What lens is this?

[Eugen Mezei]

I have absolutely no clue in Leicas more than I gathered using soviet copies, so possible the lens in this picture
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SBYMXCvupms/Tqrh6kFvZzI/AAAAAAAAFbI/mgy5SdVlMdc/s1600/apr+46.jpg
is common and not even worth asking.
Came across it reading a history blog (here is the complete article: http://art-historia.blogspot.ro/2011/10/regele-mihai-la-90-de-ani.html) and although the picture appeared in Life Magazine 1946 I guess camera and lens are not a gift from the occupying soviet armed forces so it should be original Leica (well... 1946 the soviet army had access to original Leica too).
Btw, the person in the photograph is the last Romanian King.

 

[Tom A]

Looks like an early version of the 400mm f.5.0 Telyt. It was a lens developed for the Berlin Olympics in 1936. Also used by Leni Riefenstahl for some of her images. I had one for a long time - very soft contrast - and heavy. Had one of the nicest hoods around though. It was used with a Visoflex 1 (mirror housing) on the Rf Leica.

 

[colyn]

As Tom says it is an early version of the Leitz Telyt 400mm f/5.

I have a later version which is somewhat improved over this one.. I use mine on the Visoflex housing but with the right tube and viewfinder it can be used mounted directly on the body..

 

[Eugen Mezei]

What is the piece on the lens in the picture? Just a collar to hold it on the tripod?

 

[Dralowid]

Yes it is a tripod mount which is part of this Telyt.

The King is attempting something that would not have worked. He cannot attach the lens directly to the camera. He either needs a Visoflex or a mount/tube whose code is, I think, TZOON.