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Specification

Source of data

• Own research.

Manufacturer description #1

The "Elmar" lens F/4.5, 13.5 cm focus serves mainly for obtaining larger figures in the original negative, when photographing objects at far distances, and consequently more detail. It is also useful for portraiture, in that it allows of taking a photograph of head or head and shoulders and filling the whole negative, without the necessity of getting too close to the subject. A distance of 1 3/4 to 2 yards will be best for this purpose. We recommend the use also of the new Universal view-finder "Visor" showing the fields of view of the 13.5 cm-, 5 cm-, and 3.5 cm- focus lenses. The image-angle of the 13.5 cm-lens as utilised, for Leica negatives is 19°. (The full angle of which this lens is capable exceeds 60°.) Since the depth of definition of this lens is less than that of the lens of 5 cm focus, close attention must be paid to focusing even at greater distances.

When working with this long focus lens it is particularly important to keep the camera steady. This is best accomplished by attaching the "Fofer" range-finder (even where it is not absolutely necessary to use it for measuring the distance, e.g. when taking landscape photographs). When placed firmly against the forehead it provides an excellent support. The left hand should then hold the lens mount from below in rifle fashion, while the right hand should control the release. This should not be done in jerks, but by gradually applying pressure, as when working the trigger of a rifle. Preferably, a tripod stand should be used when photographing with this lens, in order to avoid shaken pictures.

Manufacturer description #2

The "Leitz-Elmar" lenses F/4, 9 cm. focus and F/4.5, 13.5 cm. focus are mainly used for photographing distant views, but they are also very suitable for portraits when it is desired to fill the whole negative with head or head and shoulders without the necessity of getting too close to the subject. Owing to the increased working distance they are frequently used to avoid distortion of proportions. These lenses are used with our universal view-finders. The image angle for Leica negatives of the "Leitz-Elmar" 9 cm. lens is 27 degrees and of the "Leitz-Elmar" lens 13.5 cm. 19 degrees.

The "Leitz-Elmar" lens 13.5 cm. is approximately 5" long and weighs 14 3/4 ozs., whilst the "Leitz-Elmar" lens 9 cm. measures only 3" and weighs 10 ozs. Where it is required, therefore, to have a distance lens of fairly wide aperture but small size and weight, the latter lens will be preferred.

Other medium telephoto prime lenses in the Leica SM system

Lenses with similar focal length