Leica Elmar 105mm f/6.3 Codeword History & Evolution(1932–1936)


Codewords and Code Numbers

  • 1932年 | Elzenkup | – (List Photo No. 7210)
  • 1932年 | ELZENKUP | 35084 (Supplement to Pamphlets Nos. 1204 and 1205)
  • 1933年 | Elzenchrom | – (Liste Photo Nr. 7325.)
  • 1934年 | Elzen | – (Liste Photo Nr. 7325 b.)

Key Findings

  • First confirmed catalogue appearance: May 1932.
  • Initially listed as a lens still under development.
  • Marketed as a lightweight long-focus lens for landscape photography, touring, and mountaineering.
  • European and American catalogues used different descriptive terminology.
  • Chrome-finished versions were introduced in 1933 under the codeword Elzenchrom.
  • Codeword simplified from Elzenkup to Elzen by 1934.
  • Latest confirmed catalogue appearance: August 1936.
  • German catalogue of August 1936 states “Wird nicht mehr geliefert” (“no longer supplied”).

1932年: Development Stage

In the European catalogue List Photo No. 7210 of May 1932, the lens is listed as:

Light weight Distance Lens “Elmar” F/6.3, 10.5 cm. focus, with mount for automatic coupling, in construction.

The assigned codeword is Elzenkup.

In the U.S. publication Supplement to Pamphlets Nos. 1204 and 1205 of June 1932, the lens is listed as “LEITZ Anastigmat ELMAR, 105mm focus, F:6.3 (light telephoto lens) in focusing mount”. The assigned codeword is ELZENKUP, with code number 35,084. The listed retail price was USD 43.00.

It is noteworthy that the European catalogue describes the lens as a “Light weight Distance Lens”, while the American publication uses the term “light telephoto lens”. This illustrates differences in marketing terminology between regions.

1932年:開発段階

1932年5月の欧州向けカタログ(List Photo No. 7210)では製作中である旨の注記を付して「Light weight Distance Lens “Elmar” F/6.3, 10.5 cm. focus, with mount for automatic coupling, in construction」と表記されている。コードワードはElzenkupである。

同年6月の米国向けパンフレット(Supplement to Pamphlets Nos. 1204 and 1205)では「LEITZ Anastigmat ELMAR, 105mm focus, F:6.3 (light telephoto lens) in focusing mount」と表記されている。コードワードはELZENKUP、コードナンバーは35084である。価格は43.00ドルであった。欧州向けでは特長を「Light weight Distance Lens」と表しているのに対し、米国向けカタログでは「light telephoto lens」と表現している。国・地域によって表現の差があることが確認できる。

  • cover List Photo No. 7210
  • Leica Elmar 105mm f/6.3 List Photo No. 7210
  • cover Supplement to Pamphlets Nos. 1204 and 1205
  • Leica Elmar 105mm f/6.3 Supplement to Pamphlets Nos. 1204 and 1205

1933: Detailed Description of Purpose and Specifications

In the German catalogue Liste Photo Nr. 7325. of June 1933, the lens is described as „ELMAR“ 10,5 cm 1 : 6,3 Fernobjektiv für die Landschaftsphotographie; ein leichtes und bequem unterzubringendes Objektiv für die Touristik und den Alpinismus.

This may be translated as “A telephoto lens for landscape photography; a lightweight and easily carried lens for touring and mountaineering.”

The assigned codeword is Elzenkup, and the listed retail price was RM 90. The codeword Elzenkup refers to the standard version (nickel finish). A chromium-plated version was also available. The chromium-plated version carries the codeword Elzenchrom and was priced at RM 91.

1933年:用途と仕様の明示

1933年6月のドイツ語カタログ(Liste Photo Nr. 7325.)では「„ELMAR“ 10,5 cm 1 : 6,3 Fernobjektiv für die Landschaftsphotographie ; ein leichtes und bequem unterzubringendes Objektiv für die Touristik und den Alpinismus.」と表記されており、日本語では「風景写真のための望遠レンズ。軽量で携行しやすく、旅行および登山のためのレンズである」といった内容である。コードワードはElzenkup、価格は90RM(ライヒスマルク)である。Elzenkupは通常仕様(ニッケル仕上げ)であり、別にVerchromt(クローム仕上げ)が用意されている。クローム仕上げのコードワードはElzenchrom、価格は91RMである。

  • cover Liste Photo Nr. 7325.
  • Leica Elmar 105mm f/6.3 Liste Photo Nr. 7325.

