I have a ELMAR 50/3.5 SN 1 142 675 with my M3? How old is this lens? And how would you rate it compare to current production, like 50/2.8, 50/2? Where can you get these information on Leica products based on their serial numbers? Thank you!

-- Angelique (abischop@earthlink.net), August 29, 2001

Answers

This lens is from 1954, which puts it back to the beginning of the Leica M series. I would not know about its performance simply because of the many variables involved, (cleaning marks, coating problems, physical condition, etc...), but there are many fans of the older lenses. I would think that the current lens would have better contrast due to improvements in coatings and glass.

As far as the "where to find the information" question, I used my "Hove Pocket Book", which is fairly inexpensive and very thorough. I highly recommend getting one if vintage equipment is something that you are interested in.

-- Al Smith (smith58@msn.com), August 29, 2001.

I have a 50/3.5 Elmar from the same year and use it quite a bit. It definitely does not have the bite of the newer lenses, constrast or sharpness wise, but is quite acceptable and has much nicer bokeh than my newer Asph 35mm, as well as my R 35-70 zoom. It is however quite flare prone and care has to be exercised when shooting anything remotely backlit. It is by far my favorite lens for casual portraiture.......

-- Bob Todrick (bobtodrick@yahoo.com), August 29, 2001.

It seems like old Leica lenses never die, they just get relegated to shooting portraits where their softness becomes "flattering". I prefer the later and sharper lenses because I do mostly landscape and travel photography, so whenever I need to do portraiture of course I'm forced to look for stunningly beautiful women as subjects ;>)

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), August 29, 2001.