Elmar 90mm f/4 collapsible and Monochrom

[Jeff Schiller]

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I just bought this lens and was going to use it on my Monochrom. I thought any collapsible lens can be used on a Monochrom etc as long as it is not collapsed while on the camera. What I am mystified by is the comment that I just found in the Monochrom instruction book that this lens 'Cannot be used" yet other collapsible lenses "Can be used, but risks damaging the camera or lens". What's different about the 90 Elmar?

[tobey bilek]

The current one can be used without restriction. It is the original 90 that may go too deep. I set one with Dymo Label tape of the camera. Collapse until barrel goes beyond focus mount, then restrict with the tape.

 

Same with the two versions of the 50 collapsible elmar.

[Jeff Schiller]

Thanks, I should have mentioned i bought the old version (mine was made in 1957). What you say makes sense so I don't know why Leica singled this lens out in its instruction book.

[pop]

Our most excellent FAQ section has an answer to this and many more questions: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m9-forum/130720-leica-m8-m8-2-m9-m9p-3.html#post1726700

[jaapv]

The current one can be used without restriction. It is the original 90 that may go too deep. I set one with Dymo Label tape of the camera. Collapse until barrel goes beyond focus mount, then restrict with the tape.

 

Same with the two versions of the 50 collapsible elmar.

 

The problem is not that it goes too deep and hit the shutter; if it did it would hit the shutter curtain of a film M as well. The problem is the chance that it will foul the internals of the camera throat which are more narrow.

 

For that reason it is wise to mount and unmount any collapsible lens that is known to be safe with the lens extended.

I find no problem collapsing my two versions of the collapsible Elmar, but do consult the FAQ.

[BerndReini]

Here's a trick people have been using to avoid inadvertently closing the lens on the camera body: Buy a piece of rubber hose at a hardware store and with the lens extended, fit it around the expanded collar to keep it from contracting. I don't have any pictures of this, but I know there should be some on the forum.