Elmar 5cm / Switching glass from earlier into older helical?

[paniolo]

Hello Photographers,

as some of you know, I love my nickel Leica II.
Only negative to say about is the uncoated nickel Elmar, which is too prone to flare in my eyes. (I dont want to use a hood)

My experience with earlier coated examples are very positive, but the chrome finish doesn't fit very well to the nickel body.
But more important is the fact, that I realy dont like the 7'o clock infinity setting. I much prefer my nickel elmar 11'o clock, which is more "accurate" while focussing blind for my use.

So the big question: Is it possible to convert the glass from the coated 7'o clock Elmar to the earlier nickel 11'o clock?

Regards
T

 

[Jerevan]

Maybe it is easier to coat the uncoated one you already have - perhaps via John van Stelten? -> http://www.focalpointlens.com/fp_intro.html

 

[paniolo]

Ahh very good idea indeed!
But what about changing the optics inbetween the chrome and nickel housing of the Elmar?

 

[Richard G]

I love my hazy 11 o'clock Elmar. I think it what makes the shots with my Leica II, painting some light into the shadows. I don't want to have it cleaned.

 

[Ronald M]

You might be able to move the whole optical cell.

Once many years back a dealer gave me a dozen 2.8 elmars and asked me to fine a pair that match for a stereo camera. Had to use film and project the image with an enlarger. I could not find a matching pair.

I tell the story because it might be possible if a trained person has the adjustment tools to make it focus properly.

 

[Filzkoeter]

I have not tried to diassemble my Elmar, but I think you can take out the optical cell as a whole.
Points to consider: It could be possible that small parts of the construction were changed over the years, I don't know if later cells are compatible to earlier housings. Also focal lenghts differ from lens to lens (theres a small number stamped on the back of the mount, it's a code for the exact focal length of your lens)... it could be that there are different mounts/housings that are paired to the focal length of the optical cell... so it could be that changing the optical cell would lead to misfocusing (are there shims in an Elmar?).

 

[Erik van Straten]

Later cells are compatible, shim with the aid of an M Leica. Remove the back and put a focusing glass on the film rails. Fix the camera on a tripod. Just mount the lens on the camera with a screw to bayonet adapter. Shimming is done with rings.

Without the right tools it is very difficult to open the lens however. You'll need an understanding repairman.

Erik.

 

[paniolo]

Just asked a Leica dealer yesterday and he said, that every lens was handmade with small differences to each other before CNC machines were invented. So a direct switch of the glass should not be possible.
Too bad. But jeah, I love the hazy scratched nickel Elmar too, but there some subjects, where it performes realy bad. ;-)

 

[02Pilot]

Just asked a Leica dealer yesterday and he said, that every lens was handmade with small differences to each other before CNC machines were invented. So a direct switch of the glass should not be possible.
Too bad. But jeah, I love the hazy scratched nickel Elmar too, but there some subjects, where it performes realy bad. ;-)

Handmade, but certainly to the same mechanical specification, no? As long as the threading is same, you'd just have to shim it to correct any focus issues.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Handmade, but certainly to the same mechanical specification, no? As long as the threading is same, you'd just have to shim it to correct any focus issues.

Yes, that is what I've said. I have one, a nickle mount with a coated lens in it, shimmed by myself as this was too time consuming for my repairman. He opened the lens for me, however, as I do not have the right tools for that job.

Erik.

 

[paniolo]

Ahhh 😉
I will give this a try
thank you!