Leitz 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit
The Leitz 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit is a compact wide-angle lens for the Leica M rangefinder system, produced across several distinct versions from the mid-1960s onward. It was designed as a moderately fast reportage wide for 35mm rangefinder work, sitting between the 35mm standard-wide and the 21mm ultra-wide in the Leitz line-up.
At UK auction the Elmarit 28mm f/2.8 has produced hammer results from £1,400 up to £6,000 across the nine sales on record, with a median of roughly £2,625 — a wide spread that reflects the fact that 'Elmarit 28' covers several distinct generations that sell for very different money. As of 2026 the lower hammer prices (£1,400–£2,000) are typical for earlier versions in user condition, while the £4,800–£6,000 results show what the scarcer or later iterations are worth to collectors in the saleroom. Remember these are wholesale hammer figures, so retail value at a dealer will sit above this range.
Variants
| Variant | Years | Edition | Sales | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M | — | — | 15 | £475 – £14,425 |
| R | — | — | 14 | £212 – £1,300 |
Sales History
Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.
| Date | Price | Source | Variant | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2026 | £262 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 23) Title: A Leitz Wetzlar Elmarit-R f/2.8 28mm Lens
Description:
black, serial number 2511034, barrel VG, optics VG, in maker's box with caps and instructions and original bill of sale. |
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| Nov 2025 | £600 | Special Auction Services | M | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 459) Title: A Leitz Elmarit-M 28mm f/2.8 Lens
Description:
A Leitz Elmarit-M 28mm f/2.8 Lens, M mount, made in Canada, E49, serial no 3426188, 1987, version III, barrel G-VG, elements VG, with Leitz Germany |
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| Mar 2025 | £529 | Chiswick Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Photographica (Lot 198) Title: A Leitz ELC 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit Lens
Description:
A Leitz ELC 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit Lens Serial No: 2544078 (1972) Body: G - light paint wear Optics: G/VG - some light internal dust and haze Notes: (Qty: 1) ... read more |
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| Feb 2025 | £212 | Flints Auctions | R | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 187) Title: A Leitz Wetzlar Elmarit-R f/2.8 28mm Lens
Description:
black, serial number 3313547, barrel G, some paint wear from professional use, iris works, optics VG, with rear cap, hood and soft case. |
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| Nov 2024 | EUR 6,000 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 45 (Lot A01321) Title: Elmarit 2.8/28mm 11801 9-element First Batch
Description:
Rare first type Elmarit 28mm with 9-element lens made in Germany, from the very first batch, production starts with no.2061501, in beautiful, mint condition, black painted infinity lock, good optics only showing discrete cleaning marks, with both caps, hood 12501, guarantee card and maker's box. Estimate: EUR 6,000 - EUR 7,000 |
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| Nov 2024 | £3,750 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 49) Title: A Leitz Elmarit f/2.8 28mm 'Canada' Lens
Description:
first version 9-element, black, serial no. 2197372, body, G-VG, elements, VG-E, complete with 12501M lens hood |
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| Nov 2024 | £2,625 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 50) Title: A Leitz Elmarit f/2.8 28mm 'Canada' Lens
Description:
transitional version 9-element, black, serial no. 2315301, body, VG-E, elements, VG, some very light internal haze, complete with 12501 lens hood and |
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| Oct 2024 | £280 | Harper Field Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Buying & Selling (Lot 1787) Title: Leitz Elmarit-R R mount 1:2.8/28mm lens, serial number 2920739, circa 1978, in safari green
Description:
Leitz Elmarit-R R mount 1:2.8/28mm lens, serial number 2920739, circa 1978, in safari green |
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| Oct 2024 | £1,000 | Harper Field Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Buying & Selling (Lot 1722) Title: Leica Elmarit-M M mount 1:2.8/28 camera lens, serial number 4086869, circa 2009, with B+W filter,
Description:
Leica Elmarit-M M mount 1:2.8/28 camera lens, serial number 4086869, circa 2009, with B+W filter, |
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| Oct 2024 | £260 | Special Auction Services | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 366) Title: A Leitz Wetzlar Elmarit-R 28mm f/2.8 Lens
Description:
A Leitz Wetzlar Elmarit-R 28mm f/2.8 Lens, serial no 2441666, 1970, 3 CAM, barrel G, some light paint wear to grip, elements G-VG, with hood, front |
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| Jun 2024 | EUR 6,000 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 44 (Lot A00554) Title: Elmarit 2.8/28mm 11801 9-element
Description:
