Leitz Elmar 50 mm 1:2,8

[Mr.House]

Hi Fellas,

I will have soon a second Minolta CLE, after my first one broke last September, the repairman couldn't fix it, the transport winder is broken. I actually have a Leica CL. I also have an Elmar 50 mm 1:2,8 from Leitz. The lens is quite in good shape and delivers superb pictures, so I want to use it on my Minolta CLE. I did put the Elmar on my broken Minolta CLE, and tried to move the lens into the camera, because is a collapsible lens. It seems to be possible, I could collapsible the Elmar into the Minolta CLE. On the Leica CL it is impossible, because it will break the lightmeter arm.

Does one have an idea or information, that it is possible or impossible to collapsible the Elmar on a Minolta CLE? Would be glad for any informations. I know, that the Minolta don't have an 50 mm frame inside the viewfinder, in opposite of the Leica CL. It is not a problem for me.

Thanks,
Mr. House

 

[Palaeoboy]

They say that collapsible lenses need to be limited how far they can collapse into the CLE or receive some damage to he curtains but I believe some later collapsible lenses like the 50mm Heliar f2 collapses so little that it seems to be ok. Your in a good position to tell for sure having a damaged CLE on your hands. You should consider putting that up for sale on Ebay or something even though its faulty, you would be surprised how much they fetch for parts.

 

[ferider]

BTW, when I checked Don's site yesterday (dagcamera dot com), he seemed to offer a disassembled CLE for spare parts. Call him, he likely has the spare part you need for your broken camera. Would be a pity to declare it dead ...

Best,

Roland.

 

[Calzone]

In reading other posts, I have learned that some owners utilize hair bands that are used for ponytails to limit the amount a collapsible lens collapses. The idea is to place the band on the center section where it telescopes. Kinda acts like a bumper.

I hope this could help.

Calzone

 

[Mr.House]

a lot useful informations, I think the idea with the hair band is good, will try it, when I have more time. I will use it as a cautious purpose. On the broken CLE I could collapse completly into the camera, it did not reach the curtains, but when I released it, I got the feeling something is touching. When I have a working CLE will set shutter on B and will see from the opened back, and will move carefully, to find out, how far it can go.

i wrote dagcamera an email for asking futher repairs, well, soon I will have another used minolta cle. but anyway, I think why i should have two? maybe, he will take it, or I will sell it on ebay. will see what happens, depends on the costs.

can't wait to try the elmar on a minolta cle.

 

[Bingley]

In reading other posts, I have learned that some owners utilize hair bands that are used for ponytails to limit the amount a collapsible lens collapses. The idea is to place the band on the center section where it telescopes. Kinda acts like a bumper.

I hope this could help.

Calzone

That's what I do w/ my 50/3.5 Elmar when using it on a bessa body. Works like a charm.

 

[Merkin]

I have read varying reports on how much or how little you can collapse an elmar in to a CL. Anyone with experience in this matter?

 

[rpsawin]

Per Cameraquest...use as a guide:

50/2.8 Elmar new 1994 "retro look" lens introduced in 1994 with the M6J. Chrome or Black. Easily recognized by their "50" on the lens barrel which the earlier lenses did not have. This lens seems to be rather popular, and damned if I know why. While it is sharp, it is generally not considered to be as sharp as the late 50/2 Summicrons ( 3rd, 4th, or 5th versions). It's a stop slower than the Summicron and only 25 grams lighter than the very recent 4th version. On top of that, it just doesn't measure up to the craftsmanship and fit of the 1958-74 version. It offers less all the way around, so why buy it? Not collapsible on the M5 or CL due to meter constrictions.

Best regards,

Bob

 

[Beemermark]

There should be no problem with collapsing any lens collapsible lens designed for a Leica into a CLE. The concern is only valid for the CL and M5 that have the metering sensor mounted on an arm that is inserted between the film plane and shutter curtains. The film plane / shutter curtain distance from the mounting flange is identical for all bodies, therefore no concern exists for the collapsong the lens into the curtain.

I also own a CLE, and a number of collapsable 50's and a 90.

 

[kermaier]

I don't know about the CLE, but on my R-D1 it seems that the only 50mm Elmar that can be safely collapsed is the 1958-1974 f/2.8 M-mount version. The others (LTM f/2.8 or f/3.5, f/3.5 M-mount, f/2.8 Elmar-M) either go far enough inward to hit the shutter, or the collapsible barrel is wide enough to rub against the focus cam roller or light baffles. Perhaps this guidance is appropriate to the CLE as well.
::Ari

 

[Mr.House]

Sorry, that I have been away from the thread for a while. As Beemermark mentioned, there was no problem to collapse the Elmar into the Minolta CLE Camera. It proved as a very well travel combo, it wasn't a matter, that I do not have 50 mm frame. I can orientate over the 40 mm frame from the viewfinder. Who has a Leica CL will have soon a feeling for the 40mm and 50 mm frame. A collapsed Elmar isn't much bigger than a Summicron C 40 mm. Look to compare a Minolta CLE with Elmar with a Leica CL with a Summicron C. Thanks again for all of the informations!

 

[Beemermark]

They say that collapsible lenses need to be limited how far they can collapse into the CLE or receive some damage to he curtains

I don't know where these fairy tales get started. The distance from the lens flange to the film curtain is the same for all Leica M cameras (and 1 mm longer for LT M bodies). If the collapsed lens impacted the curtains on a CLE they would impact the curtains on an M2, M3, M4. The only concern has ever been the M5 and CL because of the meter sensor arm which is between the curtains and lens flange.

And yes I own a number of collapsible lens and use them on my IIIG, IIIF, M7, M4 and CLE with no concern.

 

[Ronald M]

Bememark is correct. Worry about the meter arm.

3/8 wide Dymo label tape to limit how far it can collapse was the approved solution.

I don`t collapse mine so it is not a problem.

 

[Beemermark]

Sorry, that I have been away from the thread for a while. As Beemermark mentioned, there was no problem to collapse the Elmar into the Minolta CLE Camera. It proved as a very well travel combo,!

Besides the M mount ELmar try a LTM 50 elmar, now there is one small package and the old 3.5 elmar has a nice B&W look.

 

[Palaeoboy]

I don't know where these fairy tales get started. The distance from the lens flange to the film curtain is the same for all Leica M cameras (and 1 mm longer for LT M bodies). If the collapsed lens impacted the curtains on a CLE they would impact the curtains on an M2, M3, M4.

The flange to film plane distance is the same but you're assuming that the curtain design of a CLE is identical to that of a Leica M. Which is isnt, there is the thickness of both curtains and the depth of film rails which may position the curtains slighly further forward than a conventional M. I have not tried alot of collapsible lenses on a CLE, mainly because most are 50mm, but I have seen some that are fine and others that are not. (Both times the ones that have touched the curtains have been Russian lenses but that may be a quality issue I cannot be sure but the problem does exist its no myth).

The main cause of problems with lens incompatibility in CLE's is the meter sensor at the bottom which has a bit of a shroud to protect it and stops lenses with large rear elements. This may also prevent some collapsible designs from working also depending on how thick the tube of the lens is. Either way its always best to double check each lens carefully before use.