Smallest/flattest collapsible?

[akptc]

Hi, I just bought a Leica III body (my 1st non-SLR Leica) and would like to pair it up with the flattest lens possible. I hear that the 50mm Elmars are probably my best bet - would that be correct? I'd appreciate any advice.

[Gabriel M.A.]

The flattest lens possible? By this I believe you mean "shortest"; I think that would be a 35mm lens. Maybe one of the Canon 35mm lenses.

[akptc]

Right, I meant to say shortest (although 'flattest' sounds better in my mother tongue )

[Gordon Coale]

When the Elmar 50/3.5 is collapsed it's smaller than any non-collapsible. For less money there is the FSU Industar-50/3.5 which is an Elmar clone. Not exact, but close.

[FrankS]

I think you mean a collapsible lens that collapses flat into the body? That would be a 50mm f3.5 Elmar lens, or an FSU clone of this lens.

[akptc]

Thanks a bunch, this confirms my suspicion (50mm f3.5 Elmar).

Btw, I read (on photo.net, I think) that Cosina made a collapsible 50mm in LTM, sold only in Japan, wonder if that’s true.

[Jason Sprenger]

Yes, Cosina put out the 50/3.5 Heliar with a special edition of the Bessa T.

It was only sold in the sets with cameras. It's not a cheap lens due to its scarcity and collectibility. Nevertheless, all accounts of it I have seen have been favorable.

An Elmar 50/3.5 is more easily available than the Heliar 50/3.5 and from what I can tell from pictures, collapses "flatter".

The other alternative are the Soviet versions of collapsible 50's. I have a FED 50/3.5 on my FED2 that I bought from Fedka which I am very pleased with. The Soviet lens collapses just as flat as an Elmar on a Leica IIf.

[hoot]

FWIW-- If you want to go faster, get a 50/2 Summitar. If you want to go wider, get a 35/3.5 screwmount Summaron, of the old kind. Both of these lenses are almost as "flat" as the old 50/3.5 Elmar (and its clones).

If you really want pocketable, you can always get an Olympus XA (though I personally dislike the film rewind).

Oh, and yes, Cosina did make a collapsible 50/3.5 Heliar. Steven Gandy has more information here: http://www.cameraquest.com/voigtlen.htm (scroll down).

[akptc]

Originally Posted by hoot

... If you really want pocketable, you can always get an Olympus XA (though I personally dislike the film rewind).

Oh, and yes, Cosina did make a collapsible 50/3.5 Heliar. Steven Gandy has more information here: http://www.cameraquest.com/voigtlen.htm (scroll down).

Thanks, I appreciate the tip. Btw, I have the Olympus XA, find it really useful, although not much fun to shoot with.

The collapsible Heliar is a thing of beauty, too bad it's impossible to find. I just read the article in Popular Photo (wow) http://www.popphoto.com/article.asp?...article_id=334

[Lemures-Ex]

Hoot: That quote from Lartigue in your signature is great!

[Brian Sweeney]

Go with the Elmar 5cm/3.5. Post-war lenses were coated, and quite good in sufficient light.

Prewar uncoated lenses usually run less.

Folds almost flat against the camera, all that is seen is the lens cap. When extended, it does not creep into my Leica IIIf viewfinder at all.

[akptc]

Well, I just bought a couple of FSU collapsibles, now just waiting nervously for my winning bid on the 5-/3.5 Elmar. The coolest thing is that your advice was so immediate that I will be able to wrap up this little outfit today, and with some confidence in the final result. You Gentlemen once again have been amazingly helpful - thank you! I hope one day to be of some (any ) use for folks here.

[edodo]

the russian fac-similé of the leitz elmar is a four design tessar, the zeiss design. It also seems that this lens design requires a good mechanical precision adjustment that often lacked on the assembly line. Considering the price of film devellopment, I would go for an uncoated elmar collapsible that can be found on the bay for 150 bux.

[ZorkiKat]

Originally Posted by edodo

the russian fac-similé of the leitz elmar is a four design tessar, the zeiss design. It also seems that this lens design requires a good mechanical precision adjustment that often lacked on the assembly line. Considering the price of film devellopment, I would go for an uncoated elmar collapsible that can be found on the bay for 150 bux.