Rare first type Elmarit 28mm with 9-element lens made in Canada, in beautiful, mint condition, a quite late version with chrome infinity lock, good optics, with both caps, hood 12501 and black finder (maker's box). Estimate: EUR 6,000 - EUR 7,000 |
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| May 2024 | £1,062 | Flints Auctions | M | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 59) Title: A Leitz Elmarit-M f/2.8 28mm Lens
Description:
1998, black, serial no. 3848368, body, E, elements, VG-E, complete with Leica 12451 lens hood, soft pouch, paperwork and maker's box |
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| Apr 2024 | £500 | Special Auction Services | M | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 489) Title: A Leitz Canada 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit Lens
Description:
A Leitz Canada 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit Lens, M mount, serial no 2880324, 1977, barrel G-VG, elements G-VG, with front and rear caps |
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| Apr 2024 | £3,800 | Special Auction Services | M | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 484) Title: A Leitz Canada 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit Lens
Description:
A Leitz Canada 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit Lens, M mount, serial no 2197203 1966, barrel G-VG, elements G-VG, with 12501 M hood, front and rear caps |
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| Apr 2024 | £250 | Special Auction Services | R | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 450) Title: A Leitz Wetzlar 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R Lens
Description:
A Leitz Wetzlar 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R Lens, 3 Cam, serial no 3230925, 1882, barrel G, elements G-VG, with front and rear caps |
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| Apr 2024 | £262 | Flints Auctions | R | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Auction (Lot 22) Title: A Leitz Elmarit-R f/2.8 28mm Lens
Description:
3-Cam, black, serial no. 2804848, body, G-VG, elements, VG, some very light internal haze, complete with lens hood and maker's rear cap |
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| Nov 2023 | EUR 1,300 | Leitz Auction | R | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 43 (Lot AI_20220621_1414_41566) Title: Elmarit-R 2.8/28mm 11333
Description:
Rare late ROM Elmarit-R version with built-in hood (less than 4000 ever produced), in near mint condition, clean optics, with both caps, keeper and matching maker's box. Estimate: EUR 2,400 - EUR 2,800 |
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| Nov 2023 | £688 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 47) Title: A Leitz Elmarit-M f/2.8 28mm Lens
Description:
1986, 3rd Version, black, serial no. 3393127, body, VG, elements, VG, some internal haze, complete with lens hood and maker's original box |
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| Nov 2023 | £3,500 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 46A) Title: A Leitz Elmarit f/2.8 28mm Lens
Description:
1966, first version, black, serial no. 2197059, body, VG, elements, G-VG, some very light internal haze, one small area of separation to the |
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| Oct 2023 | £380 | Special Auction Services | R | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 679) Title: A Leitz Wetzlar 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R Lens
Description:
A Leitz Wetzlar 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R Lens, 11 247, serial no 3367755, 1985, 3rd cam, barrel G-VG, elements G-VG, with front/rear caps, HOOD, Leitz |
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| Jul 2023 | £625 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Mini Fine Cameras & Instruments of Science (Lot 19) Title: A Leitz Elmarit-M f/2.8 28mm Lens
Description:
black, serial no. 2978509, body, VG, elements, VG, complete with maker's caps |
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| May 2023 | £338 | Flints Auctions | R | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 55) Title: A Leitz Elmarit-R f/2.8 28mm Lens
Description:
1982, 3-cam, black, serial no. 3229803, body, VG-E, elements, VG, some very light internal haze, complete with lens hood, caps and maker's original |
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| Apr 2023 | £700 | Special Auction Services | M | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 564) Title: A Leica 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M E46 Lens
Description:
A Leica 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M E46 Lens, made in Germany, serial no 3848368, 1998, barrel G-VG, elements G-VG, with 12451 hood, E46 Uva filter, rear |
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| Mar 2023 | £475 | Flints Auctions | M | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 4) Title: A Leitz Elmarit-M f/2.8 28mm Lens
Description:
1982, black, serial no. 3190051, body, VG, aperture ring not aligned with f-stop writing on lens, elements, G, some internal haze/marks to the middle |
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| Jan 2023 | £1,000 | Flints Auctions | R | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 76) Title: A Leitz Elmarit-R f/2.8 28mm Lens
