Elmar (lens)

The Elmar is a type of photographic lens, most famously associated with Leitz (later Leica) cameras. Developed by Max Berek, the original Elmar lens was a 50mm f/3.5 lens released in 1925, becoming a standard lens for Leica rangefinder cameras for many years. It was known for its compact size, good optical performance for its time, and collapsible design, which allowed the lens to be recessed into the camera body when not in use, making the camera more portable.

The name "Elmar" is derived from the first name of Oskar Barnack, a key figure in the development of the Leica camera, and Leitz's owner Ernst Leitz.

Over the years, various iterations of the Elmar lens were produced, including different focal lengths and maximum apertures. These lenses generally maintained the Elmar's reputation for compactness and good image quality. While the original Elmar was a relatively simple design, later versions incorporated advancements in lens coatings and optical designs to improve performance. The Elmar name remains associated with Leica lenses and represents a lineage of quality optics.