The collapsible Industars go for around US$15 - 20. I've a bout 50 of these and they all work perfectly. None have the problems associated with the other soviet lenses.

The only ones which would cause problems (not due to faulty or haphazard assembly) are the prewar and immediate post-war lenses made for the FED. These had non-standard registers and would not fit a real Leica or Canon because of thread mount pitch differences. These issues did not arise from production defects, but rather incompatible designs.

However, all the later FED, Industar-22 and Industar-50 collapsible lenses would work nicely with my Leica cameras. I have a preference for the coated FED collapsible- they seem to do better ("draw" images in a different, charming way)
than the I-22 or I-50, though these latter lenses were supposed (and have proven) to be an improvement in more ways than one.


Jay

[akptc]

Originally Posted by ZorkiKat

... However, all the later FED, Industar-22 and Industar-50 collapsible lenses would work nicely ....... [...] ....though these latter lenses were supposed (and have proven) to be an improvement in more ways than one.
Jay

Jay, the one problem I am running into is determing whether an FSU lens is of the "later" manufacture, especially when shopping on ebay. Are there any visual markers that one could look for to identify those newer collapsibles?

[akptc]

Just won a 50/3.5 Elmar collapsible ($83) on ebay. In total, the Leica III + lens, both in nice condition, came out to just under $300. Not sure if that's a good deal but I am happy Now, must find a case, strap, hotshoe meter, cool new leatherette...

[rover]

You are moving fast tonight Andy.

Luigi has a case and wonderful straps.

I bought a Gordy wrist strap for my IIIc today, they are very nice too.

[akptc]

Fast is the only way to go, isn't? Actually, a very old A/R cleared today so I am feeling a bit giddy..

I bought a case for my G2 from Luigi, it's very, very nice. Time to go back for more .

[scigeek]

a 3.5cm 3.5 Elmar is nice, and pretty flat. Don't forget that if you shoot with a lenshood you need to take that into account too....

[Kin Lau]

50/3.5 Elmar is the smallest 50 for the Leica III. The 35/3.5 Elmar is non-collapsible and is actually _smaller_, but you won't have the framelines for it.

[akptc]

There are two 35mm Elmars listed on ebay today, still at a low price, I am hoping to snatch one if the price doesn't go up to much.

Btw, got a quote from Luigi on a half-case and strap but am also considering an original Leica full case, they seem quite affordable. Of course, Luigi's case is a masterpiece and has a built-in grip...

[scigeek]

Originally Posted by Kin Lau

50/3.5 Elmar is the smallest 50 for the Leica III. The 35/3.5 Elmar is non-collapsible and is actually _smaller_, but you won't have the framelines for it.

True, but you can use a viewfinder....
Once you take viewfinders and lenshoods into account, the rig takes on a whole new dimension
Although - I can easily carry my 111c and 35/3.5 Elmar with viewfinder attached (but no hood) in a jacket pocket.

[akptc]

Originally Posted by scigeek

...I can easily carry my 111c and 35/3.5 Elmar with viewfinder attached (but no hood) in a jacket pocket.

Would you happen to have a picture of your IIIc+35mm+finder outfit? I am just getting into this size of Leica and am fascinated by the possibilities.

[scigeek]

Originally Posted by akptc

Would you happen to have a picture of your IIIc+35mm+finder outfit? I am just getting into this size of Leica and am fascinated by the possibilities.

Any excuse to post a picture of my 111c!

When you look at this you have to bear in mind that I don't consider using the camera direct from my pocket ideal (although quite a few do). Thats why I'm buying a refurbished period case for the camera.

BTW the lens is under the lenscap - ready to shoot!

The second shot (with the print underneath) shows how much more room the lens + hood takes up, but I rarely use a hood. Incidentally, the print is a straight print from the 3.5cm lens, re-photographed with a digital point-and-shoot to show the camera. Take a look at the detail in the wooden bench...

[akptc]

Thank you for the pics - nice outfit. I like the 2nd shot a lot. It makes me want my new III right this very minute (it's in the mail - seems the best stuff is always "in the mail"... )