& UNMODIFIED: A 1930 LEICA 13. 5cm ELMAR, 555, A RARE SWINGING MASK
Item History & Price
AN ORIGINAL & UNMODIFIED 1930 LEICA 13.5cm ELMAR, #555, code"EFERN", WITH A RARE SWINGING MASK.
- Plus RED BOX, 1928-30 TIRANTY AD & "FIPOS" GREEN FILTER
HISTORYThe 13.5 cm, f/4.5 NICKEL ELMAR was first listed in 1930, and is today regarded as "one of the most important lenses within the early Leica system." (Lager, Leica Vol. II, "Lenses")
Originally part of a non-standardized Leica Model C outfit produced in 1930, this lens was made before Leitz s...tandardized the lens to film-plane distance. (The giveaway is that there is no "0" engraved by the thread-start arrow—see photo.)
There are other physical differences too. This early lens has a plain butt joint—different from its later siblings—and is also not rangefinder-coupled.
Too early to carry a serial number (these started in 1932), it is engraved "555." These are the last three numbers of the camera serial number with which it originally came.
This can only be one of two cameras—either Leica Model C Non-Standardized #46, 555 or #52, 555, both built in 1930.
This is an uncommon example of this long-focus Elmar lens that has never been upgraded or messed with. Most of these non-standard lenses were returned early in their lives to Leitz to be standardized, and per Jim Lager, "finding an unmodified sample is challenging."
An fascinating piece of Leica history, it's also a great value-adding find if you already have a non-standard Leica I, Model C outfit without its 13.5cm Elmar.
CONDITIONThe nickel is in nice condition, all engraving is clear, and the black paint on the lower body is generally excellent just a few small marks, and a little more wear on the lens-head paint.
Focus and iris are both smooth and working well. Marked in feet. Glass is uncoated and shows just a slight haze, no fungus.
With a black metal base cap that shows light wear.
The original LEITZ "EFERN" RED BOX is in great shape, just a little faded on top.
The early SWINGING 13.5cm MASK (which mounts underneath the viewfinder) is almost never seen, it works well, and is like new.
The VINTAGE LEICA AD is early and original, in French, about 1928 - 1930.
The early LEICA "FIPOS" GREEN FILTER is close to new condition, in its original box.
VALUECollectiblend values this lens (Standardized) at $180 - $200 (Very Good) and $380 - $400 (Mint). Non-standard examples are worth more.
I ship internationally via USPS International Priority, declared as "Used Camera Lens".
NOTE: I do require Asian addresses in Roman script in order to ship to China, Hong Kong, and similar destinations.
- Plus RED BOX, 1928-30 TIRANTY AD & "FIPOS" GREEN FILTER
HISTORYThe 13.5 cm, f/4.5 NICKEL ELMAR was first listed in 1930, and is today regarded as "one of the most important lenses within the early Leica system." (Lager, Leica Vol. II, "Lenses")
Originally part of a non-standardized Leica Model C outfit produced in 1930, this lens was made before Leitz s...tandardized the lens to film-plane distance. (The giveaway is that there is no "0" engraved by the thread-start arrow—see photo.)
There are other physical differences too. This early lens has a plain butt joint—different from its later siblings—and is also not rangefinder-coupled.
Too early to carry a serial number (these started in 1932), it is engraved "555." These are the last three numbers of the camera serial number with which it originally came.
This can only be one of two cameras—either Leica Model C Non-Standardized #46, 555 or #52, 555, both built in 1930.
This is an uncommon example of this long-focus Elmar lens that has never been upgraded or messed with. Most of these non-standard lenses were returned early in their lives to Leitz to be standardized, and per Jim Lager, "finding an unmodified sample is challenging."
An fascinating piece of Leica history, it's also a great value-adding find if you already have a non-standard Leica I, Model C outfit without its 13.5cm Elmar.
CONDITIONThe nickel is in nice condition, all engraving is clear, and the black paint on the lower body is generally excellent just a few small marks, and a little more wear on the lens-head paint.
Focus and iris are both smooth and working well. Marked in feet. Glass is uncoated and shows just a slight haze, no fungus.
With a black metal base cap that shows light wear.
The original LEITZ "EFERN" RED BOX is in great shape, just a little faded on top.
The early SWINGING 13.5cm MASK (which mounts underneath the viewfinder) is almost never seen, it works well, and is like new.
The VINTAGE LEICA AD is early and original, in French, about 1928 - 1930.
The early LEICA "FIPOS" GREEN FILTER is close to new condition, in its original box.
VALUECollectiblend values this lens (Standardized) at $180 - $200 (Very Good) and $380 - $400 (Mint). Non-standard examples are worth more.
I ship internationally via USPS International Priority, declared as "Used Camera Lens".
NOTE: I do require Asian addresses in Roman script in order to ship to China, Hong Kong, and similar destinations.
