Leica Elmarit 28mm f/2.8 I

Leica Elmarit 28mm f/2.8 I 11801

The Leica Elmarit 28mm f/2.8 I, order number 11801, is the first Leica M-mount 28mm Elmarit and one of the more collectible early Leica rangefinder wide-angle lenses. Leica Wiki lists the first version as a 1965 to 1972 production lens with fewer than 3,200 examples, Leica M bayonet mount, 9 elements in 6 groups, and a deeply protruding rear section [1]. LeicaLensList currently lists this lens as an existing M-mount database entry, with the same core identification as a 28mm f/2.8 Leica M lens, model number 11801 [2].

The first version is valued mainly for its 9-element optical formula, early production status, and distinctive compatibility limitations. The lens focuses to 0.7m, uses a 10-blade diaphragm, accepts Series VII or E48 filters, and is associated with the 12501 hood and SLOOZ external viewfinder. The rear optical group protrudes deeply into the camera body, so it should not be treated as universally compatible with all metered Leica M bodies. Leica Wiki specifically notes that it cannot be used with built-in meter cameras in normal metered operation, and that on the M5 the light meter arm will not swing into working position.

Collectors should distinguish this rare 9-element 11801 from the later and less rare 8-element Elmarit 28mm f/2.8 II, which also appears under order number 11801 in some early or transitional examples. Leica Wiki lists the second version as an 8 elements in 6 groups Canada version, 1972 to 1979, with different M5 and CL compatibility and a larger production total of fewer than 7,050 lenses [3]. Leica Classic has also listed an “uncommon second version with 8-element optics and infinity lock” under 11801, which confirms that the model number alone is not enough to identify the optical version [4]. Buyers should do their research before buying, verify the serial number, rear element depth, engraving, infinity lock, hood, box, and optical construction, and avoid assuming every 11801 is the rare 9-element version.

History

Development and Launch

The Elmarit 28mm f/2.8 I was introduced in 1965 as Leica’s first 28mm f/2.8 lens for the M system. It occupied a wide-angle position below the 35mm lenses traditionally favored on early M cameras and required use of an external finder on bodies without 28mm framelines. Leica Wiki attributes the optical design to Otto Zimmermann, Heinz Marquardt, Hermann Desch, and Eugen Hermanni, with design dating noted as 16 April 1960.

Production Evolution

The first version was produced from 1965 to 1972 and is documented with fewer than 3,200 lenses. Known scale and engraving variants include yellow and white scale, red and white scale, and ELC or Wetzlar markings. Leica Wiki records assigned serial-number blocks from 1964 and 1966 for the first version, but production-era and serial-number interpretation should be checked carefully because early Leica serial allocation dates can precede retail release. The lens was superseded by the Elmarit 28mm f/2.8 II, which changed to an 8-element design and removed the deeply protruding rear element issue for metered bodies.

Special Variants

No major factory commemorative or military variant is widely documented for the 9-element 11801, but collector-relevant production variants are significant. These include red-scale and yellow-scale examples, Wetzlar and Leitz Canada engravings, and early or late infinity-lock differences. Leitz Auction has described rare first-type 9-element Canada examples, including lenses with black painted or chrome infinity locks, supplied with 12501 hood, caps, finder, or maker’s box [5].

Collector Notes

The main collector issue is correct identification. The 9-element first version and the later 8-element second version can both be encountered under 11801 references, and some listings describe transitional examples. Buyers should verify optical construction, serial range, rear element protrusion, body compatibility, infinity lock style, engraving, and accessory originality. Check for haze, cleaning marks, balsam or coating issues, aperture condition, and whether the 12501 hood, Series VII retaining parts, E48 filters, rear cap, finder, and box are original to the lens. Because the 9-element version is much rarer than the 8-element version, users should do their research before buying and should not rely on the 11801 number alone.