Leica LTM 1939 Elmar - Value?

[Kim Coxon]

I don't have any real experience with the older Leica glass. I recently "aquired" a 90 Elmarit M at a good price. However, included in that was a 1939 black Elmar 9cm. The seller basically put it in because of "internal dust". Well that has now gone. There are some cleaning marks on the glass but it apart from being "well used" it is actually in pretty good shape with what appears the be the original caps.

I will take some pics this weekend to see how it shoots but I am unlikely to keep it. I can't justify this, the elmarit and a CV75. If I do decide it goes, what sort of value is it worth?

Kim

 

[raid]

Kim,
I have a nicer looking black 1939 Elmar 9cm lens.

My guess: $75.

 

[John Elder]

I think you will be suprised at how good the black elmar is at f8 and f11. I "stold" a silver LTM 90 Elmar on e-bay for 45 bucks and its a great lens. I don't shoot 90 very often and this lens is good enough. Tiny lens.

 

[Meleica]

My Leica Screw Mount price guide

http://members.aol.com/dcolucci/c.htm

has it at $ 90 in exc cond. Yours.....hmmmm...$ 50

Dan

 

[CameraQuest]

it's an uncoated lens
capable of beautiful imagery if you take full advantage of it's "flaws"

shoot it wide open.
color can give you romantic pastel images
b/w moody film noir images

make sure the focus is right, which may or may not be true after 7 decades and who knows how many amateur cleanings.


Stephen

 

[landsknechte]

Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on your perpective, the uncoated 90mm Elmars aren't really in much demand by collectors. I have a 1937 example that's a tiny bit more "weathered" that I spent $39 on, and I'd imagine the $50 mark would be about right. Don't often see them with the rear caps like that though.

 

[Kim Coxon]

Done that.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=674704#post674704

Kim

make sure the focus is right, which may or may not be true after 7 decades and who knows how many amateur cleanings.


Stephen

 

[Uwe_Nds]

Kim,
I am very happy with mine - also pre-war uncoated, but w/o cleaning marks and clean glass.
Sharp enough and I also like the colour rendition.

I do not know if the colours look ok on your screen, because my monitor is not calibrated. Still, I am very happy with the prints.

Best regards,
Uwe

 

[photobizzz]

I just sold one here on RFF, I believe it was 1937 model, coated, perfect glass, and almost no paint loss for $100.

 

[john neal]

Kim,

Let me know if you decide to sell it - I will certainy match the $75 suggested above - possibly even the $100

 

[LeicaTom]

A pre war 90mm Elmar in mint condition barrel paint and glass $75 to $100 with both caps and just adding this info the Hektor 135mm from the same era and condition is worth about as much as well

Tom