* Item pictured for illustrative purposes only, actual item not pictured. See ‘Notes’ next to grade for included items.
Leica 50mm f/2.8 Elmar Leitz Wetzlar Collapsible M-Mount Lens, Germany, Chrome {E39} 11612
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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
Leica's collapsible 50mm Elmar: German optics, pocketable form.
The 50mm f/2.8 Elmar with collapsible barrel is one of Leica's most enduring lens designs, manufactured by Ernst Leitz GmbH in Wetzlar, Germany. The collapsible barrel is the defining feature here: push it into the body and the whole package shrinks to a size that slips into a coat pocket, then extend and lock it into position before shooting. For anyone traveling light with a M-body, this changes the equation entirely compared to a fixed-barrel 50mm.
At f/2.8 maximum aperture, the Elmar sits in a well-established optical tradition that prioritizes drawing character and compactness over maximum light gathering. The E39 filter thread accepts a small range of filters and lens accessories scaled to match the lens's proportions. The chrome finish, period-correct for classic Leica M bodies, holds up as a natural pairing to chrome M2, M3, and M4 bodies.
This is a lens with a specific logic to it. Shooters who want the most compact possible M-mount 50mm, paired with optics built to exacting German standards, will find the 11612 Elmar earns its place on the camera than sitting in a bag.
Who It's For
Street photographers who carry a M-body all day will appreciate the collapsed profile, which reduces the kit to near-jacket-pocket size without swapping to a wide angle. Travel photographers pairing this with a chrome M3 or M4 get a period-matched, historically coherent setup that also shoots. Film shooters working in bright daylight find f/2.8 plenty of aperture for sunny-16 exposures. Collectors and shooters bridging both worlds will recognize the Ernst Leitz Wetzlar provenance as a mark of specific manufacturing lineage within the broader Leica M lens canon.
Key Features
- 50mm f/2.8 fixed focal length with Leica M bayonet mount
- Collapsible barrel design shrinks lens to pocket-friendly size
- E39 filter thread for compact filter compatibility
- Chrome finish matches classic Leica M2, M3, M4 bodies
- Ernst Leitz Wetzlar manufacture with German optical precision
- Compact alternative to fixed-barrel 50mm lenses for travel photography
FAQ
- How much does the lens shrink when collapsed?
- The barrel retracts fully into the lens body for pocket-sized portability, though exact dimensions vary by serial range and production era.
- Is this a single-coated or multi-coated lens?
- Leica produced both versions across different manufacturing periods; check the serial number and any markings on the barrel to confirm your specific unit's coating generation.
- Can you use modern filters on the E39 thread?
- Yes, E39 is a standard size with wide filter availability, though you may need step-up rings if you want to use larger filters from other lenses.
- Will this Elmar work on digital M bodies like the M9 or M10?
- The Leica M bayonet mount is compatible across all M bodies, digital and film, but digital bodies will meter and autofocus differently than film bodies designed for this lens era.
- How does the f/2.8 aperture compare to faster 50mm M-mount options?
- The Elmar trades maximum light-gathering for compact size and optical simplicity; if you need f/2 or faster, the Summicron or Summilux 50mm offer wider apertures but in fixed barrels.
- What's the optical formula? How many elements?
- Classic Elmar designs typically use 4 elements in 3 groups, though specific optical specs can shift between production batches and decades.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Mount | Leica M |
| Filter Thread | E39 |
| Finish | Chrome |
| Design | Collapsible |
| Manufacturer | Ernst Leitz GmbH Wetzlar |
| Country Of Origin | Germany |
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 | 39mm |
| Focus Type | Manual focus (only) |
| Lens Mount | Leica M |
| Lens Type | Standard / Normal |
| Max Focal Length | 50mm |
| Min Focal Length | 50mm |
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.