1934: Standardization of the Chromium-Plated Version

In the German catalogue Liste Photo Nr. 7325 b. of December 1934, the lens is listed as „ELMAR“ 10,5 cm 1 : 6,3 Fernobjektiv für die Landschaftsphotographie; ein leichtes und bequem unterzubringendes Objektiv für die Touristik und den Alpinismus. Skala verchromt.

This may be translated as “A telephoto lens for landscape photography; a lightweight and easily carried lens for touring and mountaineering. The distance scale is chromium plated.”

The description is essentially identical to that found in the June 1933 catalogue, with the addition of “Skala verchromt.”

The assigned codeword is Elzen, and the listed retail price remained RM 90. The catalogue suggests that the chromium-plated version had by this time become the standard specification.

1934年:クローム仕上げの標準化

1934年12月のドイツ語カタログ(Liste Photo Nr. 7325 b.)では「„ELMAR“ 10,5 cm 1 : 6,3 Fernobjektiv für die Landschaftsphotographie; ein leichtes und bequem unterzubringendes Objektiv für die Touristik und den Alpinismus. Skala verchromt.」と表記されている。1933年6月のドイツ語カタログ(Liste Photo Nr. 7325.)と同じ内容であるが、文末に「(距離および絞りの)目盛りはクローム仕上げ」が追加されている。コードワードはElzen、価格は90RMである。当レンズの標準仕様がクローム仕上げとなっていることが確認できる。

  • cover Liste Photo Nr. 7325 b.
  • Leica Elmar 105mm f/6.3 Liste Photo Nr. 7325 b.

1936: Discontinuation

According to the currently available records, the final catalogue appearances of the Elmar 105mm f/6.3 are found in the European catalogue List Photo 3 K en. and the German catalogue Liste Photo 4 K d., both published in August 1936.

The European catalogue describes the lens as:

Leitz “Elmar” F/6.3, 10.5 cm. Long-focus lens for landscape photography; a specially light and convenient lens for touring and mountaineering. Chromium plated scale; image angle 24°; weight 8½ ozs.; relative magnification as compared with the standard lens, × 2.1.

Compared with earlier catalogues, this description provides more detailed specifications, including image angle, weight, and magnification. The listed retail price was £10 3s.

In contrast, the German catalogue includes the note “Wird nicht mehr geliefert.” This may be translated as “No longer supplied.“ The differing descriptions suggest that marketing and sales policies were not always synchronized across regions. While the lens continued to appear in the European catalogue, the German catalogue already identified it as discontinued.

1936年:供給終了

カタログ上で最後にElmar 105mm f/6,3の掲載が確認できるのは、1936年8月の欧州向けカタログ(List Photo 3K en.)および同年同月のドイツ語カタログ(Liste Photo 4 K d.)である。欧州向けカタログでは「Leitz “Elmar” F/6.3, 10.5 cm. Long-focus lens for landscape photography; a specially light and convenient lens for touring and mountaineering. Chromium plated scale ; image angle 24° ; weight 8 1/2 ozs. ; relative magnification as compared with the standard lens, × 2.1」と、レンズの仕様および用途に加え、画角や重量などの具体的な数値も記述されている。価格は10ポンド3シリングである。なお、ドイツ語カタログでは価格欄に「Wird nicht mehr geliefert.」と記載されている。これは供給終了(直訳は「もはや供給されない」)を示す表現であり、国や地域による販売政策の差がうかがえる。

  • cover List Photo 3K en.
  • Leica Elmar 105mm f/6.3 List Photo 3K en.
  • cover Liste Photo 4 K d.
  • Leica Elmar 105mm f/6.3 Liste Photo 4 K d.
  • Leica Elmar 105mm f/6.3 Liste Photo 4 K d.

