11 O'clock Elmar

[goamules]

I don't know what this early conversion from a Leica I is worth, but it has a very nice looking nickel Elmar with the 11 O'clock focus stop, with no lock. 290883844009.

I have a Hektor 50/2.5 with the 11 O'clock lock, and I find it much easier to grab it while looking through the viewfinder. Anyway, just trying to start a discussion on the early Leicas with the lock in that position.

 

[Vickko]

If it was ergonomically superior, any idea why Leitz changed the design?

 

[goamules]

Something about it interfering with the features of the later cameras, but I can't recall exactly. The locks were in this position before Leicas had integrated rangefinders on top.

 

[Vickko]

Ah yes, the slow speed dial is at the 11 o'clock position.

 

[Dralowid]

11 o'clock Elamars

There are Elmars around without any infinity lock because they would have used the hockey stick on the original camera and this bit wasn't upgraded.

and Elmars with a different lock more like a 'pin' or button

and Elmars with a lock that is like the 'normal' lock but in the 11'o'clock position

Early converted Elmars have a flange that is slightly smaller than a 'standardised' flange

Some converted Elmars are taller than others. Presumably to do with mechanical construction.

The lens in my avatar is a converted Anastigmat lens, long since sold.

 

[Dralowid]

forgot to mention that the early Elmars have a noticeably different style of typeface

 

[Luddite Frank]

I have a 1932 Leica II (sn 77xxx) and a nickel Elmar 50 with 11 o'clock Inf lock (s/n 99xxx).

I also have some 1933 Leica III cameras: the focus-tab on the early Elmar interferes with the slow-speeds knob on the III, preventing it from reaching / locking at Infinity.

This is not an issue with the later, larger C / F / G bodies, but by then it was pretty-much a moot point.

 

[johannielscom]

Frank,

your 99xxx serial number is interesting, the Leitz serial number list for lenses does start at 156100 in 1933. Before that there were no conclusive records on lens numbers it seems. Before Leitz started engraving them on the outside, they were pencilled in on the inside of the lens barrel.

My Elmar 3.5/50mm is 11 o'clock, nickel, smaller flange, no lock, uncoated, unnumbered and feet-scaled. All in all a combination that is pretty strongly suggesting it was converted from a fixed lens to a standardized exchangeable one.

I wonder how many Leica I camera's were ever exported with feet-scaled lenses, and later upgraded to a camera with detachable lens...🙄 I bought my lens from a fellow RFF'er from the US.

 

[Luddite Frank]

Johan,

I'll have to dig it out and check those details. The lens serial number is stamped / engraved on the blackened brass ring around the front element.

LF

 

[Luddite Frank]

Leica II with nickle Elmar 50 mm - 11 o'clock Inf lock

Leica II with nickle Elmar 50 mm - 11 o'clock Inf lock

😡

Okay, the Forum will not let me upload any more pics, saying that I "have already uploaded them" ??? 😕😕😕


I even modified the file names, but apparently not enough.


Foo.

I guess you get the idea.


LF

(Later today, when I have more time, I will try to post a photo of this lens on a 1933 black III.)

 

[laskadog]

Thread resurrection. I just bought a Nickel 5cm Elmar f3.5 11 O'clock version. It is to go with my IIIa. Unfortunately, this thread seems to indicate that it will not function fully on my camera due to the slow shutter speed dial. Does anyone know just how close to infinity it goes? Do I need to sell it before I even get it?

DB

 

[Bar8barian]

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[Luddite Frank]

Thread resurrection. I just bought a Nickel 5cm Elmar f3.5 11 O'clock version. It is to go with my IIIa. Unfortunately, this thread seems to indicate that it will not function fully on my camera due to the slow shutter speed dial. Does anyone know just how close to infinity it goes? Do I need to sell it before I even get it?

DB

Why don't you wait and see ?

On my 1933 & 1934 IIIs, the 11 o'clock Elmar goes very nearly to Infinity, just shy of actually locking.

It may be that if your particular lens / camera combo permits, you will get close enough to Inf. that you can stop down the lens, and let DOF (depth of field) do the rest...

I would NOT recommend modifying either the lens or the camera.

 

[Dez]

I believe that Leitz started to number lenses externally at serial number 92,000.

That is really interesting. What was the significance of that particular number, I wonder??? Surely they had not sold 92000 lenses previous to that time.

Cheers,
Dez

 

[laskadog]

Well, well, well. Got the lens today and IT FITS! My Leica is a II mod IIIa, so maybe that makes a difference. There is ample clearance with the slow shutter speed dial. Now to run a roll of film through it.

 

[Melvin]

Yeah it just won't work on Ms because of the lens lock

 

[goamules]

Good deal. I like the 11 O'clock position focus tab better. You can reach down with your trigger finger, and push it off infinity. With the later tabs, you have to adjust your entire grip or use the other hand.

 

[HuubL]

The 11 o'clock Elmar with the bell push button hits the slow speed dial when screwed on my III when it's pushed in to release the lock. Only when releasing the button before turning the focus to closer distance gives it just enough clearence to pass the speed dial. Not an ideal sitution.

 

[OlliL]

All true. Doesn't really fit the slow speed dials.

 

[Luddite Frank]

All true. Doesn't really fit the slow speed dials.

Very nice camera & lens, Olli... your lens looks to be within 200 units of mine !

What # is the camera ? Mine is 77xxx.