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Leica 3.5cm (35mm) f/3.5 Elmar Screw Mount Lens, Chrome {A36 Clamp-On}

Model #232926
  • $470.00

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New in box complete with manufacturer's USA warranty. Not previously owned or used.
Essentially new with no signs of use. “Open box.” In manufacturer's packaging with original accessories and instructions. 180-day warranty.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Non-functional or damaged. Equipment will not work. Usable for parts. Not covered under KEH warranty and non-returnable.
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Leica Elmar 35mm f/3.5: the screw-mount wide standard.

The Elmar 35mm f/3.5 in M39 screw mount is one of the foundational lenses in Leica's history, a fixed focal length that defined how a generation of photographers saw the world at eye level. Built in chrome, it carries the tactile quality that made Leica rangefinder shooting a deliberate, unhurried practice. The f/3.5 maximum aperture keeps the optical formula compact and honest.

The A36 clamp-on filter system is period-correct for this lens. Filters mount via a slip-on collar than a threaded ring, which is worth knowing before you reach for a modern screw-in filter. Adapting this lens to current M-mount or mirrorless bodies is well-trodden territory, and the M39 thread has a long history of adapter support across multiple systems.

For the price of a contemporary mid-range prime, you get a piece of optical history that still produces images on film or digital. That trade is hard to argue with.

Who It's For

Film photographers shooting Leica screw-mount bodies get the native experience this lens was built for, with a 35mm field of view that suits street and documentary work. Mirrorless shooters on Sony E, Leica M, or Micro Four Thirds who enjoy adapted glass will find the M39 mount easy to work with via widely available adapters. Collectors drawn to chrome Leica optics from this era will appreciate the finish and the fixed focal length's place in rangefinder history. Travel photographers who want a small, light lens with no zoom complexity will find the 35mm frame of reference straightforward to shoot.

Key Features

  • 35mm fixed focal length, f/3.5 maximum aperture
  • Leica M39 screw mount (LTM) compatibility
  • Chrome finish with classic Leica build quality
  • A36 clamp-on filter system
  • Compact optical formula
  • Optical history with modern adapter support

FAQ

What mount does this Elmar use?
Leica M39 screw mount (LTM). It's the older threaded standard that predates modern M-mount bayonet, but M39-to-M or M39-to-mirrorless adapters are widely available.
Can I use standard screw-in filters on this lens?
No. The A36 clamp-on filter system uses a slip-on collar, not a threaded ring. You'll need filters designed for clamp-on mounts or an adapter collar if you want to use threaded filters.
What's the maximum aperture?
f/3.5. It's not a fast lens by modern standards, but the compact optical formula is part of what made it such a durable design.
Is this lens still usable on digital cameras?
Yes. You'll need an M39-to-digital-mount adapter (available for mirrorless systems and DSLR), but the 35mm focal length and optical performance hold up well on both film and digital sensors.
What's the focal length?
35mm fixed. It's a true wide-angle standard for rangefinder shooting, not a 50mm normal lens.
Why is the finish chrome instead of black paint?
This particular example is finished in chrome, which is period-correct for certain production runs of the Elmar. Chrome gives it a different aesthetic and tactile feel than later black anodized versions.
SpecificationValue
Focal Length35mm
Max Aperturef/3.5
MountLeica M39 Screw Mount (LTM)
Filter ThreadA36 (clamp-on)
FinishChrome

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 Leica
Filter Size 36mm Slip-On (A36)
Focus Type Manual focus (only)
Lens Mount M39 - Leica Screw
Lens Type Wide-Angle
Max Focal Length 35mm
Min Focal Length 35mm