Leica LTM 1932 Elmar 50mm 3.5 - no grip on front ring

Leica M39 screw mount bodies/lenses
muf

muf

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Hi all,

Bought a 1932 black Leica ii(converted to Leica iii at some point). It has a 1932 Elmar 50mm f3.5 collapsible lens on it. I notice the outer front ring of the lens doesn't have the grip like every other Elmar I have seen. Can that grip be removed? How is attached. Glue, bonded, soldered? Can this be how the lens was made or could it have been machined or ground off.

Any advice appreciated. Photo attached.

Thanks,
Paul
 

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Hi,

To me it looks as though the knurling has been machined off. Any competent engineer ought to be able to re-machine it but finding one with the right tools might be difficult these days. Perhaps a tool maker could do it or else the local model railway club might be able to help.

As the lens will need to be dismantled first a camera repairer might be the sensible first port of call.

Regards, David
 
David Hughes said:
Hi,

To me it looks as though the knurling has been machined off. Any competent engineer ought to be able to re-machine it but finding one with the right tools might be difficult these days. Perhaps a tool maker could do it or else the local model railway club might be able to help.

As the lens will need to be dismantled first a camera repairer might be the sensible first port of call.

Regards, David
Click to expand...

Hi David,

Yes, I think it has been machined away too. What I am struggling to understand is why? I wonder what benefit a previous owner thought it would provide. It doesn't detract from the usability and I have ordered a FIKUS lens hood. That will cover it up once fitted. I can also use it on my 90mm and 135mm lenses as well.

Thanks for your comments.

Best regards,
Paul
 
No idea why anyone would machine off the knurled rim of the lens, but I wouldn't like to try knurling it again. I have Elmars with appropriate hoods that do clamp on the knurled rim. The problem is, how much material was taken off when it was machined? Lens hoods of that period clamped on and whether one would attach successfully would depend on how much metal was removed. Too much and the clamp would reach the end of its travel and not secure the hood. Of course, this could be solved with a strip of electrical tape or something like that. TW
 
I've seen this before on another Elmar and could never come up with a plausible explanation then...unless it was for use on a specific bit of scientific kit that required the diameter to be a millimetre or so less than standard.

Re cutting the knurling though possible is really out of the question unless you know someone already equipped for the job.
 
I just hope the hood clamps on and I'll use it as-is. I do not think there is any mileage in trying to get it re-knurled. The glass is not scratched and is clear of dust and haze. It has the o showing it is standardised. The camera mount also has the o. I am relatively confident it will perform ok. Just got to get out there and give it a go.

Thanks everyone for your input.

Best regards,
Paul
 
Knurling is not cut. It is pressed on with a knurling wheel. The material in the valleys is pushed into the peaks so the diameter actually grows with knurling. Any machine shop can perform knurling. The machine shop may have to buy or make the appropriate knurling wheel if they don't have one.
 
Knurling puts great pressure on the material and the lathe tools. There may not be enough stock left there to knurl without deforming things. There is also a good chance the clamp on hood will not clamp securely. Better to use as is and find another Elmar to use with a hood. Good Luck. Joe
 
A reason could be to fit a specific lens hood or filter.

The most awkward filters for Elmars are polarising. And perhaps someone had a bright idea or couldn't afford the Leitz version or didn't know about the Leitz version. I just can't remember the code for the swing out one, otherwise I'd waffle on a bit more.


Regards, David
 
Well I think I will see if the hood I ordered fits ok. If not, then I will have to come up with an ingenious circular flat spacer that brings the outside diameter to what it once was. Hopefully, it fits without having to invent or discover something.

Incidentally, the outside diameter of my lens is 36mm. Can someone confirm the outside diameter of their Elmar that has the knurled grip.

Regards,
Paul
 
Elmar diameter (knurled): 35.91mm FIKUS inside diameter (clamping screw backed off): 36.14mm. Both are slightly out of round and the measurements are averages.
 
And consequently anything lens related (filters, hoods and caps) with 36mm i/d will have a price that is OTT and just wait until you see the same items with "Leica" on them that are OEM...


Regards, David
 
Well my Elmar adjustable lens hood arrived. I found the hood extremely tight to put on when fully opened. A slight turn of the retaining screw secures it very well. I actually find it difficult to believe the hood would have gone on if the knurling was present. Odd that it appears the correct diameter without the knurling. I'm just glad it fits ok.
Thanks all for the advice/comments/measurements etc.
Regards
Paul
 
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