Very interesting set of 2 Leitz 9cm f4 Elmar Prototype lenses with consecutive numbers in Leica M39 screw mount.
It is not exactly known for which lens this model was used. In Vidom 12 (monthly magazine of the German Leica Historica) on page 18 / 19 Willy Hahne refers to the Leitz 90mm Elmar collapsible lens. Mr. James L. Lager however refers in his book "Leica An Illustrated History Volume II - Lenses" on page 126 to a prototype of the later Leitz 90mm f4 Elmar 3 Element lens.
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Very interesting set of 2 Leitz 9cm f4 Elmar Prototype lenses with consecutive numbers in Leica M39 screw mount.
It is not exactly known for which lens this model was used. In Vidom 12 (monthly magazine of the German Leica Historica) on page 18 / 19 Willy Hahne refers to the Leitz 90mm Elmar collapsible lens. Mr. James L. Lager however refers in his book "Leica An Illustrated History Volume II - Lenses" on page 126 to a prototype of the later Leitz 90mm f4 Elmar 3 Element lens.
Some differences between all the lenses:
The lenses have 14 aperture blades while the later collapsible lenses only have 10 aperture blades.
The aperture ring on the prototype lenses have a complete different design compared to the ones of the collapsible and standard lenses.
The lens in the book of Mr. James L. Lager has a slightly different focusing scale and goes up to 50m, 100m and 300m. The 2 offered lenses and the lenses in Vidom 12 go to 50m and 100m while the later production lenses do not have the 50m, 100m or 300m scale.
The complete head is different compared to standard versions. The front ring has another design but also the engraving is different. The aperture is built closer to the front element as earlier versions. The lens is also engraved with "Eigentum der Ernst Leitz GmbH Wetzlar".
Approximately 50 pieces of this version with the "Eigentum der Ernst Leitz GmbH Wetzlar" engraving and another 50 pieces of the collapsible lenses without engraving were made in the batch with serial numbers between 1010001-1010100.
As mentioned offered are 2 identical lenses with consecutive serial numbers (1010051 and 1010052). This and as the lenses have a different design compared to standard lenses make them very interesting.
The lens with serial number 1010051 shows quite signs of use which is not uncommon for Leitz Eigentum lenses. The lens elements show some some scratches as well. Included are a Screw-M mount adapter, front lens cap and 2 rear lens cap (the white one doesn't work that well). The lens is rated as A/B.
The lens with serial number 1010052 comes from a European collection and is in a much better condition as the one with number 1010051. The lens elements show less signs of use and the barrel looks great without heavy signs of use. Included are a Screw-M mount adapter, front lens cap and a M and M39 rear lens cap. This lens is rated as Mint-
Overall the condition of the set is A+
To show the difference in design please compare the prototype lens in picture no. 38 with a standard Leitz 90mm Elmar collapsible lens and in picture no. 39 with the standard Leitz 90mm Elmar lenses. Please note that this picture is just to show the difference between the lenses. None of the 4 standard lenses is being offered in this sale. The ones shown on pictures no. 1 until picture no. 37 are sold in this listing.
Literature:
Willy Hahne "Seltene Objektive: Vormodell Elmar 4/90 versenkbar (Rare lenses: Pre-model Elmar 4/90 collapsible)" Vidom 12 page 18/19
James L. Lager "Leica An Illustrated History Volume II - Lenses" page 126
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