Leica M 5cm 50mm f/2.8 Leitz Elmar Collapsible Lens
The Leica 5cm 50mm f/2.8 is a lens from Leica. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Leica M 5cm 50mm f/2.8 Leitz Elmar Collapsible Lens
Get notified when one lists.
We'll text or email you the moment a Leica M 5cm 50mm f/2.8 Leitz Elmar Collapsible Lens is listed on GearFocus.
Have a Leica 5cm 50mm f/2.8 sitting in your bag?
You'd be the first listing for this model.
Serious buyers are already watching — list yours in minutes.
Available Now on GearFocus
Leica 11777 50mm f1.4 Summilux-R 3rd Cam Lens (v.I, E55, Built-In Hood)
Leica 11673 35mm f2 Summicron-M ASPH Lens (V.II, 11 Blade) w/Hood, caps
Lens Overview — Leica 5cm 50mm f/2.8
Key Features — Leica 5cm 50mm f/2.8
Collapsible Barrel Design: The lens barrel retracts into the camera body when not in use, reducing the overall kit size for travel and storage.
50mm f/2.8 Aperture: A classic normal field of view with a moderate maximum aperture, well-suited to street, portrait, and everyday rangefinder shooting.
Leica M Mount: Designed for direct use on Leica M-mount rangefinder bodies, and widely adaptable to modern mirrorless systems via M-mount adapters.
Manual Focus Only: Fully manual focus operation pairs naturally with rangefinder cameras, requiring deliberate focus technique favored by many film photographers.
4-Element Tessar-Type Design: The Elmar's classic optical formula delivers characteristically sharp center performance with smooth rendering that collectors associate with mid-century Leitz glass.
35mm Format Coverage: Covers the full 35mm film frame, making it suitable for use on both original Leica M film bodies and full-frame digital sensors when adapted.
Lens Specifications — Leica 5cm 50mm f/2.8
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Portrait, Street, Travel, Creative Effects |
| Lens Mount | Leica M |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
Description — Leica 5cm 50mm f/2.8
The Leica M 5cm 50mm f/2.8 Leitz Elmar Collapsible is a manual focus, Leica M-mount lens produced during 1950–1959, designed specifically for the 35mm film format. Weighing just 190g, this vintage rangefinder lens offers a manageable, portable form factor that suits the minimalist ethos of rangefinder shooting. The collapsible barrel is a defining characteristic of this lens, allowing the body to retract for more compact storage when not in active use.
As a vintage rangefinder lens with a manual focus operation, it pairs naturally with Leica M-mount film cameras and rewards photographers who enjoy a hands-on, deliberate approach to image-making. For collectors, the verified 1950–1959 manufacturing date provides authentic mid-century provenance from the Leitz era of Leica optics.
Pros — Leica 5cm 50mm f/2.8
- ✓Leica M mount provides direct compatibility with Leica M-mount rangefinder cameras
- ✓Designed for 35mm film format, making it suitable for authentic film shooting
- ✓Manual focus operation suits deliberate, considered shooting styles favored by rangefinder photographers
Cons — Leica 5cm 50mm f/2.8
- ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus capability for photographers who require it
- ✗Vintage manufacture (1950–1959) means condition will vary significantly between individual examples
- ✗No weather sealing information available in specifications
Videos — Leica 5cm 50mm f/2.8
Leica 50mm f3.5 Elmar Collapsible Lens Review — Setadel Studios