Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2006/01/28
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I just received the Elmar copy I ordered from Fedka. It arrived exactly as described and is several times better finished and more functional than the other Soviet "Elmar" I have. Focus is accurate and smooth, glass is clean and clear, collapsing works as it should. For $35, a bargain IMO. Now I have to test it out on a camera. More later ... However, I'm not sure I'd call it an Elmar copy. The rear element is a bit smaller in diameter than my 1950 Leitz Elmar and the diaphragm is just in front of the rear glass rather than just behind the front glass, as in a true Elmar. My other FSU Elmar is the same. Considering that the pedigree of the FSU lenses runs through Zeiss and not Leitz, I'm wondering if it's not a Tessar copy, at least optically. (Not that it matters.) I'll try to snoop around on the Vade Mecum CD and see what I can find out. Anyone here know more? -- Phil Swango 307 Aliso Dr SE Albuquerque, NM 87108 http://pswango.smugmug.com/ pswango(at)att.net