Catalogue Records

1932-05 / List Photo No. 7210
Light weight Distance Lens “Elmar” F/6.3, 10.5 cm. focus, with mount for automatic coupling, in construction
Codeword: Elzenkup

1932-06 / [Supplement to Pamphlets Nos. 1204 and 1205]
LEITZ Anastigmat ELMAR, 105mm focus, F:6.3 (light telephoto lens) in focusing mount
Price: USD 43.00 / Codeword: ELZENKUP / Code No.: 35084

1932-08 / Liste Photo Nr. 7244
„Elmar“ 10,5 cm 1 : 6,3 (Fernobjektiv für die Landschaftsphotographie; ein leichtes und bequem unterzubringendes Objektiv für die Touristik und den Alpinismus)
Price: 90 RM / Codeword: Elzenkup

1932-11 / Liste Photo Nr. 7244 a
„Elmar“ 10,5 cm 1 : 6,3 (Fernobjektiv für die Landschaftsphotographie; ein leichtes und bequem unterzubringendes Objektiv für die Touristik und den Alpinismus)
Price: 90 RM / Codeword: Elzenkup

1933-06 / Liste Photo Nr. 7325.
„ELMAR“ 10,5 cm 1 : 6,3 Fernobjektiv für die Landschaftsphotographie ; ein leichtes und bequem unterzubringendes Objektiv für die Touristik und den Alpinismus.
Price: 90 RM / Codeword: Elzenkup

1933-06 / Liste Photo Nr. 7325.
Verchromt
Price: 91 RM / Codeword: Elzenchrom

1933-08 / Liste Photo Nr. 7333
Elmar (leichtes Fernobjektiv) [10,5cm, 1:6,3]
Price: 90 RM / Codeword: Elzenkup

1933-08 / Liste Photo Nr. 7333
Verchromte Ausführung für die verchromte Leica
Price: 91 RM / Codeword: Elzenchrom

1933-10 / List Photo No. 2 K, en.
Elmar F/6.3, 10.5 cm. focus. Long-focus lens for landscape photography: a specially light and convenient lens for touring and mountaineering; Angle 24°; weight 7¼ ozs.; relative magnification as compared with the standard lens, 2.1 times
Codeword: Elzenkup

1933-10 / List Photo No. 2 K, en.
Chromium-plated instead of nickel finish
Codeword: Elzenchrom

1933-11 / Liste Photo Nr. 7333 a
Elmar (leichtes Fernobjektiv) [10,5cm, 1:6,3]
Price: 90 RM / Codeword: Elzenkup

1933-11 / Liste Photo Nr. 7333 a
Verchromte Ausführung für die verchromte Leica
Price: 91 RM / Codeword: Elzenchrom

1933-11 / Booklet No. 1220
LEITZ Anastigmat ELMAR, 105mm focus, f:6.3 (light telephoto lens) in focusing mount
Price: USD 51.00 / Codeword: ELZEN-KUP / Code No.: 35084

1933-12 / Liste Photo Nr. 7325 a
„ELMAR“ 10,5 cm 1 : 6,3 Fernobjektiv für die Landschaftsphotographie; ein leichtes und bequem unterzubringendes Objektiv für die Touristik und den Alpinismus. Skala verchromt.
Price: 90 RM / Codeword: Elzenkup

1933-12 / Liste Photo Nr. 7325 a
Verchromt
Price: 91 RM / Codeword: Elzenchrom

1933-12 / Liste Photo 7344
Elmar F 6,3, focale 10,5 cm objectif de long foyer pour le paysage. Léger et peu encombrant, il convient aux touristes et aux alpinistes. Longueur 90 mm, Poids 210 gr. Code télég. “Elzenkup”
Price: 1045 Francs belges / Codeword: Elzenkup

1933-12 / Liste Photo 7344
Chromé “Elzenchrom”
Price: 1060 Francs belges / Codeword: Elzenchrom

1934-06 / Liste Photo Nr. 7325 b.
„ELMAR“ 10,5 cm 1 : 6,3 Fernobjektiv für die Landschaftsphotographie; ein leichtes und bequem unterzubringendes Objektiv für die Touristik und den Alpinismus. Skala verchromt.
Price: 90 RM / Codeword: Elzen

