Elmar-M 50mm f2.8

[HMFriedman]

I am new to Leice generally and recently received a used, modern elmar-m. I can use some help with what to expect in terms of mechanical condition. The lens surfaces and aperture leaves are immaculate, and the body is very clean. Once extended and locked, there is no collapsing movement of the lens, but I do feel a slight bit of side to side "play" in the barrel, and in the aperture ring (although the click stops are well defined) as well.

Are these normal for a lens in excellent working condition, and will they create problems down the road?

Thanks,
Henry

 

[Tom A]

I have variety of 50 collapsibles - including the version you are talking about. It is quite normal to a have a slight "play" in the mount. You can "wiggle" it a bit - but it will not affect performance. If the tolerances were too tight - it would be impossiible, or difficult to pull the lens out. As you are pulling it out the play is considerable - but once "locked" in extended position it should only be minimal (you can "feel" the movement - but not really see it move). A very good lens, by the way - in many ways as good as the Summicron and in the mid-range 5.6-f8 even better than the 50f2.
Shoot a couple of rolls with it - try to do it at f2.8 and focus in close, at midrange (3m/10ft) and at infinity - do the same test @ 5.6 and f11. Any shift from the lens will show up this way. The shoot a roll as you intend to use it and check the results too. Testing is good for something - but ultimately - it is in use that the lens has to prove itself.

 

[mfunnell]

I just checked mine and your description matches - as long as "slight" is, indeed, quite slight. I've had no problems and get consistently good results with the lens (or, at least, the lens is consistent even if I'm not).

One of my very favourite lenses, BTW.

...Mike

 

[Tom A]

The scariest one of these is the Anastigmat (Elmar copy) on the "new" reproduction of the "Null series" Leica. Pulled out, but not locked in, it flaps around like the tongue of a black lab when he sees a tennisball! Once locked it is rigid enough though.

 

[coelacanth]

I asked same question about aperture ring when I got the Elmar-M. It is supposed to be quite loose (but good clicking) so that the barrel won't be rotated while you change the aperture.

I since moved on to older Elmar 50/2.8 and I love it, but this 1st gen 50/2.8 doesn't have this "feature" so I have to be careful not to rotate the focusing when I change aperture.

 

[HMFriedman]

The scariest one of these is the Anastigmat (Elmar copy) on the "new" reproduction of the "Null series" Leica. Pulled out, but not locked in, it flaps around like the tongue of a black lab when he sees a tennisball!

Now, that's a great image! Thanks to TomA and others who set my mind at ease. It sound like I've got a normal sample.

I'm looking forward to testing the elmar properly (in actual use!), but as luck would have it, the lens arrived a few days ahead of my new - to me - M6.

 

[coelacanth]

I had exact combination of that Elmar-M and M6 both made in 1997. They looked so nice together. I'm now with a *bit* older combination of Elmar 50/2.8 + M4 both from 1967. I'm sure you'll love the kit.

Here is a quick shot with the Elmar.

 

[Dralowid]

My Elmar M had play and was sloppy as you describe. Re-greased helicals solved the problem 100%

 

[loneranger]

I love my 50 2.8 elmar. However I was a little surprised at first at how low the contrast was. Mine is the latest version. Is it normal for this lens to have low contrast?

 

[skibeerr]

I love my 50 2.8 elmar. However I was a little surprised at first at how low the contrast was. Mine is the latest version. Is it normal for this lens to have low contrast?

I kind of like low contrast, you can always use grade 5 😀