antonioxrosa

Hi, I went to your detailed explanation and I found it very clear and very helpful. I do not have a film Leica but I tried to investigate the same issue in the M11M. My conclusions where: - the little wheel need to touch all M lens to operate the rangefinder system. It touch a specific tube ( let’s call it focus tube) in the rear part of the lens. This tube goes back and forwards depending on the focus distance. - Elmar M has this same tube, same diameter as other lens to ensure it works the same way. - The diameter of the collapsible tube including the rear black ring is +|- 2mm inferior than the focus ring. So, I don’t know if the collapsible tube touch the wheel, but I would say that, if it touches the pressure will be much less that when touched by the focus ring. Again, this is just sharing thoughts, and I do respect all different opinions.

I received my Elmar m 50mm that I bought from Leica Classics this morning. Regarding the compatibility with the M11 they confirmed by e-mail that it works fine and can be collapsed. I took the risk and tested this morning. It seems to work with any problem. In my humble opinion: - better to attach and loose the lens not collapsed to avoid touching by mistake the small wheel or the interior of the camera - the statement in Leica manual to not use collapsible lens is just to avoid liabilities in case anyone attach/loose the lens with less care I just decided to share this as others also help me to take the decision. By all means I respect all different opinions

Hi, I have a Leica M11 Monochrome and I just bought an Elmar m 50mm. I have been looking for information regarding the risk of the collapsible tube touching the rangefinder wheel. I understand you do have this combo for a while. Did you had any problem or everything is still ok with no impact on the rangefinder focus accuracy. Thanks António

Hi, I have a Leica M11 Monochrome and I just bought an Elmar m 50mm. I have been looking for information regarding the risk of the collapsible tube touching the rangefinder wheel. I understand you do have this combo for a while. Could you please share your experience regarding this risk. Thanks António

Cristal and clear. Many thanks. I will follow your recommendations and I will test it very carefully. cheers

Still regarding your input, which was very much appreciated, and just to improve my knowledge about Leica, could you please help me to understand a bit more what really means this paragraph in your message "Second there is the little wheel which activates the rangefinder mechanism: your lenses rear might touch this wheel when you collapse it. Though this wheel is exactly at the same position as it has been since the Leica II from 1932 (otherwise old lenses wouldn't be usable anymore, or you couldn't use new lenses on old cameras). The fact that the collapsed lens could touch the wheel didn't bother Barnack and Berek, and perhaps a million of collapsible lenses have been used on all sorts of Leicas since" I thought that the little wheel, part of the range finder mechanism, touches all lens in the same way and that all lens has the "focal tube", lets call it this way, in the same place to ensure the system always works precisely. I also thought that the Elmar m 50mm works in the same way and that only the internal tube will collapses not the "focal tube" In addition the rangefinder system ( the little wheel and the lens "focal tube" ) I assume are similar or equal in all Leica M cameras and lens. Also that if the Elmar M 50mm can collapse in film M cameras without affecting that little wheel don't see way could not be able to do it in the M11M. Do you agree with the above? No doubt about your recommendation to not attach or loose the lens collapsed. thanks again to improve my knowledge about the Leica M system. cheers António

Meanwhile I found the text in the Manual. Thanks

Once more thanks for the advice....

Thanks for share. Could you please let me know from which manual have you extract this text?

Many thanks for your detailed explanation. In summary shall I assume that it is safe to use the lens provides I attach and loose the lens always not collapsed?

With the help of the forum I decided to buy the Elmar M 50mm rather than the old version. Still have some concerns about using a collapsible lens with the M11. I saw in the forum quite different opinions. Either that there is no problem or that it is dangerous or even that the camera manual says not to use collapsible lens with the M11. Meanwhile I talked with Leica Classics shop and they state that there is no problem and that I can use it with no problems. As a matter of curiosity I decided to do some calculations. So: - Leica M flange 27,8mm ; M mount system 7mm (the part entering into the camera) ; Elmar 50mm collapse length 16mm 27,8 - 7 - 16 = 4,8mm Meaning that even with the lens collapsed I will have 4,8 between the rear lens and the shutter. Am I missing anything?

Thanks. Very helpfull

Many thanks for your detailed explanation. I knew about the two versions but I got confused when I saw the lens in the second photo described as Elmar M. I understand now it was an error and they are really two different lens. I will go for the Elmar M. You mentioned that when used with digital to be careful about mount and dismount. Is it safe to use with a M11M ? there is enough space until the shutter ? Once more thanks for your help

I am looking for the Elmar M 50mm 2.8 but I am a bit confused. How many models of this lens has been produced? I found these. Are they equal in optical terms? Coatings?