Description:
3-Cam, black, serial no. 3624855, body, G-VG, elements, VG-E, with lens hood, caps and maker's soft pouch |
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| Nov 2022 | £620 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 80) Title: A Leitz Elmarit-M f/2.8 28mm Lens
Description:
1982, black, serial no. 3190051, body, VG, elements, G, some internal haze/marks to the middle group, complete with lens hood, caps and maker's box |
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| Jun 2022 | EUR 2,000 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 40 (Lot AI_40_40168) Title: Elmarit 2.8/28mm 11801
Description:
Uncommon 2nd version, 8-element made in Canada with infinity lock, early lens from the first batch, in very good condition, good lenses only showing minimal cleaning marks on the front element, with both caps Estimate: EUR 1,200 - EUR 1,400 |
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| May 2022 | £400 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 283) Title: A Leitz Elmarit-R f/2.8 28mm Lens
Description:
3-cam, black, serial no. 3270191, body, G-VG, elements, VG, missing little red dot, complete with lens hood |
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| Apr 2021 | £3,596 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science (Lot 44) Title: A Leitz Elmarit f/2.8 28mm Lens
Description:
1964, Wetzlar, black, serial no. 2061771, body, E, elements, VG, some light internal haze, with rear lens cap and maker's box Note: Lot imported |
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| Apr 2021 | £322 | Flints Auctions | R | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science (Lot 82) Title: A Leitz Elmarit-R f/2.8 28mm Lens
Description:
1972, black, serial no. 2510633, body, E, elements, VG, some internal haze, complete with lens hood, caps and maker's box |
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| Apr 2021 | £744 | Flints Auctions | M | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science (Lot 45) Title: A Leitz Elmarit-M f/2.8 28mm Lens
Description:
1982, black, serial no. 3245807, body, E, elements, VG, some internal haze, with E49 UVa filter, caps, warranty card and maker's box |
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| May 2020 | £1,715 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science (Lot 58) Title: A Leitz Elmarit f/2.8 28mm Lens
Description:
A Leitz Elmarit f/2.8 28mm Lens, 1964, first version, black, serial no. 2063194, body, VG, elements, VG, some light internal haze, with maker's rear |
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| Nov 2018 | £540 | Flints Auctions | M | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science & Medicine (Lot 1041) Title: A Leitz Elmarit-M f/2.8 28mm Lens
Description:
1980, black, serial no. 3041486, body, F-G, elements, G-VG, some light marks to front element |
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| Nov 2016 | EUR 1,400 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 29 (Lot AI_29_33280) Title: Elmarit 2.8/28mm 11801
Description:
rare, first type Wetzlar Elmarit 28mm (9-element) with black paint infinity lock, in very good condition, with 12501M hood (cond. B-) and rear cap Estimate: EUR 1,500 - EUR 1,700 |
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| Nov 2016 | EUR 300 | Leitz Auction | R | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 29 (Lot AI_29_33306) Title: Elmarit-R 2.8/28mm 11247
Description:
late lens in near mint condition, clean optics, with front and rear cap Estimate: EUR 600 - EUR 800 |
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| Mar 2014 | EUR 1,200 | Leitz Auction | M | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 25 (Lot AI_25_30112) Title: Elmarit 2.8/28mm 11801
Description:
second 8-element type (can be used with M5 and CL), in almost mint condition, clean lenses, rear cap, hood 12501, chrome 28mm BL finder SLOOZ Estimate: EUR 1,200 - EUR 1,400 |
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| Mar 2014 | EUR 800 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 25 (Lot AI_25_30323) Title: Elmarit-R 2.8/28mm Prototype
Description:
3-cam Elmarit with typical prototype serial number '0001443', in near mint condition with clean lenses (both caps) Estimate: EUR 1,500 - EUR 1,800 |
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| Nov 2011 | EUR 2,400 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 20 (Lot AI_20_13483) Title: Elmarit 2.8/28mm
Description:
very rare, first type Wetzlar Elmarit 28mm (9-element), in very good condition, original rear cap, 12501M hood Estimate: EUR 1,800 - EUR 2,000 |
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| Dec 2010 | EUR 600 | Leitz Auction | M | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 18 (Lot AI_18_12077) Title: Elmarit-M 2,8/28mm 11801
Description:
second version Elmarit in fine condition, clean optics, both caps, hood 12501 Estimate: EUR 1,000 - EUR 1,200 |
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| May 2010 | EUR 4,800 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 17 (Lot AI_17_11203) Title: Elmarit 2,8/28mm 11801
Description:
