Leica LTM Smallest/flattest collapsible?

Leica M39 screw mount bodies/lenses
akptc

akptc

Shoot first, think later
Local time
6:47 AM
Joined
Dec 9, 2005
Messages
1,709
Hi, I just bought a Leica III body (my 1st non-SLR Leica) and would like to pair it up with the flattest lens possible. I hear that the 50mm Elmars are probably my best bet - would that be correct? I'd appreciate any advice.
 
The flattest lens possible? By this I believe you mean "shortest"; I think that would be a 35mm lens. Maybe one of the Canon 35mm lenses.
 
Right, I meant to say shortest (although 'flattest' sounds better in my mother tongue :))
 
When the Elmar 50/3.5 is collapsed it's smaller than any non-collapsible. For less money there is the FSU Industar-50/3.5 which is an Elmar clone. Not exact, but close.
 
I think you mean a collapsible lens that collapses flat into the body? That would be a 50mm f3.5 Elmar lens, or an FSU clone of this lens.
 
Thanks a bunch, this confirms my suspicion (50mm f3.5 Elmar).

Btw, I read (on photo.net, I think) that Cosina made a collapsible 50mm in LTM, sold only in Japan, wonder if that’s true.
 
FWIW-- If you want to go faster, get a 50/2 Summitar. If you want to go wider, get a 35/3.5 screwmount Summaron, of the old kind. Both of these lenses are almost as "flat" as the old 50/3.5 Elmar (and its clones).

If you really want pocketable, you can always get an Olympus XA (though I personally dislike the film rewind).

Oh, and yes, Cosina did make a collapsible 50/3.5 Heliar. Steven Gandy has more information here: http://www.cameraquest.com/voigtlen.htm (scroll down).
 
hoot said:
... If you really want pocketable, you can always get an Olympus XA (though I personally dislike the film rewind).

Oh, and yes, Cosina did make a collapsible 50/3.5 Heliar. Steven Gandy has more information here: http://www.cameraquest.com/voigtlen.htm (scroll down).
Click to expand...

Thanks, I appreciate the tip. Btw, I have the Olympus XA, find it really useful, although not much fun to shoot with.

The collapsible Heliar is a thing of beauty, too bad it's impossible to find. I just read the article in Popular Photo (wow) http://www.popphoto.com/article.asp?section_id=2&article_id=334
 
Go with the Elmar 5cm/3.5. Post-war lenses were coated, and quite good in sufficient light.

Prewar uncoated lenses usually run less.

Folds almost flat against the camera, all that is seen is the lens cap. When extended, it does not creep into my Leica IIIf viewfinder at all.
 
Yes, Cosina put out the 50/3.5 Heliar with a special edition of the Bessa T.

It was only sold in the sets with cameras. It's not a cheap lens due to its scarcity and collectibility. Nevertheless, all accounts of it I have seen have been favorable.

An Elmar 50/3.5 is more easily available than the Heliar 50/3.5 and from what I can tell from pictures, collapses "flatter".

The other alternative are the Soviet versions of collapsible 50's. I have a FED 50/3.5 on my FED2 that I bought from Fedka which I am very pleased with. The Soviet lens collapses just as flat as an Elmar on a Leica IIf.
 
Last edited:
Well, I just bought a couple of FSU collapsibles, now just waiting nervously for my winning :D bid on the 5-/3.5 Elmar. The coolest thing is that your advice was so immediate that I will be able to wrap up this little outfit today, and with some confidence in the final result. You Gentlemen once again have been amazingly helpful - thank you! I hope one day to be of some (any :)) use for folks here.
 
the russian fac-similé of the leitz elmar is a four design tessar, the zeiss design. It also seems that this lens design requires a good mechanical precision adjustment that often lacked on the assembly line. Considering the price of film devellopment, I would go for an uncoated elmar collapsible that can be found on the bay for 150 bux.
 
Just won a 50/3.5 Elmar collapsible ($83) on ebay. In total, the Leica III + lens, both in nice condition, came out to just under $300. Not sure if that's a good deal but I am happy :D Now, must find a case, strap, hotshoe meter, cool new leatherette... :)
 
You are moving fast tonight Andy.

Luigi has a case and wonderful straps.

I bought a Gordy wrist strap for my IIIc today, they are very nice too.
 
Fast is the only way to go, isn't? :p Actually, a very old A/R cleared today so I am feeling a bit giddy..

I bought a case for my G2 from Luigi, it's very, very nice. Time to go back for more :).
 
a 3.5cm 3.5 Elmar is nice, and pretty flat. Don't forget that if you shoot with a lenshood you need to take that into account too....
 
50/3.5 Elmar is the smallest 50 for the Leica III. The 35/3.5 Elmar is non-collapsible and is actually _smaller_, but you won't have the framelines for it.
 
There are two 35mm Elmars listed on ebay today, still at a low price, I am hoping to snatch one if the price doesn't go up to much.

Btw, got a quote from Luigi on a half-case and strap but am also considering an original Leica full case, they seem quite affordable. Of course, Luigi's case is a masterpiece and has a built-in grip...
 
Kin Lau said:
50/3.5 Elmar is the smallest 50 for the Leica III. The 35/3.5 Elmar is non-collapsible and is actually _smaller_, but you won't have the framelines for it.
Click to expand...

True, but you can use a viewfinder....
Once you take viewfinders and lenshoods into account, the rig takes on a whole new dimension :eek:
Although - I can easily carry my 111c and 35/3.5 Elmar with viewfinder attached (but no hood) in a jacket pocket. :cool:
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom