Elmar 6.3/10.5cm prototype *

the famous prototype of the 'Mountain' Elmar 6.3/10.5cm ELZEN, ex Leica Museum and still with the original red museum inventory sticker 'M 899'; with the exception for the mount, all elements made out of black-painted brass, despite the similar outer appearance, this prototype is considerably smaller than the serial production lens, it is only 77mm high (vs 93mm of the production lens), the visible part of the front element is of the same size, the front rim is slightly larger (25 on the prototype vs 24mm on the production lens), the focal length is also marginally shorter (around 10cm); only two prototypes in this form are known to exist. The other example can be seen in P.H. van Hasbroeck 'Leica, A History illustrating every Model and Accessory' on page 219, the offered lens can be seen in Lager II 'Lenses' on page 89 and in L. Netopil 'Prototype Leica' on pages 131, 136-139. It is one of the most interesting items from the early history of Leica!