Leica LTM f/2.8 Elmar Advice

Leica M39 screw mount bodies/lenses
brachal

brachal

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I just bought a LTM f/2.8 Elmar from popflash. It isn't here yet, but I will say that I was very impressed by the fact that they shipped it the same day I bought it.

As far as I can tell, this lens takes 39mm screw-in filters ... is this correct? I was also wondering what the hood options are for this lens. I wouldn't mind having an affordable (or not affordable if that's my only option) hood for it.

Finally, does anybody have any thoughts, impressions, or stories to share about this lens?

Thanks!
 
I don't recall the number, but the hood I prefer for this lens (mine's the M mount version) is the screw in straight cylinder style hood made and sold by Leica for the re-issue of the M mount 50/2.8 lens. Kinda expensive but works very well in my experience.

-Randy
 
I heard that a permanent haze sometimes etches into the inside surface of the front element. This is due to the high lead content in this element. In some cases this can't be cleaned but top repair people can replace the element.
 
Thanks to all for the advice; I'm excited to get my hands on this lens. I wouldn't expect a lens from popflash to come with haze, but if there's a problem I can always send it back.
 
I'm sure you will enjoy that fine old specimen. 🙂 I use an M-mount version from 1964. Compatible hoods from the era are IROOA, ITDOO, and ITOOY. The prices are bracingly high. I have an ITOOY coming from Sweden: this has the straight cylinder-style with side clips. The other two are compatible with 35mm lenses, too, so shading may be less than complete for a 50mm.
 
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Check out B+H, ther is a hood specifically made for the new lens which will also fit an older model. Check out leica lens hoods, the hood comes in black or chrome, and costs less than a used older hood . the hood numbers are 12549(chrome) and 12550(black) 59.95new.
 
The current hood for the current Elmar-M also has a dedicated cap, there is a knurling on the leading edge of the hood that the cap engages, stays quite put in my experience. I don't know about the older version, but this current one hardly needs a hood- you might want to wait a bit.

On second thought, the current Elmar-M is supposed to be on the short list of lenses to be discontinued (a Leica rep told me this in October or November), so the hoods may be in short supply later.
 
sepiareverb said:
The current hood for the current Elmar-M also has a dedicated cap, there is a knurling on the leading edge of the hood that the cap engages, stays quite put in my experience. I don't know about the older version, but this current one hardly needs a hood- you might want to wait a bit.

On second thought, the current Elmar-M is supposed to be on the short list of lenses to be discontinued (a Leica rep told me this in October or November), so the hoods may be in short supply later.
Click to expand...

First I've heard of such a cap. Any links to it? Or any product number to locate it? Would be interested to check it out.

Thanks,
Randy
 
vrgard said:
Interesting. Thanks, Bill. Can you tell me how this cap differs from the standard 39mm Leica lens cap?

-Randy
Click to expand...

OK, I went ahead and bought a UV filter, the current Elmar M screw-in hood, and the cap. Great stuff, but I could have skipped the hood cap. It's the same size as the lens' original cap. Felt-lined inside, and with ridges that grip the hood's exterior ridges, but essentially the same as the lens cap I already had. If I were doing it over, I'd save the $60 and use the cap I already had.
 
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