How Much Is a Used Leica Elmar-M 50mm Worth? (2026 Price Guide)

The modern Elmar-M (1994 to 2007) is the one to buy if you want consistent performance, as it uses an updated optical computation and modern multi-coating over the same Tessar layout. It comes in black and silver chrome finishes; the silver is heavier. The vintage <a href="/price-guide/elmar-50/">Elmar 50</a> screw-mount lenses have more old-glass character but lower contrast and need an adapter on M bodies.

No. Leica warns against collapsing it fully into the M5 and the Leica CL, because their metering cells sit in front of the shutter and the retracted barrel can strike them. On other M bodies, including digital M cameras, it collapses safely. If you use an M5 or CL, limit how far the barrel retracts rather than pushing it all the way in.

Check that the collapsible barrel extends and locks firmly without play, since a loose mechanism affects focus accuracy. Look for haze or fungus in the small elements and confirm the aperture, which has only a few blades, is clean and dry. Because the design is compact, also verify the focus is smooth to the 0.7 meter close limit and that the rangefinder cam tracks correctly.

The Elmar-M is a stop slower at f/2.8 than the <a href="/price-guide/summicron-m-50/">Summicron-M 50mm</a> f/2, and its main appeal is the tiny collapsible size rather than outright speed. Stopped down it is sharp and contrasty, but the Summicron is faster and renders more shallow depth of field wide open. Choose the Elmar-M for a pocketable travel normal, and the Summicron when you want speed and a more substantial lens.