So what's wrong with this Elmarit-M?

[rogerzilla]

Early model (1959/60) from fleaBay (awful seller; never responds to e-mails, charges for DHL then sends by surface mail, hood not there although it was included in the listing etc). Anyway, it doesn't couple to the rangefinder of my M3 at all. Is there something fundamental missing? I think it's going back for a full refund anyway.

 

[rogerzilla]

OK, got it. The cam follower was stuck in the "out" position and wouldn't retract - a bit of working it up and down got it moving freely. It's still a hunk o'junk though.

 

[sc_rufctr]

What are the elements like? Are they clean and scratch free?
Before you send it back take some test shots and see how it performs.

Looking at your photo it doesn't seem that bad. 🙂

 

[rogerzilla]

Nah - there are all sorts of coating defects, oil on the iris (the threaded coupling between the lens head and the "tube" has more oil on it than my bicycle chain) and the focusing is a bit sloppy.

I can also get one from a dealer with a guarantee more cheaply, although it won't have the (broken) bubble case.

They are rather beautiful lenses in chrome though, aren't they? The non-telephoto design means they're long compared to a 50mm, but very lightweight because most of it is just empty space. Wonderful handling. Can't see why anyone would want a 90mm 'cron, with the extra weight and VF blockage.

 

[johannielscom]

Well, good luck on getting a refund with a seller like that, I'll be pressing thumbs for you!

 

[rogerzilla]

It's OK, it's a business seller so I am entitled to a refund under the distance selling regulations in the EU without even giving a reason, as long as it's within a reasonable period. All done through eBay, postage refunded (in theory).