Leica Elmarit-C 40mm f/2.8

Leica Elmarit-C 40mm f/2.8

The Leica Elmarit-C 40mm f/2.8, product code 11541, is one of the rarest lenses associated with the Leica CL system. It was developed as a compact 40mm standard lens for the Leica CL, but it was not officially released as the main production lens. Leica Classic describes the Elmarit-C 11541 2.8/40mm as a very rare lens for the Leica CL, with approximately 400 pieces made and never officially released [1].

The lens should be kept separate from the much more common Leica Summicron-C 40mm f/2. The Summicron-C became the normal production standard lens for the Leica CL, while the Elmarit-C 40mm f/2.8 remained an extremely small-run lens. Leica Store Manchester lists a serial range of 2512601 to 2513100 and describes its example as produced in 1973, with approximately 400 pieces made [2].

This entry covers the Leica Elmarit-C 40mm f/2.8 in Leica M mount for the Leica CL system. It should not be merged with the Summicron-C 40mm f/2, Minolta M-Rokkor 40mm f/2, Leica Elmar-C 90mm f/4, or later Leica 40mm-compatible lenses. The correct model number is 11541.

Optical qualities

Rendering

The Elmarit-C 40mm f/2.8 has a reputation as a compact, classic-rendering Leica CL lens. Because the lens was never widely released and only a very small number were made, reliable formal testing is limited. User discussion generally describes it as small, characterful and lower in contrast wide open than modern Leica lenses [5].

Sharpness

Detailed bench testing is scarce. User reports suggest that the lens can be sharp in the center, especially when stopped down, but performance should be treated as copy-dependent. Because of the lens’s rarity and age, optical condition is especially important.

Contrast and color

Contrast is generally described as lower than later Leica M lenses, especially wide open. Surviving examples may also vary due to haze, cleaning marks, coating wear or internal reflections. Strong claims about modern contrast or APO-level correction should be avoided.

Bokeh and transitions

As a 40mm f/2.8 lens, the Elmarit-C gives modest subject separation rather than strong portrait-style blur. Its rendering interest is more about compactness, classic Leica character and rarity than dramatic bokeh.

Handling

The lens was designed for the Leica CL system and uses the compact C-lens handling style. It is smaller and slower than the Summicron-C 40mm f/2. Some sources note that the Elmarit-C barrel is very compact, with focus and aperture controls close together [4].

Digital use

The lens can mount on Leica M bodies, but it was designed for the Leica CL system. As with other C-lenses, focus accuracy should be checked on the exact body. Leica CL lenses use a cam profile associated with the CL system, and collectors should test rangefinder accuracy before relying on the lens at close distances.

History

Development and Launch

The Elmarit-C 40mm f/2.8 was developed during the Leica CL period of the early 1970s. The Leica CL was a compact M-mount rangefinder made in cooperation with Minolta. The CL system was normally sold with the Summicron-C 40mm f/2 and Elmar-C 90mm f/4, while the Elmarit-C 40mm f/2.8 remained a rare unreleased or staff-distributed lens.

Production Evolution

Public sources generally describe the Elmarit-C 40mm f/2.8 as a very small production lens. Leica Classic states that approximately 400 pieces were made and never officially released. Leica Store Manchester gives a serial number production range of 2512601 to 2513100 and describes its example as produced in 1973. Jo Geier lists another example as serial number 2513065 with production year 1972 and notes that it was only made in a very small series [3].

Special Editions/Variants

No commemorative factory special edition is documented. The lens itself is the rare collector variant. Known collector-relevant distinctions are mainly serial number, condition, original rubber hood, caps, box, and whether the lens has clear provenance as an original 11541 Elmarit-C.

Collector Notes

Collectors should verify the 11541 product code, Elmarit-C 2.8/40mm engraving, serial number, Leica M mount, rangefinder coupling, original rubber hood, caps, and optical condition. Important condition checks include haze, cleaning marks, coating wear, aperture function, smooth focusing and accurate infinity focus. Because the lens is rare and visually related to the Summicron-C 40mm f/2, front-ring engraving and serial number are the safest identification points.

Special editions

No confirmed commemorative factory special edition is documented.

Known collector-relevant variants and related versions include:

• Leica Elmarit-C 40mm f/2.8, product code 11541, rare unreleased Leica CL lens.
• Examples in the reported serial range 2512601 to 2513100.
• Complete examples with original rubber hood, front cap and rear cap.
• Leica Summicron-C 40mm f/2, common production CL standard lens, separate entry.
• Minolta M-Rokkor 40mm f/2, related CL/CLE-family lens, separate entry.
• Leica Elmar-C 90mm f/4, CL telephoto companion lens, separate entry.