What is an Elcan 2" f/2 lens head...?!

[lutz]

I saw such a thing (which very much looks like a 50 Summicron head to me, but

somehow fatter...) in a shop at a _very_ attractive price. What was it meant for?

[vivek iyer]

Lutz,Some have mounted it for use on screw and m mount cameras and they usually go for a lot more than the fabulous summicrons.

 

Check kevincameras for some of the converted samples.

 

These could have been made as copy lenses and are different than the aerial lenses made by Leica.

[dan flanders]

Elcan (Leitz Canada) provided a four element 2.0/50 lens for use with

the KE7a for a US military contract during the '70s and the contract overrun was sold to the public. Could this be the subject of your inquiry? Cosmetically it was similar to the 35mm Summicron and the Summicron C though of simpler specification. Most were highly priced due to their relative scarcity and appeal to collectors.

[Troll]

I have always presumed that it is a POS. But I wonder if it may have had some really exotic glass in it so only 4 elements are required (military specs, who knows what the cost could have been?)

[lutz]

Sorry for getting back to this thread only now.<p>

Vivek, I wasn't aware of kevincameras - wow, that's exotic lens paradise! Unfortunately, they wouldn't get back to me with a quote for an Elcan 50/2 conversion. Now, the lens I saw for just about $35(!) was pristine - but it comes without any focusing barrel. That's why I suppose it's just a lens head, for whichever purpose. If the quality is right then this might be a worthwhile object of conversion...<p>Cheers