mark-j Posted December 3, 2004 Share Posted December 3, 2004 I have heard and seen references to the term "Parallel Focus" when referencing the 3 Element 90 Elmar. What does this term mean?Thanks for your input. Mark J. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al_kaplan1 Posted December 3, 2004 Share Posted December 3, 2004 The lens head doesn't rotate when you turn the focussing ring. It just moves in and out from the camera. Many older Leitz lenses had a single helical in the mount and the front part would rotate as you focussed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark-j Posted December 3, 2004 Author Share Posted December 3, 2004 Al: Going back in history, did your 90 Elmar, 3 element have this type of mount. The lens head rotates when I focus mine. The one I have is a very late one, 212xxxx. Thank-you. Mark J. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al_kaplan1 Posted December 3, 2004 Share Posted December 3, 2004 Mark, I really don't remember! It was stolen from me about 15 years ago! Sorry! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jo_l_cahane Posted December 3, 2004 Share Posted December 3, 2004 All three elements Elmars have a rotating front I have a late one and it is a wonderful lens Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dan flanders Posted December 3, 2004 Share Posted December 3, 2004 Look at the picture in the Leica Pocket Book, Puts, or any of the catalogs! The sides of the barrel were more closely 'parallel' and straight than the previous versions which are more bulging in contour. Due to the lens's relative rarity, the appellation fooled many Leicaphiles, this one included, who sought the lens because of its supposed non-rotation, probably unaware of its superior optical quality. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eliot_rosen1 Posted December 3, 2004 Share Posted December 3, 2004 Mark. The 90/4 3-element has a non-rotating mount. If the front of the lens turns when you twist the focussing ring it is NOT the 3-element lens. The 4-element 90/4 Elmars have rotating focussing mounts. If your lens mount rotates it is the 4-element version. That's just the way it is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eliot_rosen1 Posted December 3, 2004 Share Posted December 3, 2004 Joel and Mark are both wrong. No 3-element Elmar has a rotating mount. You clearly are not distinguishing the 3-element design (1960-65) from the four-element design (which is much older but production years overlapped). The four element lens is common, it was produced since 1931. the 3-element design is uncommon or rare. The barrel configuration of the two lens types is completely different. If you don't know the difference, any Leica reference (eg., Lager's volume II) will show it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronald_moravec1 Posted December 3, 2004 Share Posted December 3, 2004 I only touched one once, but the three element is also refered to a parallel elmar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jo_l_cahane Posted December 4, 2004 Share Posted December 4, 2004 Eliot, mine has a serial number : 1913226 Scalopped mount and rotating front. i also have the more common 4 鬥ments elmar. Mine was examined by Leitz and it is definitely a three elements The box also shows the lens diagram. Three elements. The two lenses do not compare at all optically. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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