* Item pictured for illustrative purposes only, actual item not pictured. See ‘Notes’ next to grade for included items.
Kodak 47mm F/2 Ektar (Kardon) Lens For Leica Screw Mount
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KEH Certified™ pre-owned gear, expertly inspected†
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All rental gear is between Excellent and Like New Minus condition
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Standard accessories included
Kodak's 47mm f/2 Ektar built for Leica screw mount.
The Kodak 47mm f/2 Ektar, originally paired with the Kodak Kardon camera, is one of the more interesting American-made lenses to surface in the Leica screw mount ecosystem. Kodak's optical engineers produced a lens that sits between the classic 35mm and 50mm focal lengths, giving shooters a field of view that feels neither wide nor standard, an useful split for documentary and street work where a 50mm crowds the frame and a 35mm pulls back too far.
At f/2, the Ektar carries enough speed for low-light work in available-light environments. Its L39 mount makes it directly usable on any Leica screw mount body, and with an adapter it reaches M-mount Leicas and a growing range of mirrorless systems. For collectors, the Kardon connection gives this lens a documented place in mid-20th century American photographic history. For shooters, it offers a focal length that rewards deliberate framing.
Who It's For
Street photographers drawn to an unconventional focal length will find the 47mm sits in a genuinely distinct angle of view compared to the 35mm and 50mm lenses that dominate rangefinder kits. Documentary photographers working on L39-mount bodies get f/2 light-gathering without hunting for European glass. Collectors focused on American optical history will recognize the Kardon provenance as a concrete reason to own this lens beyond its shooting utility. Mirrorless shooters adapting vintage glass onto Sony, Fuji, or Leica M systems gain an unusual prime with a specific character tied to mid-century American manufacturing.
Key Features
- 47mm focal length for documentary and street work
- f/2 maximum aperture for low-light shooting
- Leica screw mount (L39/M39) for direct compatibility
- Kodak optical design with mid-century American heritage
- Adaptable to M-mount Leicas and mirrorless systems
FAQ
- What mount does this Kodak 47mm use?
- Leica screw mount (L39/M39). It mounts directly on any Leica screw mount body and reaches M-mount Leicas and mirrorless systems with an adapter.
- How does 47mm compare to standard focal lengths?
- It sits between 35mm and 50mm, offering a field of view that's narrower than a wide angle but less tight than a standard lens - useful for documentary and street work where neither extreme feels right.
- What's the maximum aperture?
- f/2, fast enough for low-light available-light shooting.
- What's the connection between this lens and the Kodak Kardon camera?
- The Ektar was originally paired with the Kodak Kardon camera. This lens carries documented history from that mid-20th century American camera system.
- Can I use this on modern mirrorless cameras?
- Yes, with an L39-to-M adapter on M-mount systems, or with appropriate adapters for other mirrorless mounts.
- Who made the optical design?
- Kodak's optical engineers designed the Ektar. It's one of the more interesting American-made lenses in the Leica screw mount ecosystem.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 47mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2 |
| Mount | Leica Screw Mount (L39/M39) |
This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.
| Brand Name | Kodak |
|---|---|
| Focus Type | Manual focus (only) |
| Lens Mount | M39 - Leica Screw |
| Lens Type | Standard / Normal |
| Max Focal Length | 47mm |
| Min Focal Length | 47mm |
Learn what to expect from each condition, cosmetically. Images are representative of each grade and may not show the exact item you receive. All equipment is guaranteed to work as intended, unless otherwise noted. We also occasionally offer items that fall .
Exceptions
- New
- New in box complete with manufacturer's USA warranty. Not previously owned or used.
- Like New
- Essentially new with no signs of use. “Open box.” In manufacturer's packaging with original accessories and instructions. 180-day warranty.
- As Is
- Non-functional or damaged. Equipment will not work. Usable for parts. Not covered under KEH warranty and non-returnable.
Like New Minus
Like New Minus
Barely used with virtually no traces of wear. Only the closest inspections will reveal slight use. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent Plus
Excellent Plus
Lightly used with limited signs of wear. Exceptionally nice but may have slight wear on finish visible. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent
Excellent
Noticeably used with average signs of wear. Shows moderate wear for the age of the item, with the possibility of blemishes and/or minimal dings. Lens glass may have average dust and zoom/focus ring tension may have slight looseness or tightness overall, but will not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Bargain
Bargain
Frequently used with above-average wear. May have dents, dings, or finish loss. Lens glass may have small scratches, dust, and blemishes, and zoom/focus ring tension may have moderate looseness or tightness overall, but should not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Ugly
Ugly
Heavily used with extensive visible wear. Equipment is rough, with multiple impressions in the finish, excessive finish loss and brassing. Glass will have marks, fungus and/or heavy/cloudy haze which could affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. Not covered under KEH warranty.
