Leitz Canada (ELCAN) 4/65mm Prototype

This is a very rare Leica 65mm f/4 prototype lens from Leitz Canada (ELCAN) from the 1960's - imprinted with Serial # 568 but without optical formula designations. I suspect this was an optical testbed for what later became the Elmar 65mm f/3.5. This assembly is complete with it's own internal aperture adjustment mechanism, but it does not include a helical section for focusing (i.e., OTZFO for Visoflex II or III). In this configuration, it is laid out like a macro bellows lens and may be used in that manner as a taking lens if you'd choose to do so.

The lens has been minimally tested beyond the manual manipulation of the lens itself, to temporarily adapt it on a digital body to acquire the photo samples presented here.

As for condition, both cosmetically and optically...

The lens is in exceptional condition and has minimal signs of use, with only the expected tooling marks typically found on an in-house working prototype. None of these conditions affect the optical or mechanical functioning of the lens or it's diaphragm. There are 12 curved and oil-free blades to control the stepped aperture from it's outer adjustment ring. The engraved f-stop scale is marked with 4, 5.6, 8, 11, and 16 stop values on the silver-satin finished barrel segments.

There are no irregularities in the glass elements. The individual elements contain no fungus, no haze, and exhibit no surface scratches, no aberrations, and no cleaning marks. The multi-coatings are complete and flawless.

Mechanical condition... All adjustments are smooth and effortless, with the aperture detents lightly clicking into place quietly, with positive stops. The fit is solid and precise throughout.

SAMPLE PHOTOS NOTE: All the samples were taken using standard, 'off the shelf' accessory items, while the lens was temporarily mounted into a 1930's era 90mm brass macro extension tube (LTM 39mm screw), and adapted via a simple Leica 39mm screw mount adapter to a Sony NEX-F3 or Sony A7R body. All shots are the full frame on each sensor and not cropped. They were taken at f/5.6 or f/8 with an impressive minimum focus distance of approximately 4 inches while the lens is in this fixed-focus macro mode. The infinity focus possibilities of this lens is unknown, and is being sold as a rare collectors item. I have no reason to think that it won't focus to infinity - only that I have no helical section to test and confirm it.

Please note that there is some slight vignetting in both upper corners on the full frame sample. With the lens temporarily set as a friction fit into the extension tube and secured in position with the edge of a rubber band - it caused the lens to sit off-centered, slightly elevated, and pushed forward into the tube's opening. When properly mounted in a more precise manner, the vignettes should disappear.

I'll be happy to provide links to any of the samples posted here for full EXIF data, and additionally the raw Sony ARW files for further confirmation upon request.

NOTE: The L-Bracket, adapter, extension tube, supporting lens cap, and the Sony NEX-F3 camera seen in the photo used to illustrate the temporary mounting details are shown for reference only, and will not be included.

• The lens will include a pair of appropriately sized generic front and rear caps (as shown), and will be well packed to safely protect the glass elements and flange threads for travel and delivery. The lens, as pictured and described, will include no other items, documentation, maker's boxes, or accessories.
• I will only ship this item in 'Click-n-Ship' approved packaging with scheduled carrier pickups. In this case, it will be a 7" x 6" x 6" Priority Mail box, with calculated shipping cost to your address, and insured for the full purchase price, and will also include adult signature delivery.