Leica Elmar 50mm f/2.8 - Leica L/L39/LTM Mount

The Leica Elmar 50mm f/2.8 is a classic four-element, three-group collapsible lens produced in L39 screw mount and later M-mount versions. It is highly regarded for its compact design, allowing the lens to retract into the camera body when not in use. Known for producing images with high contrast and the characteristic 'Leica look', it remains a popular choice for street and travel photography on both film and digital bodies. Prospective buyers should carefully examine the front and rear elements for cleaning marks, as the coatings on older Elmar lenses can be soft. Internal haze and oil on the aperture blades are common issues that SDS checks for during intake. The collapsing mechanism should lock securely in the extended position, and the focus helical should move freely without stiff spots or play.