Leica F4 Elmar

[rayfoxlee]

Hello to all

This is my first posting on this amazing website, so I'm very much a new boy!

After what seems like ages of deep contemplation, I have taken the plunge and bought an M2, After an expensive service, the camera (once I have passed the exams in loading it!) and Summicron lens are all I could have hoped for. The L39 rigid Elmar seems not to be quite so good, despite optical cleaning and recoating and has shown itself to flare pretty easily. All that I have read suggests that a lens hood is essential. OK, but I just can't find out what filter thread size this lens has. Measured with callipers, it seems to come between 34 and 35 mm. The outer diameter is 36, no question, so perhaps it should have a push-on?

Or should I just accept that a lens of this age is not going to cut the mustard alonside a more modern equivalent, like a Voigtlander Apo Lanthar. Sacrilage, perhaps, or a pragmatic approach?

😕

Ray

 

[Kin Lau]

If this is the 90/4 Elmar, then yes, it's a A36 push-on filter. I have the 50/3.5, 35/3.5 & 90/4 Elmars, and they all share the same filter size. All the Elmar's flare easy, and the shade is not easy to find either, you're probably better off just making one yourself.

 

[Solinar]

Another Elmar user here and yes a shade is a prequisite when shooting against strong light. I'm shoot for balance rather than crispy resolution when using this lens.

And no I don't see why using an APO Lanthar as sacrilage. If it is anything like my other two C/V lenses, it should be quite resistant against flare and ghosting.

By the way, I also like the 4/90 Elmar because it is so compact. Here is a shot similar to one I posted yesterday on another thread.

 

[FPjohn]

Hello: A FIKUS lens hood is the classic (35mm-135mm) solution for an Elmar. The alternative is a NY Leitz 36mm-39mm adapter. These are frequently found on the auction site for $40-60. You can then use the more common 39E accessories.

Later, post '54, Elmars have the 39E filter size and bayonet mounts. Look for a good example. Enjoy your M2.

yours
Frank

 

[ray_g]

I love my LTM elmar. Here is a high contrast photo taken with it.

The newer 90/4 Elmar-C is less prone to flare, and gives a more modern look. Another lightweight alternative is the Canon 100/3.5 in LTM.

I have no experience with the lanthar, but certainly those that do speak highly of it. It is a bit bigger and heavier, though.

 

[howardeisemann@]

You can get a 36mm push on Leica Cap from Steve Grandy at Camera Quest. Very reasonable, I think something like 10$