Leica Elmarit-M 90mm f/2.8

Leica Elmarit-M 90mm f/2.8

The Elmarit-M 90mm f/2.8 is the last and most refined of Leica's f/2.8 medium telephotos for the M system, a lens that pairs a modern optical correction with a notably solid, dense barrel for its size [1][2]. Designed by Walter Mandler, it uses a compact four-element, four-group formula that keeps the lens short while delivering high contrast and sharpness from its maximum aperture [3]. Among Leica's 90mm options it sits between the larger, faster Summicron and the slower, lighter earlier Tele-Elmarit, and for years it was regarded as one of the better-value entry points into Leica 90mm glass on the used market [1][4].

The lens is built around a nine-bladed diaphragm and focuses to one metre, with a 46mm filter thread and a built-in retractable lens hood that distinguishes it from earlier 90mm designs [3][5]. It is a manual-focus, rangefinder-coupled M-bayonet lens, and despite its compact 83mm length it is noticeably heavy in the hand, a trait many users single out [2][5]. The aperture ring carries click stops including half values, and reviewers consistently note that the 90mm frame line is straightforward to focus accurately on an M body, particularly with a magnifier [1][2]. Because it is a recent design that remained in production into the digital era, it adapts readily to full-frame digital M cameras and to mirrorless bodies through adapters [4][6].

This is the final version in a long line of 90mm Elmarit and Tele-Elmarit lenses; earlier iterations were produced from the late 1950s onward, and this model superseded the Tele-Elmarit II [3]. It was offered chiefly in black anodised aluminium, with chrome and titanium finishes also recorded; the black version carries order number 11807 and the chrome version 11808 [3]. The lens is not six-bit coded from the factory. Searching by the Leica order number is a practical way to identify the correct modern version on the used market [2].

Optical qualities

Rendering The Elmarit-M 90mm is widely described as sharp at f/2.8 yet smooth in its overall look, a balance reviewers characterise as bordering on modern while retaining a classic feel [1][4]. It is regarded as an excellent portrait lens on full-frame bodies, combining shallow depth of field with pleasing out-of-focus rendering [4][6].

Sharpness Multiple reviewers report that the lens is sharp wide open at f/2.8 and improves on stopping down, performing strongly across the frame on full-frame sensors [1][4].

Bokeh and transitions Users describe the background rendering as pleasant and the focus transition as smooth, contributing to its reputation as a portrait lens [4][6].

Aberrations Some adapted-camera users have noted a small amount of purple fringing that is easily corrected in post-processing and does not materially affect image quality [6].

History

Development and Launch The f/2.8 Elmarit-M 90mm was the concluding chapter in a sequence of Leica 90mm designs stretching back to the late 1950s [3]. The optical design is credited to Walter Mandler, and the lens replaced the earlier Tele-Elmarit II in the lineup, using a compact four-element configuration to keep size and weight in check while modernising contrast and correction [3]. It was introduced at the turn of the 1990s and produced for roughly two decades [1][3].

Production Evolution The lens was offered in more than one finish, with black anodised aluminium being the most common and chrome-plated brass and titanium versions also documented; the chrome examples are considerably heavier than the black [3]. Order numbers 11807 and 11808 designate the black and chrome versions respectively [3].

Collector Notes On the used market this lens long held a reputation as a relative bargain among Leica 90mm lenses, though prices rose as full-frame digital M cameras renewed interest in longer focal lengths [1]. Buyers should verify the built-in hood operates smoothly, check the 46mm front element and coatings for haze or scratches, and confirm the lens is the modern retractable-hood version rather than an earlier Tele-Elmarit, which can be aided by checking the Leica order number [2][5]. One discrepancy worth noting: some collector references list a ten-blade diaphragm for this design, while LeicaLensList records nine blades; reported weights and dimensions also vary slightly between finishes and sources [3].

Sources

• [1] La Vida Leica. Leica Elmarit-M 90mm f/2.8. https://lavidaleica.com/content/leica-2890-elmarit-m
• [2] Leica Lenses for Normal People. Leica Elmarit 90mm f/2.8 Review. https://www.leicalensesfornormalpeople.com/2020/09/19/leica-elmarit-m-90mm-f-2-8-review/
• [3] Leica Wiki (English). 90mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M. https://wiki.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/90mm_f/2.8_Elmarit-M
• [4] Steve Huff Photo. The Leica 90 Elmarit M f/2.8 Quick Lens Review. https://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2010/06/22/the-leica-90-elmarit-m-f2-8-quick-lens-review/
• [5] Kamerastore. Leica 90mm f2.8 Elmarit-M (Black, 11807). https://kamerastore.com/en-us/products/leica-90mm-f2-8-elmarit-m-e46
• [6] DPReview Forums. A continuous review of Sony a7 and Leica Elmarit-M 90mm f/2.8. https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3732813