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Leica Leitz 5cm 50mm f/3.5 Elmar M39 Collapsible Lens

The Leica 5cm f/3.5 is a lens from Leica. Used copies start from $269.99 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Leica Leitz 5cm 50mm f/3.5 Elmar M39 Collapsible Lens

Leica Leitz 5cm 50mm f/3.5 Elmar M39 Collapsible Lens

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Leica Elmar 5cm f/3.5 collapsible lens CLEANING MARKS ON FE

Condition: Good

Product Highlights

  • Collapsible barrel for compact storage
  • M39 screw mount compatibility
  • Sharp and contrast-rich image quality
  • Lightweight and portable design

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Leica Elmar 5cm f/3.5 collapsible lens CLEANING MARKS ON FE
Leica Elmar 5cm f/3.5 collapsible lens CLEANING MARKS ON FE

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$269.99

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Lens Overview — Leica 5cm f/3.5

The Leica Leitz 5cm 50mm f/3.5 Elmar is a vintage collapsible prime lens produced between 1950 and 1959, mounted in the Leica Thread Mount (LTM / M39) screw format. Designed for rangefinder cameras and optimized for 35mm film, this lens represents a significant chapter in photographic history, offering a tangible connection to mid-century optical craftsmanship. The collapsible barrel design is a hallmark of the era, allowing the lens to retract into the camera body for a more compact carry profile — a practical engineering solution that remains distinctive to this day.

Operated entirely through manual focus, the Elmar puts full control in the photographer's hands, requiring deliberate and engaged shooting. Weighing just 127g, it is exceptionally lightweight for a lens with this level of heritage and collectability. Compatible with M39 screw mount and M42 screw mount systems via appropriate adapters, it can find a home on a range of film and adapted digital bodies.

Whether you're a collector drawn to its 1950s provenance or a shooter attracted to its compact manual character, the Elmar 50mm f/3.5 is a compelling piece of photographic history.

Key Features — Leica 5cm f/3.5

Collapsible Barrel Design: The lens retracts into the camera body when not in use, reducing the overall profile for compact storage and travel.

50mm f/3.5 Optics: A classic normal field of view with a modest maximum aperture, characteristic of mid-century Leitz optical design.

Leica Thread Mount (M39): Screw-mount design fits a wide range of vintage Leica and compatible rangefinder bodies, and can be adapted to M-mount and other systems.

1950s Leitz Provenance: Manufactured between 1950 and 1959, this lens carries genuine mid-century heritage and is a sought-after piece for collectors.

Manual Focus Only: Fully manual operation puts focus control entirely in the photographer's hands, suited to deliberate, engaged shooting.

127g Lightweight Build: At just 127g, the lens adds minimal weight to any camera body, making it practical for extended handheld use.

Lens Specifications — Leica 5cm f/3.5

Leica 5cm f/3.5 full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesPortrait, Street, Travel, Creative Effects
Lens TypePrime
Lens MountLeica Thread Mount (LTM / M39)
Focus TypeManual Focus

Description — Leica 5cm f/3.5

The Leica Leitz 5cm 50mm f/3.5 Elmar is a collapsible vintage prime lens produced during the 1950–1959 era, built around the Leica Thread Mount (LTM / M39) screw standard. Designed specifically for 35mm film rangefinder cameras, it offers a hands-on, mechanical shooting experience through manual focus operation. The collapsible barrel is a defining feature of mid-century lens design, allowing the optic to retract for a slimmer profile when not in use.

At just 127g, it adds virtually no burden to a compact film body. Compatible with M39 and M42 screw mount systems, the Elmar can be adapted across a variety of platforms. Its f/3.5 maximum aperture reflects the optical priorities of its time, and its age means each copy carries its own individual history and character.

For collectors and film photographers alike, this lens offers a direct connection to Leica's storied optical heritage.

Pros — Leica 5cm f/3.5

  • ✓Extremely lightweight at just 127g, making it a comfortable carry for extended shooting sessions
  • ✓Collapsible barrel design offers a compact footprint when not in use, ideal for travel
  • ✓Leica Thread Mount (LTM / M39) compatibility allows use on a wide range of vintage rangefinder bodies

Cons — Leica 5cm f/3.5

  • ✗Maximum aperture of f/3.5 is relatively modest, limiting performance in lower light conditions compared to faster primes
  • ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus capability for photographers who require it
  • ✗M39 screw mount is a niche standard, so adapting to modern digital bodies requires additional hardware

Videos — Leica 5cm f/3.5

🔴 Sharpest 50mm LTM Lenses | Industar vs Elmar 5cm 3.5 vs 2.8 vs Summitar vs Voigtlander Heliar 50mm — Matt Osborne

Resources & Downloads — Leica 5cm f/3.5

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Leica 5cm f/3.5

What camera mount does this lens use?+
This lens uses the Leica Thread Mount, also known as LTM or M39 screw mount. It is also noted as compatible with M42 screw mount systems, which may require an appropriate adapter depending on the host camera.
Is this lens compatible with digital cameras?+
The lens is designed for 35mm film rangefinder cameras. Use on digital bodies is possible with compatible M39 or M42 adapters, but this depends on the specific digital system. No electronic communication or autofocus is supported.
When was this lens manufactured?+
According to the specifications, this lens was manufactured between 1950 and 1959, making it a genuine vintage item with over 60 years of history.
How heavy is the lens?+
The lens weighs 127g, making it one of the more lightweight options available for the M39 mount — well suited for compact rangefinder bodies.
Does this lens support autofocus?+
No. This is a fully manual focus lens. There is no autofocus mechanism of any kind, which is consistent with its vintage rangefinder design.
What film format is this lens designed for?+
The lens is designed for the 35mm film format, as specified in the product data. It is intended for use with 35mm rangefinder cameras.

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