Elmar 3.5 cm: no serial number & chrome-plated brass

[maddoc2003jp]

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I came across this little 3.5 cm Elmar lens and wonder when it has been manufactured. The lens has no serial number and is marked "Leitz Elmar f=3.5 cm 1:3.5" with a large "1". The optics appears to be uncoated.

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[pop]

The serial numbers on these lenses usually are on the black rim within the aperture dial. Yours seems to be in the position at about seven o'clock, if I see that correctly.

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[maddoc2003jp]

I had a second look using a magnifying glass but could not detect a serial number anywhere.

[madNbad]

It may have been paired with an enlarger. Perhaps someone with more knowledge can comment. When I was unable to locate a serial number on a 35 3.5 Summaron ( located thanks to the help of forum members) my research mentioned some Elmars were released without serIal numbers when they were sold as part of an enlarger package. Subsequently, the same lens ended up on a camera and the enlarger was long forgotten. There might be a number hidden somewhere but this may be part of the answer.

[Michael Hiles]

My modest experience matches Philipp's. The number is usually not much more than scratched numbers - not engraved. Perhaps also look on the inside...

[wlaidlaw]

Assuming the lens is the same date as my 1C Standard, my 1931 50/3.5 nickel Elmar has no serial number either, that I have ever been able to find. I have peered inside with an illuminated sensor loupe but found nothing. There might be something on the inside, which could be discovered, if you disassembled it but on the basis it ain't broke, I have not tried fixing it.

 

Wilson

[maddoc2003jp]

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Thanks for the info and tips! Interesting part about the enlarger/lens package, I thought a 50mm Elmar would have been the lens of choice for an enlarger (and they also made the VALOO to more easily adjust aperture) but will have a look into it.

 

I might have to disassemble the lens at some point anyway because the aperture control is very stiff.

[wlaidlaw]

.....and they also made the VALOO to more easily adjust aperture.

 

For those who don't know what a VALOO looks like, here is a picture of mine. With the flare that you tend to get with an uncoated pre-war Elmar and the difficulty of adjusting the aperture if you have a regular hood, I think that a VALOO is a near essential for older Elmars. VALOO's are beginning to become difficult to find and inevitably increasing in price. The Elmar does not fully collapse with a VALOO fitted and you should fit it with the lens in the extended position.

 

Wilson

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