Found this on Craigslist; wondering if it's as rare as the seller alleges

[NaChase]

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/clt/5588579023.html

Chrome 35/2.8 Elmarit-R.

 

[Thud]

Yes it's rare. From first batch of the SL's if I remember correctly.

 

[newst]

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/35mm_f/2.8_Elmarit-R_I

 

[CameraQuest]

certainly very rare, but not that much in demand as there are not that many R collectors

and not THE rarest Leica lens

 

[NaChase]

Interesting. I have no interest in buying it, but it's always cool to learn about these things.

 

[YouAreHere]

Low production but not high value -

http://collectiblend.com/Lenses/Leitz/35mm-f2.8-Elmarit-R-(chrome,-1963).html

 

[goamules]

Exactly. There are hundreds of very rare items, in cameras and other antiques, that have little value. In the supply and demand equation, demand is paramount.

 

[dreamsandart]

This 35 Elmarit and the 50mm Summicron in chrome were ‘pre-production’ [very early] versions for the original Leicaflex. Yes, not that many made and Leitz decided to go more modern black. As mentioned there are not that many (any?) Leicaflex collectors out there, so although it looks nice (I had my chrome Elmarit on a black paint Leicaflex) there just are not many folks interested at ‘collector’s prices.’

BTW, the add mentions this being a 2-cam. All early chromes were 1-cam being for the original Leicaflex (not SL), and if converted to 2-cam would actually lower the collector’s value.

 

[Larry Cloetta]

As mentioned there are not that many (any?) Leicaflex collectors out there, <snip>.

Hey, that's me you're talking about!!

 

[dreamsandart]

Hey, that's me you're talking about!!

Hay Larry! Knew someone would chime-in 😀 Tell us what you have. I'd still have a couple if it wasn't for the fact I was using less film and M comes first. Still miss my BP Leicaflex (the BP M3 of Leicaflexs), and my trusty BP SL, and with the low prices these days am still thinking of a return to.

 

[sevo]

Hey, that's me you're talking about!!

That makes it still 250 times more supply than demand... 😉