Leitz Elmar Lens question

[paragon]

Hi

can anyone tell me when the convention, (the inscription on the lens) was changed from cm to mm

i.e. Leitz Elmar f = 5cm 1:3,5
to
Leitz Elmar 1:3,5 F=50mm

were any of the very early lenses marked in mm

Thanks

 

[marke]

All I can say is that looking through my copy of "Leica Illustrated Guide II: Lenses, Accessories & Special Models" (James L. Lager), that I could only narrow it down to somewhere bewteen 1933 and 1938. The latest "F=50mm" version pictured was from 1933 (#115100) in nickel, and the earliest "f=5cm" version pictured is 1938 (#274880) in chrome.

Hope that helps.

 

[paragon]

Thanks Mark

the reason that I ask is that I picked up another LTM Elmar last year - 50mm f3,5 number number 184xxx and it is in very good condition compared with the 5cm 3,5 number 305xxx that I have

Looking at the lens numbers on

http://www.forloren.dk/lbf/leica_lens_serial.htm

the 50mm one is 1933 and the 5cm is 1936

because of the cosmetic condition I wondered if a new range of numbers had been started - but apparently not - so it must be from one of the first batches

for some reason I thought that the lenses marked 50mm came AFTER those marked 5cm - curious to know why they made the descriptive chnage

Thanks again

 

[iesak]

I want to buy a slip-on Lens Cap for my Elmar M 5cm f3.5 with B+w UV MRC filter .
Just wondering which cap should I buy , 42mm or 39mm ?

 

[rogerzilla]

I'm pretty sure my 1950s Red Scale Elmar says 5cm.

 

[David Hughes]

My 1949 Summitar says cm but don't forget that the bit with the words on it would be ordered in batches and the Elmar ones would be the most popular and so the first to be changed with the next batch. The expensive ones might sell slower and so still be using the original wording long after the Elmar ones have changed.

I don't think for one moment, especially just after a war and for the next 5, 6 or whatever years, materials were that plentiful and things could be thrown away. Although the idea of them coming in on say January 1st and scrapping the old "5cm" ones is appealing...

And look at the story behind the red blinds.

Regards, David

 

[rogerzilla]

Just checked and yes, my red scale Elmar, which would have been one of the last f/3.5 Elmars, says 5cm.