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