Leica LTM Leitz 50mm f3.5 Elmar

[rlouzan]

Hi,

What is the price range for a LTM 50mm f3.5 Elmar in EX++ condition? Do you prefer Nickel or Red scale version? How does the Industar-22 f3.5 (M39) stack up?

Thanks in advance,
RLouzan

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

What is the price range for a LTM 50mm f3.5 Elmar in EX++ condition? Do you prefer Nickel or Red scale version? How does the Industar-22 f3.5 (M39) stack up?

I've used the former USSR / Ukrainian ones and they are OK and coated as well. As for the nickel Elmar it's age may be a problem and you pay for them whatever you like. I've had bargains at really silly prices and paid heavily for poor ones. Having said that I'll add that I always expect a full service to be needed with anything secondhand of that age. A lens alone need not cost the earth to overhaul.

If you're not bothered about the looks then the Jupiter - 8 is very much better and gives you the equivalent of that 1930's dream, ie a "Sonnar" on a LTM camera. But the J-8 does need a 12585 lens hood as it revolves, again the Chinese ones on a well known auction site are OK.

Regards, David

 

[rlouzan]

Hi David,

I´m after this look:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/byronlau/2385874866/in/set-72157604498814249/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/byronlau/3278378715/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/byronlau/2385781508/in/set-72157604498814249/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/byronlau/3275699613/in/set-72157604498814249/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/byronlau/2830157097/in/set-72157604498814249/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/byronlau/2618300846/in/set-72157604498814249/

Pastel colors (color neg.) + rich blacks and lots of highlight details (B&W.)

Which One Would You Choose? 50mm Nickel Elmar ,Elmar (red scale) or I-22

Regards,
RLouzan

 

[sleepyhead]

Those links you posted to filckr photos - YEP, that's the nickel elmar look alright!

I used one for a while, as well as an I-22. The Elmar was better built and not coated. The Industar was sharper, coated and was actually a great little lens.

For the look you describe, I think that an old uncoated Elmar or Summar or Summitar may be the way to go. I currently use an uncoated Summitar for this type of photography. I like having the shallower depth of field sometimes compared to the old Elmar.

 

[rlouzan]

Thank you both for your help.

 

[Melvin]

The "11 o'clock" nickel Elmar won't work on M Leicas, infinity lock won't clear mounting lock.

 

[rlouzan]

Hi,

How about Leica M4 - M6 bodies?
The following picture was made on a konica hexar RF (no lens guard):

http://www.flickr.com/photos/byronlau/3278378715/

Thanks,
RLouzan

The "11 o'clock" nickel Elmar won't work on M Leicas, infinity lock won't clear mounting lock.

 

[rlouzan]

Bump, bump, ...

 

[wolves3012]

I can't compare to an Elmar since I don't own one but the Industar 22 and 50 work nicely on my IIIC. I've also used a Jupiter 8 on it and one day I must try an Industar 61 on it. Industar 50s can be had in rigid or collapsible, the rigid is an ugly but sharp lens. The Jupiter gives a soft look when opened up and sharpens rapidly as you stop down.

Beware the FED 10 which is the other FSU "Elmar" - some people have used them but my two examples mount with the infinity lock blocking the RF window and I believe it's a common problem.

 

[Melvin]

Most Elmars are not the "11 o'clock" type, just some of the early nickel ones.

 

[Bingley]

I don't know about nickel or red scale Elmars, but I picked up a 1947 vintage coated 50/3.5 Elmar in excellent condition on the 'bay for about $150 a couple of years ago. The red scales I believe are a little pricier. Check out Avotius on flickr, who has a red scale and does v. nice work w/ xp2.