PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Originally the Elmar-M 50mm f2.8 was introduced in 1994 to be sold with the M6J (‘Jubilee’ – to celebrate 40 years of the Leica M): just 1640 M6Js with their Elmar-Ms were produced (40 sets for each of the 40 years, plus 40). This brand new Elmar-M was a new computation with modern glass and coatings, providing improved and excellent optical properties. With its small size and light weight it attracted not unsurprising demand from fans who appreciated its ability to be collapsed into an M body, which encouraged Leica to begin individual lens production in 1996, which they continued until 2007.
Incidentally by Leica’s lens nomenclature a f2.8 lens should be designated ‘Elmarit’. With the collapsible f2.8 50mm lenses Leica departed from this policy, naming the collapsible f2.8s ‘Elmar’ to make a historic family link back to the redoubtable 1926 Elmar 50mm f3.5. I think, a nice touch. So, potted history out of the way, in very simple terms, we have three Elmars: the original Elmar 50mm f3.5, then the Elmar 50mm f2.8 (v.1) and then v.2 (Elmar-M 50mm f2.8), which is the lens for sale here.
The Elmar-M 50mm f2.8 is, perhaps, one of the best kept secrets of Leica lenses. Amongst its aficionados it is rated highly. If you have a M body and have no need of a fast 50mm lens with a f2 or f1.4 aperture (say, a Summicron or a Summilux) this unsung gem of a lens will suit you admirably. Given the Elmar-M’s simple Tessar 4-element, 3-group design, it is utterly incomparable and highly recommended.
It is a stunner, with the ability to provide superlative images that are pretty much the equal of any 50mm lens, Leica or otherwise. It really is this good.
Useful Links:
https://asingulareye.wordpress.com/2014/02/03/elmar-m-50mm-f2-8/
https://www.kenrockwell.com/leica/50mm-f28-m.htm
Product SN: ***7730 (Chrome) $1249
Condition: Excellent (EX)
Warranty: 2 weeks shop warranty, covering manufacturer defects
Product SN: ***7761 (Black) $1349
Condition: Like New (LN)
Warranty: 2 weeks shop warranty, covering manufacturer defects
Product SN: ***6195 / ***9377 (Chrome) $1499
Condition: Like New (LN)
Warranty: 2 weeks shop warranty, covering manufacturer defects