Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2005/10/24
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I've had several 50/3.5 Elmars, and performance varies. The ones that you pay a premium for are usually the reformulated Red Scale Elmar. You can save a little money by getting a 50/3.5 Elmar with a serial no. over 1,000,000 that does not have the red scale, as Leitz reformulated the optics just before that serial no., but didn't change the color of the scale numbering until just after. These "transition" models tend to be cheaper. A bayonet adapter will be necessary to use these on a M Leica, but the screwmount f3.5Elmars are much more compact than the bayonet mount Elmars. So I suggest that you use the screwmount version. If you want a real bargain in a similar lens, look for the Soviet made Industar 22 or 55. The later 55 is a very impressive performer and a good example of the 22 is no slouch either. You can buy a bag of these for the same price as a 50/3.5 Elmar. Watch out for samples with excessive wobble of the collapsible mount -- while this doesn't generally cause a problem with the lens extended and locked into place, it can be an irritant. Use of a lens hood is recommended with the 50/3.5 Elmar -- that front element is right out there, and can use a little protection. But even with a lens hood, these lenses are incredibly compact and can be a treat to use on a M Leica. With a screwmount, they allow you to slide the camera into your shirt pocket when then lens is collapsed. Mark On 10/23/05, Ed <edwin76@gmail.com> wrote: > > Hi guys, I'm looking around for a used 50mm 3.5 Elmar and I've noticed > quite > a large number online going anywhere from US$130-US$400. Are there any > tips > on what to look out for specifically regarding this lens? Websites etc > that > I could read up on would be great also. > > I've read so far that scratches and cleaning marks are to be expected, do > they usually affect the images greatly if they are light marks? > > Thanks for any help! > > Ed > > _______________________________________________ > Leica Users Group. > See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information >