hendrikvb Posted July 17, 2014 Share #1  Posted July 17, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) I bought an Elmar 3.5 50mm lens on Ebay (listed as such) to go with the IIIf I got a few weeks ago but feel it's most likely a fake, based on the strange focusing lever. The lever is non-Leica-like and most levers I see all are the same. The few instances where I did see a similar lever online usually point me to fake ones.. In locked position, the lever is at 11 o'clock, which may be another "trick" they were using to make it look authentic. The serial number is on the ring (visible in my picture) but it's quite short (5 digits - the first one not readable). I don't see any other obvious giveaways. There are heavy scuff marks on the side of the barrel, which appears to be brass underneath the chrome).  This auction (from 2006) lists the same one as an Elmar 50mm 3.5 http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/2453324  This page has the same lens but has it on a fake Leica II. http://www.cameraquest.com/leica_II_fake.htm  I'm contacting the seller to arrange a return but I wanted your insight first. I very much doubt Leitz made multiple designs of the lever. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/230678-elmar-35-50mm-with-strange-focusing-lever/?do=findComment&comment=2632329'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted July 17, 2014 Posted July 17, 2014 Hi hendrikvb, Take a look here Elmar 3.5 50mm with strange focusing lever. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
greyelm Posted July 17, 2014 Share #2 Â Posted July 17, 2014 The infinity lock button looks like the one on an Industar-22. I have one of these on a Fed 1 and it parks at 11o'clock like yours does. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
greyelm Posted July 17, 2014 Share #3 Â Posted July 17, 2014 Here's some more info on fake elmars. Â Â L39SM CAMBASE - Leica/Reid Cameras Database! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerzy Posted July 17, 2014 Share #4 Â Posted July 17, 2014 Can you sell me your lens as a fake one? Kidding - your lens a genuine 5 digit Elmar, so called 11oclok, produced until introduction of Leica III. Due to conflict with long times dial speed in III mount was changed to 7oclock. First digit seem to be 97xxx If you look carefully of the picture of fake Elmar you will notice different shape of focusing button and other minor differences. Your lens has obvious usage signs, I cannot see the front lens if scratched, but for sure genuine. Jerzy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerzy Posted July 17, 2014 Share #5 Â Posted July 17, 2014 Forgot - strange is that the lens is 5cm lens while the ring shows 3.5cm. I suspect that the ring could have been replaced using incorrect ring, I do not suspect miss engraving Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hendrikvb Posted July 17, 2014 Author Share #6 Â Posted July 17, 2014 A nice listing of Industar 22 lenses, clearly showing the focusing lever.. Soviet and Russian Cameras - Industar-22 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hendrikvb Posted July 17, 2014 Author Share #7  Posted July 17, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) This one is a 97xxx one so probably manufactured mid 30s. "Leitz lenses without external serial numbers:- I believe that Leitz started to number their lenses externally in about 1931 beginning with 92000.This was when the first interchangeable "standardized" lenses appeared for the "standardized" (second version)interchangeable Model Ic. Lenses before 92000 were engraved "INTERNALLY" on the metal of the inner lens cell." from the Rangefinder forum http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-103774.html  This one of fleabay is unnumbered but has a similar lever. In better condition but at 220 pounds (close to double what I paid), it's a bit steep  I've already contacted the seller and asked about his return policy but I guess I'll keep it. 150 euros was a good deal then Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerzy Posted July 17, 2014 Share #8 Â Posted July 17, 2014 http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-collectors-historica/211792-early-50mm-elmar-lens-query.html I never found serial number engraved on inner cell. Some of Elmars have it scratched but there is no rule Jerzy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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