1937 LEITZ LEICA 50mm Elmar lens.

Screw mount lens for Leitz various Leica II & III models and Micro 4/3 cameras.

Leica camera not included!

This is an early 3.5/50mm Elmar lens. Its serial number (359424) indicates it was produced in Germany in 1937 when the world looked very different that it does today. The elmar is an adventurous, go anywhere, do anything lens and it's the correct standard lens for most Leica cameras used during WWII. The 3,5/50mm Elmar lens is the classic choice for Leica screw mount cameras. Even if you own larger and faster lenses, it’s hard to go wrong with the legendary elmar. The lens is wonderfully compact when it’s slid down into the camera body, making it very easy to pocket your camera. Extended and ready for use, the lens is a very capable performer and certainly fast enough when you’re out and about during the day. This lens has a beautiful rendering and a classic look that defined the 1930’s, 40’s & 50’s. In fact they're still at work today, popular with artists, photographers around the world. Up close and wide open, it produces a very attractive look. Subjects are finely rendered at the plane of focus and beyond that the focus rolls off very gently into a smooth background bokeh. (This is particularly effective with still-lifes and portraiture.) The compact size of this lens, its pleasing performance and its historical significance has made it a favorite with collectors and photographers alike. It's no wonder that many of them take an elmar along with them on vacation. (Please see sample photos.)

The elmar lens in this listing can be used on all Leica screw mount bodies (as well as Canon, Bessa and other Leica based designs). It can also be used on the later Leica M models if you have an adapter. Naturally this lens also works very nicely on mirrorless digital camera. Adapters for various mirrorless cameras are easy to find on eBay and are very inexpensive. 

Cosmetically this lens shows signs of use of course but most collectors will agree it certainly looks very nice on a vintage Leica. (Please see photos.) Often these old lenses are covered with scratches however the glass in this example is in good condition. The glass is clean and clear. There some unavoidable cleaning marks (but you’ll need a magnifier to see them.) The focus and aperture settings move smoothly and it’s capable of producing lovely photos with modern color and B&W films.

All in all, a fine little lens full of that special Leica character. An authentic, period correct lens for your classic prewar Leica.