classic elmar 50/3,5 - what to look out for

[geesbert]

I really love my (nearly) current elmar, but i am considering to get a classic tiny ltm elmar to use with the M8, what should i look out for? i want usability, not collectability, what serial number range is preferred?

thanks

Stefan

 

[laptoprob]

Welcome to the forum, Stefan. Maybe a pre-war uncoated one? That is the most classic one.

 

[ZeissFan]

With any uncoated lens, always check the lens for cleaning marks. Remove it from the body and hold it up to a light source (that isn't the sun). A few cleaning marks isn't unusual, but you don't want a lens with a large number of them.

 

[johnastovall]

Here is a 1938 uncoated Elmar I've set up for use on my M8.


What you need:

An old style Leica LTM to M-mount or a Cameraquest Type I.

A Leica SOOGZ.

A 39mm IR Cut filter (I used a B+W to save a few bucks)

A Heavystar Leica 35mm 39mm vented screw in hood.

I went with the SOOGZ because it allow me to quickly remove the whole unit and set the f stop. I can also us it with a 35/3.5 Summuron.

 

[geesbert]

how do i find out from when the lens is dated? i heard some of the early ones where bound to one singular body, how do i know that? is there any usability advantage to a 'nickel' lens or is it just a collectors piece? aren't there different focus throws around?

anyone has a web resource for those realy old leica lenses?

 

[johnastovall]

how do i find out from when the lens is dated? i heard some of the early ones where bound to one singular body, how do i know that? is there any usability advantage to a 'nickel' lens or is it just a collectors piece? aren't there different focus throws around?

anyone has a web resource for those realy old leica lenses?

[FONT=Arial, Arial, Helvetica]Leica Lens Dates 1931 to 1996[/FONT]

 

[Ronald M]

Coated RED Scale. The best of both worlds.

I don`t wish to start a debate, but I find no advantage to an uncoated lens even in very contrasty conditions. It does not get more shadow detail or hold highlights better.
They mearly compress the smaller range they do pick up.

Decades back, I used an uncoated one, pull process E6, and printed Cibachrome without a mask. It was beautiful. The slides looked absolutely terrible and were worthless for anything else.

Look out for fog and scratches and signs of tampering. A focus that works and a diaphragm that is smooth to operate. A red scale will give beautiful old style pictures.

Stay away from cheap adapters.