Tracking down correct filter size for Elmar

[Ulophot]

I have acquired a Leitz 90mm f/4 Elmar C, the all-black one, and have seen various answers about the filter size/thread. I tried a 39mm filter and it starts to thread but stops quickly, indicating wrong thread. I know some take Series 5.5.


Perhaps someone has or knows where I can find a look-up table using the serial number, which is 257569xx. I would guess it may be a later one with the long number?



Anyway, help appreciated!

 

[madNbad]

If it's the same as the 2.8 Tele-Elmar (Thin) it's a series 5.5. Here's a chart:
https://www.overgaard.dk/leica_lens_compendium.html

 

[Ulophot]

Thanks. I'll have to start looking around for a Series 5.5 protection filter or an adapter.

 

[Ulophot]

Hmm... On of my three 39mm filters fits it; it's otherwise on my 35mm or 50mm Summicrons; the other two don't. Is it just the pitch that is different between 39mm and Series 5.5?
(Actually, the one that fits both lenses is a Leitz without a size designation, but I think it may have come with the 50, so presumably it is 39...


CHECKING FURTHER, it appears that Series 5.5 are not threaded at all. Is this correct? So, I would need an adapter. But what would the actual screw-in size be? Sorry, I'm a bit confused. Can someone explain, please?

 

[farlymac]

Series filters have no threads, the hood holds it in place, or a 5.5 retainer ring. The thread pitch on the C lenses is definitely different than a normal filter to match that on a Series retainer ring. It could also be that certain Soviet made filters might fit the Series thread pitch. The Series mount on the C lenses is somewhat shallow, so even if you find a filter with the proper thread pitch, it could still bottom out on the shelf around the front element that a Series filter would sit on.

I was able to get the hood from the Elmar-C to fit on the Tele-Elmarit-M 90/2.8, but the 12575 Hood from the 90/2.8 will not clamp on to the Elmar-C. A B+W brand 39mm filter would also not go on the Elmar-C.


It's better to just get the 5.5's, and not worry about it any more.


PF

 

[madNbad]

The iPad is wonky tonight and every link I post comes back as bad. The 90 C was developed for the CL along with the 40. They both had non standard collapsible rubber hoods using Series 5.5 filters. A 39mm almost fits but not quite. Ken Rockwells’ site about the Leica 90s’ gives the specifications for all of the lenses including the C.
http://gear.vogelius.se/-reviews/leica-elmar-c-90/index.html

https://www.kenrockwell.com/leica/lens-reviews.htm#90

Hope this helps.

 

[rodt16s]

Leica wiki suggests series 5.5
http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/90mm_f/4_Elmar-C

 

[Rayt]

My 40mm Summicron for the CL also takes series 5.5 filters held in place with the dedicated rubber hood. I really hate that hood and wish for an alternative. A 39mm filter goes on about 1/4 of a turn and am afraid if I tighten it too much I might cause some permanent damage to the lens.

 

[David Hughes]

Trouble is you need the original flexible hood to use the filters and the lens cap; both Leica "C" lenses need them...

The odd thing to me is the way Leitz and Leica did things in unconventional ways and we then get problems to solve or else rare parts and bits and pieces to track down.

Regards, David

 

[splitimageview]

Leica part 11251 is a retaining ring for series 5.5 filters, or use an adapter for 39mm filters:

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/253075632304

 

[splitimageview]

If it's the same as the 2.8 Tele-Elmar (Thin) it's a series 5.5. Here's a chart:
https://www.overgaard.dk/leica_lens_compendium.html

If you are referring to the Tele-Elmarit M, that uses a standard 39mm filter

 

[Malcolm M]

Is this any use to you?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Adapter-Ri...345156?hash=item4b65ac6944:g:GR0AAOSw-u1ZefUe

 

[madNbad]

If you are referring to the Tele-Elmarit M, that uses a standard 39mm filter

I bought a used 90mm 2.8 Tele-Elmar (Thin) and it had the collapsible rubber hood from the C version attached. The hood wasn't in particularly good shape and I discovered 39mm filters would fit. Used the 12575 metal hood on it till I sold the lens.

 

[Spavinaw]

Just to set the record straight (and maybe confuse the issue) not ALL series filters are treadless! I have before me a Vivitar 81C filter. It is engraved "SER. VI" and it has Ser. VI threads. Yes, I checked and it really does have Ser. VI threads. I don't know if Vivitar made any other series filters with threads, and I am too lazy to look it up. Y'all do it!

 

[Ulophot]

Thanks to one and all. I have written the seller of the lens, who had it for years, to confirm whether or not the screw-in filter size is 40.5. The lens, though in beautiful condition, did not come with a hood; it came with a spring-tension lens cap that says 39mm, perhaps borrowed from another lens. I have seen 40.5 given as the size, and a UV filter -- which is all I need, just protection -- is easy enough to get in that size.; for whatever reason, the adapters don't give a size. I'd rather not bother with an adapter and drop-in if I don't have to.

 

[splitimageview]

That lens definitely won't take a 40.5, although its brother, the Minolta M-Rokkor 90mm, will.

 

[peterm1]

If it's the same as the 2.8 Tele-Elmar (Thin) it's a series 5.5. Here's a chart:
https://www.overgaard.dk/leica_lens_compendium.html

If you are talking about the Tele Elmarit 90mm f2.8, I have both a skinny and fat Tele Elmarit from the 1970s or 1980s. Both take 39mm without a doubt.

 

[Deleted member 65559]

The OP asked about the 90mm f 4 Elmar C.....that's the one made for the CL.....takes a 5.5 series filter. I've still got a soft spot for the old Tele-elmarit 2.8.. the fat one

 

[Ulophot]

Yes, I asked about the 70mm Elmar-C. It has a screw-in filter thread in front. This must have a diameter and a thread pitch. Adapters for drop-in filters are available, but I am hoping to find out whether a filter exists that simply screws into the front as with every other lens I have used since 1968. Maybe Leitz chose a unique combination of diameter and thread for some reason; I don't have the tools to measure this. I have little doubt that someone else here actually knows the details.

 

[splitimageview]

There is no filter that I’m aware of with those threads.

Original equipment options:

A. Leitz 11251 retainer ring and a series 5.5 filter

B. Original Leitz collapsible rubber screw in hood with a series 5.5 filter

Modern option:
adapter for 39mm filters (linked above)