Elmar 50mm 3.5 collapsible: Is it compatible (collapsible) in Bessa-T?

[ellisson]

I know some of the collapsible lens are not compatible with all Leicas and Bessas due to lens protrusion into the shutter or meter. Before I purchase one of these, does anyone know if the old (and thin) Elmar 50mm 3.5 is compatible with a Bessa-T? Thanks!

 

[Tmas]

Hello, just tried it: the lens collapses, but not completely!
You might scrape some colour off the light-traps inside. You should prevent the lens to go for the last 2 or 3 mm, then you are fine.

Regards,
Tmas

 

[mh2000]

many people say they add a black rubber O-ring as a spacer to prevent pushing in too far.

 

[ellisson]

many people say they add a black rubber O-ring as a spacer to prevent pushing in too far.

Thanks, mh2000 and Tmas. A 2-3 mm spacer around the tube and against the back of the moving part of the lens housing should not be too difficut to do.

 

[Bingley]

I use a 50/3.5 elmar on my Bessa T quite a bit. A couple of elastic hair doodles (appropriated from my daughter) work perfectly to keep the lens from collapsing too far into the body and scraping up the insides. YMMV. 🙂

 

[ellisson]

I use a 50/3.5 elmar on my Bessa T quite a bit. A couple of elastic hair doodles (appropriated from my daughter) work perfectly to keep the lens from collapsing too far into the body and scraping up the insides. YMMV. 🙂

Nice low tech solution! My teenage daugther has donated the hair loops. I've taken the plunge for a 50/3.5 in good shape on ebay.

Thanks again to all!

 

[Bingley]

Enjoy the Elmar/Bessa T combo! 🙂 It's like a Leica IIIf w/ mod cons! 😀

 

[ellisson]

It works well!

It works well!

Got the Elmar 50/3.5 today. Two hair loops doubled over and stretched over the front of the lens and on to the tube keeps it 4-5 mm 'out' when pushed in. Very nice solution! The 50/3.5 has a nice low profile on the camera.
Now to take some pictures! 🙂

 

[ellisson]

Some Bessa-T and Elmar 50/3.5 images

Some Bessa-T and Elmar 50/3.5 images

Great combination, the Bessa T and Elmar 50/3.5. Here are two of my first images with this pairing. Glad I purchased the 50/3.5 - a real bargain for the quality.

 

[Tom A]

I actually prefer the 50f3.5 in M-mount to the f2.8 (old version). I find it better wide-open and less flare!
As for the collapsing, when the M5 came out - Leica recommended that you run a Dymo label (remember those) around the barrel - butting up the back of the aperture ring or the front ring (on LTM). It spaced the tube just far back enough not to break the meter-arm. I simply wrote "Dont Collapse" on the label with the Dymo labeller and stuck it on. Seemed to work - but then I came to my senses - got rid of the M5 and kept the lens (still have it) and now I use it on a M2 instead.

 

[Bingley]

Great combination, the Bessa T and Elmar 50/3.5. Here are two of my first images with this pairing. Glad I purchased the 50/3.5 - a real bargain for the quality.

Nice pix! Looks like you got a good sample. Congrats!

 

[ellisson]

Nice pix! Looks like you got a good sample. Congrats!

Thanks, and I only wasted a few shots before realizing that you need to pull out the tube before taking pictures! 😱 I was fortunate to get a nice sample of this lens at a reasonable price on the 'bay.