Leica's late collapsible standard — the 50mm f/2.8 Elmar, coated screw-mount rangefinder glass.
The Elmar 50mm f/2.8 is the later, faster development of the collapsible Elmar normal lens for the Leica system, introduced in the late 1950s. Offered in Leica Thread Mount, it replaced the long-running f/3.5 Elmar as the compact standard lens and represents the final generation of the collapsible screw-mount Elmar design.
This is a manual-focus, rangefinder-coupled Leica Thread Mount lens with a 50mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/2.8. Like earlier Elmars it uses a collapsible barrel that retracts into the body for carrying. Construction is the chrome-finished brass typical of the period; verify filter size and any coating details on the individual lens.
A 50mm f/2.8 on a rangefinder is a compact everyday standard for street, travel and general photography, with a slightly faster aperture than the older f/3.5 for lower light. This late Elmar is coated and renders with moderate contrast, cleaner than the pre-war uncoated versions.
Values on the used market are collector-driven and reflect condition and completeness more than the modest optical spec. Inspect for internal haze and cleaning marks, coating wear or scratches, and any element separation; check that the collapsible mount locks positively, the focus is smooth and the aperture blades are free of oil. It mounts on Leica M via a 39-to-M adapter and on mirrorless bodies through an L39 adapter.