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Model history (8)

Specification

Sources of data

• Leica lenses booklet (PUB. 11-34d) (January 1963).
• Interchangeable lenses are giving your LEICA new perspective booklet (PUB. 11-34) (April 1960).
• Leica lenses booklet (PUB. 11-34b) (October 1961).
• Leitz General Catalogue (October 1961).

Manufacturer description #1

From the Message to Leica dealers:

NEW 50mm ELMAR f/2.8 LENS

This new lens contains all of the optical qualities which have made the 50mm Elmar f/3.5 lens the outstanding lens of its class for many years. The additional speed of the f/2.8 lens gives it broader application, particularly for the slower color films. We anticipate that this lens will become one of the leading lenses in the Leica line. It is available at the present time only in screw mounting and there are no present plans for making it available in the bayonet mounting.

The 50mm Elmar f/2.8 lens is being announced in the same manner as the Leica IIIg Camera; and you are requested not to advertise the lens until after March 1, 1957.

The 50mm Elmar f/3.5 lens will continue to be manufactured in both bayonet and screw type mounting.

Manufacturer description #2

From the "New Leica Equipment Supplement to the 13th Edition LEICA MANUAL AND DATA BOOK":

The 50mm f/3.5 Elmar was the first lens available for the Leica camera. It is on the performance of this first Leica lens that the Leica reputation was made. Now, 30 years and countless Leicas later, a new Elmar, and with its speed increased to f/2.8, is available for the first time. The added speed of the f/2.8 lens gives the Elmar a broader application, especially with the slower color films. The new lens uses lanthanum crown glass in its formula.

At this time, the f/2.8 Elmar will be available only in the screw mount for IIIg and earlier standard Leicas. The previous 50mm Elmar f/3.5 lens will continue to be manufactured in both bayonet and screw mount.

Those who wish to use the f/2.8 Elmar on the Leica M 3 can, of course, do so by using the bayonet adapter for 50mm lenses.

Manufacturer description #3

The direct descendant of the famous 50mm ELMAR f/3.5 whose classic triplet-type construction won world renown, its 50% increase in speed was achieved by means of the most modern optical glasses. In its collapsible mount it is far and away the lightest and most compact of the LEICA's 50mm fraternity. Ideal for sportsmen and others to whom compactness is a primevirtue, the 50mm ELMAR is corrected for the widest range of shooting distances, from infinity to extreme close-up and macro applications. Very much less expensive than its high speed relatives, the 50mm ELMAR is recommended whenever considerations of compactness and cost out-weight the need for speed.

From the editor

The lens accepts both 39mm screw-type and 42mm slip-on filters.

Notes

• All LEICA lenses having a focusing lever are automatically locked at the infinity position. This feature enables the camera to be used for infinity scenes and subjects without danger of the lens becoming accidentally out of focus due to unintentional movement. To release the lever for focusing on nearer planes press the knob at the end of the lever.

Other standard prime lenses in the Leica SM system

Lenses with similar focal length