1934-12 / Liste Photo Nr. 7325 b.
„ELMAR“ 10,5 cm 1 : 6,3 Fernobjektiv für die Landschaftsphotographie ; ein leichtes und bequem unterzubringendes Objektiv für die Touristik und den Alpinismus. Skala verchromt.
Price: 234 Ö. Schilling / Codeword: Elzen

1935-03 / Booklet No. 1227-3rd Edition
LEITZ Anastigmat ELMAR, 105mm focus, f:6.3, (light telephoto lens) in focusing mount, including special sun-shade (chrome finish)
Price: USD 60.00 / Codeword: ELZEN / Code No.: 50,430

1935-04 / Liste Photo 7344 a
Elmar F 6,3, focale 10,5 cm objectif de long foyer pour le paysage. Léger et peu encombrant, il convient aux touristes et aux alpinistes. Longueur 90 mm, Poids 210 gr. Echelle chromée. Code télég. «Elzen»
Price: 700 Frs / Codeword: Elzen

1935-06 / Liste Photo Nr. 7325 c.
„Leitz-Elmar“ 10,5 cm 1 : 6,3. Fern-Objektiv für die Landschafts- und Architektur-Photographie ; ein leichtes und bequem unterzubringendes Objektiv für Touristik und Alpinismus.
Price: 90 RM / Codeword: Elzen

1935-06 / Liste Photo Nr. 7333 b
Leitz=Elmar, leichtes Fern-Objektiv [10,5cm, 1:6,3]
Price: 90 RM / Codeword: Elzen
Note: Diese Objektive werden ausschließlich schwarz lackiert, jedoch mit verchromter Entfernungsskala geliefert.

1935-09 / Booklet No. 1244
LEITZ Anastigmat ELMAR, 105mm focus, f:6.3 (distance lens of light weight for landscape photography), angle of view 24°, in focusing mount, including special sunshade
Price: USD 60.00 / Codeword: ELZEN / Code No.: 50,430

1935-10 / Booklet No. 1243
LEITZ Anastigmat ELMAR, 105mm focus, f:6.3 (distance lens of light weight for landscape photography), angle of view 24°, in focusing mount, including special sunshade
Price: USD 60.00 / Codeword: ELZEN / Code No.: 50,430

1935-12 / Liste Photo Nr. 7333 c
Leitz=Elmar, leichtes Fern-Objektiv [10,5cm, 1:6,3]
Price: 90 RM / Codeword: Elzen

1936-04 / Booklet No. 1224-5TH EDITION
LEITZ Anastigmat ELMAR, 105mm focus, f:6.3, (distance lens of light weight for landscape photography), angle of view 24°, in focusing mount, including special sunshade
Price: USD 60.00 / Codeword: ELZEN / Code No.: 50,430

1936-05 / Booklet No. 1244-3rd Ed.
LEITZ Anastigmat ELMAR, 105mm focus, f:6.3 (distance lens of light weight for landscape photography), angle of view 24°, in focusing mount, including special sunshade
Price: USD 60.00 / Codeword: ELZEN / Code No.: 50,430

1936-08 / List Photo 3K en.
Leitz “Elmar” F/6.3, 10.5 cm. Long-focus lens for landscape photography; a specially light and convenient lens for touring and mountaineering. Chromium plated scale ; image angle 24° ; weight 8 1/2 ozs. ; relative magnification as compared with the standard lens, × 2.1
Price: £10 3s. 0d. / Codeword: Elzen

1936-08 / Liste Photo 4 K d.
Leitz-Elmar 10,5 cm 1 : 6,3. Fernobjektiv für die Landschaftsphotographie; ein besonders leichtes und bequem unterzubringendes Objektiv für die Touristik und den Alpinismus. Skala verchromt; Bildwinkel 24°; Gewicht 240 g; Vergrößerung gegenüber dem Standard-Objektiv 2,1×
Codeword: Elzen
Note: Wird nicht mehr geliefert.

Last updated: 2026-08-10