very rare, first type (9-element) Wetzlar Elmarit 28mm from the first batch in new condition, clean lenses, both original caps, hood 12501M, original maker's box, black 28mm BL finder SLOOZ (new in maker's box) Estimate: EUR 2,800 - EUR 3,400 |
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| May 2009 | EUR 1,900 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 15 (Lot AI_15_19235) Title: Elmarit 2.8/28mm
Description:
very rare, first type Wetzlar Elmarit 28mm (9-element) in mint condition, clean lenses, both original caps Estimate: EUR 2,400 - EUR 2,600 |
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| Nov 2008 | EUR 1,500 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 14 (Lot AI_14_18234) Title: Elmarit 2.8/28mm
Description:
first type 9-element Canada lens in mint condition, black paint infinity lock button, UVa filter, 12501 hood, rear cap Estimate: EUR 1,700 - EUR 1,900 |
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| Nov 2008 | EUR 600 | Leitz Auction | M | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 14 (Lot AI_14_18235) Title: Elmarit 2.8/28mm 11801
Description:
second 8-element type (can be used with M5 and CL), in near mint condition, clean lenses, caps, hood 12501, warranty card, maker's box Estimate: EUR 1,000 - EUR 1,200 |
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| Nov 2008 | EUR 650 | Leitz Auction | R | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 14 (Lot AI_14_18308) Title: Elmarit-R 2.8/28mm 11333
Description:
new ROM lens complete in maker's box Estimate: EUR 800 - EUR 1,000 |
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| Nov 2006 | EUR 800 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 10 (Lot AI_10_15003) Title: Elmarit-M 2.8/28mm 1913-1983
Description:
edition lens for M4-P "70 years", new in sealed maker's box Estimate: EUR 800 - EUR 1,000 |
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| Nov 2006 | EUR 1,900 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 10 (Lot AI_10_15001) Title: Elmarit 2.8/28mm 1st Version
Description:
rare 9-element lens, Leitz Canada, top condition (clean lenses) in original maker's box, both caps, hood 12501 Estimate: EUR 2,600 - EUR 3,000 |
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| Feb 2006 | £504 | Christie's | M | |
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Auction: Cameras and Photographic Equipment including the Property of a Photographer (Lot 35) Title: Elmarit-M f/2.8 28mm. no. 3168491
Description:
Elmarit-M f/2.8 28mm. no. 3168491 Estimate: £200 - £300 |
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| Feb 2006 | £1,020 | Christie's | M | |
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Auction: Cameras and Photographic Equipment including the Property of a Photographer (Lot 31) Title: Elmarit f/2.8 28mm. no. 2197339
Description:
Elmarit f/2.8 28mm. no. 2197339 Estimate: £250 - £350 |
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| Nov 2004 | EUR 1,000 | Leitz Auction | M | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 6 (Lot AI_6_24430) Title: Elmarit-M 2.8/28mm 1913-1983
Description:
for M4-P 70 Jahre, very rare and mint, cap, guarantee card, original maker's box Estimate: EUR 1,700 - EUR 1,900 |
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| Nov 2004 | EUR 1,511 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 6 (Lot AI_6_24428) Title: Elmarit 2.8/28mm 1. Version
Description:
sought-after 9-element lens, Leitz Canada, superb condition, cap Estimate: EUR 1,800 - EUR 2,000 |
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| Dec 2003 | £305 | Christie's | R | |
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Auction: LEICA CAMERAS THE PROPERTY OF A COLLECTOR (Lot 139) Title: Elmarit-R f/2.8 28mm. no. 3093532
Description:
Elmarit-R f/2.8 28mm. no. 3093532 Estimate: £100 - £150 |
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| Nov 2002 | EUR 14,425 | Leitz Auction | M | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 1 (Lot AI_1_21221) Title: ELMARIT-M 2,8/28 11804 1913–83
Description:
Edition 28mm Elmarit for M4-P 70 Years, complete with papers in maker's box, mint condition |
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| Sep 2001 | £1,645 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 34) Title: Elmarit f/2.8 28mm. no. 2062274
Description:
Elmarit f/2.8 28mm. no. 2062274 Estimate: £700 - £900 |
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| Jun 2001 | £446 | Christie's | R | |
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Auction: LEICA, NIKON AND 35MM CAMERAS (Lot 240) Title: Elmarit-R f/2.8 28mm. no. 22920235
Description:
Elmarit-R f/2.8 28mm. no. 22920235 Estimate: £250 - £350 |
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| Jan 2000 | £483 | Christie's | R | |
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Auction: Photographs, Cameras and Photographic Equipment (Lot 217) Title: Elmarit-R f/2.8 28mm. no. 3093454
Description:
Elmarit-R f/2.8 28mm. no. 3093454 Estimate: £200 - £400 |
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| Jul 1998 | £322 | Christie's | R | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 106) Title: Elmarit-R f/2.8 28mm. no. 2480681
Description:
Elmarit-R f/2.8 28mm. no. 2480681 Estimate: £300 - £500 |
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