the 1930’s, 40’s & 50’s. In fact they're still at work today with photographers & artists around the world. Up close and wide open, it produces a very attractive look. Subjects are finely rendered at the plane of focus and beyond that the focus rolls off very gently into a smooth background bokeh.

Out and about during the day, this little lens produces crisp images at medium and small apertures. The compact size of this lens, its pleasing performance and its historical significance has made it a favorite with collectors and photographers alike. And it's no wonder that I enjoy taking my own example with us on vacations...

The elmar lens in this listing can be used on all Leica screw mount bodies (as well as Canon, Bessa and other Leica based designs). It can also be used on the later Leica M models if you have an adapter. Naturally this lens also works VERY nicely on a digital Micro 4/3 camera. The 4/3 adapters are easy to find on eBay and are very inexpensive.

Cosmetically this lens shows light signs of use of course but most collectors will agree it certainly is a fine example and it looks very nice on a vintage Leica. (Please see photos.) Often these old lenses are covered with scratches however the glass in this example is in exceptionally fine. It’s very clean and clear. There are no scratches, just some faint unavoidable cleaning wisps (but you’ll need a magnifier to see them.) The focus and aperture settings move smoothly and it’s capable of producing lovely photos with modern color and B&W films.

The elmar lens in this listing can be used on all Leica screw mount bodies (as well as Canon, Bessa and other Leica based designs). It can also be used on the later Leica M models if you have an adapter. Naturally this lens also works VERY nicely on a digital Micro 4/3 camera. The 4/3 adapters are easy to find on eBay and are very inexpensive.

Cosmetically this lens shows signs of use of course but most collectors will agree it certainly looks very nice on a vintage Leica. (Please see photos.) Often these old lenses are covered with scratches however the glass in this example is in exceptionally fine condition. It’s very clean and clear. There are no scratches, just a couple of very faint, unavoidable cleaning wisps (but you’ll need a magnifier to see them.) The focus and aperture settings move smoothly and it’s capable of producing lovely photos with modern color and B&W films.

All in all, a fine little lens full of that special Leica character. An authentic, period correct lens for your classic prewar Leica.


Share this Product


More from this Category