Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/03/13
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]When speaking of the 50mm f2.0 Elcan the words fortune and small should be used together. It was a military order to go with the KE-7A (M4). A small number were sold on the consumer market as they made too many for the contract. Only about 500 units were produced between 1972 - 1974. As with most collectable Leica, it is valued for its rarity not ability. Remember the military was never known for being easy on equipment. It was built to a price, a simplified version of the summicron with four elements in four groups as opposed to the then current summicron with six elements in five groups. Apparently you do not need that much resolution to tell the good guys from the bad guys. John Collier Check what your dealer wants for it and possibly you can supplement your retirement income. The Contax 45mm is a wonderful lens by the way, very highly regarded. > From: Paul Chefurka <Paul_Chefurka@pmc-sierra.com> > >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Henning J. Wulff [mailto:henningw@archiphoto.com >> >> 50 Elcan??? >> >> Somebody is actually using the Elcan to take pictures? It's >> worth a whole >> lot as a collectible, but not that much as a shooter, since it's a >> simplified lens and not nearly as good as many other 50's, and >> not likely >> as good as the 45/2 Contax. If I had an Elcan, I would put it >> up on eBay >> and buy something expensive and useful (or use it for my income tax >> installment). > > When I asked what the Leica lens was, that's what he said. I didn't see the > lens, but I've got no reason to doubt him. What was simplified about the > Elcan - the optical formula, or just the mechanical bits? > > They're a used equipment store and this lens was part of their stock, so I > guess they will be charging what the market will bear for it. > > Paul Chefurka