Question on Elmar 9cm f/4

film_man · Jan 4, 2023

Hey all,

I just received a 9cm f/4 elmar rigid, the one on the right here https://wiki.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/90mm_f/4_Elmar and based on the serial number mine is from 1956!

As per the wiki the lens should have full stop aperture clicks (or is it referring to the collapsible?). Mine just goes smoothly through apertures (clickless). Is that what it is supposed to be? The lens has been opened to be cleaned so just wondering if they messed up. It works fine otherwise and I was stunned at how sharp a 1956 lens is, even wide open.

Also, what cap should I get for it? Is it 36mm or some weird leica whatever? I wouldn't mind a slip-on if I could figure out which one it is.

awty · Jan 4, 2023

No clicks, should be smooth from f4 to f32.

film_man · Jan 4, 2023

Ok cool thanks!

film_man · Jan 4, 2023

Anyone know what lens cap I need for it? A36?

Kodachromeguy · Jan 4, 2023

My 90mm ƒ/4 Elmar is from 1957 in M mount. The aperture is smooth - no click stops. The filter size is 39mm, so you can use a push-on cap of 41 or 42mm or any 39mm snap cap. Both are cheap on the 'Bay. I bought a "Leica" aluminum cap from a Chinese vendor and it looks good.

film_man · Jan 4, 2023

Kodachromeguy said:
My 90mm ƒ/4 Elmar is from 1957 in M mount. The aperture is smooth - no click stops. The filter size is 39mm, so you can use a push-on cap of 41 or 42mm or any 39mm snap cap. Both are cheap on the 'Bay. I bought a "Leica" aluminum cap from a Chinese vendor and it looks good.

Mine is different, I have a 39mm cap and it is too big. Looks like 36mm. I guess I'l have to buy one and see if it fits!

MarkS · Jan 4, 2023

If yours has the satin chrome "beauty ring", (not Leitz' best idea), watch out for flare.

guangong · Jan 4, 2023

A couple years ago some of my friends and I were speculating on who and when were click stops introduced. Anybody know?

gone · Jan 4, 2023

I haven't used a lens (front) cap in decades. Just a yellow filter and a hood. The old 90 Elmar is a long lens, sorta looks a lil awkward on a RF camera. Lots of character though. I always preferred the smaller 90 collapsible lens.

film_man · Jan 5, 2023

momus said:
I haven't used a lens (front) cap in decades. Just a yellow filter and a hood. The old 90 Elmar is a long lens, sorta looks a lil awkward on a RF camera. Lots of character though. I always preferred the smaller 90 collapsible lens.

It certainly does look very odd on an M! Like a long cigar poking out of the lens mount. Especially on a black body.

film_man · Jan 5, 2023

MarkS said:
If yours has the satin chrome "beauty ring", (not Leitz' best idea), watch out for flare.

It is certainly low contrast wide open. Stopped down to 5.6 and 8 it is not that bad. But it is hardly a problem, I bought it to use primarily on my digital monochrom so all I have to do bump the contrast and it is as good as any. For £80 I can't complain!

__Brian · Jan 18, 2023

Check for inner haze - common with this lens. This version can be opened up to get to the inner surfaces.

Eric Rose · Jan 18, 2023

I have one and love it! Gives colour shots a very nice pastel kind of feel to things. I use it more than my 90mm f2 Summicron.

outwest · Jan 22, 2023

I have the rarest of all f/4 Elmars;-) The no cm one! Not photoshopped, by the way.

Question on Elmar 9cm f/4

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