Leica Macro-Elmar-M 90mm f/4 II

Leica Macro-Elmar-M 90mm f/4 II

Among Leica's M lenses, the Macro-Elmar-M 90mm f/4 stands out for an unusual collapsible barrel that lets a short telephoto fold down to a fraction of its working length, then extend to reach infinity focus [1][4]. The "II" designation refers to the redesigned version introduced in 2014, known among collectors as the "big top" model and carrying Leica order number 11670. It continued the earlier 90mm f/4 Macro-Elmar-M (introduced in 2004) but with revised internal geometry, reflected in a different entrance pupil position compared with the original.

The lens uses a four-element, four-group optical formula and a ten-blade diaphragm, with click stops and intermediate half-values available. It mounts on the Leica M bayonet, couples to the rangefinder, and accepts E39 screw-in filters on a non-rotating internal thread. The barrel collapses for transport, and because the extension tube does not protrude into the camera body, the lens can be used without restriction on digital M bodies such as the M8 and M9, unlike some older collapsible designs. Paired with the dedicated Macro-Adapter-M, the combination focuses closer than the lens alone and increases the reproduction ratio for near-macro work, which is the source of the "Macro" name even though the lens by itself is a conventional short telephoto rather than a true 1:1 macro[3]. The black version is built from anodized aluminum, while a chrome-plated brass finish was offered in the earlier generation.

Buyers should note the lens family has been produced in more than one form. The earlier 90mm f/4 Macro-Elmar-M (order numbers 11633 black and 11634 silver, plus the 11629 set with the Macro-Adapter-M) is optically and physically distinct from the later 11670 "big top" version that this entry describes. Both share the collapsible concept and the 90mm f/4 specification, so confirming the order number and serial range helps avoid confusion between generations.

Optical qualities

Rendering Reviewers describe the lens as sharp at the center when focus is precise, with edges and corners that are softer wide open and improve as the aperture is stopped down [2]. Out-of-focus areas render with a gradual, pleasing fade, and points of light appear as soft circles wide open, taking on a more decagonal shape when stopped down because of the ten-blade diaphragm. Chromatic aberration, distortion and vignetting are reported as minor, and the lens resists overwhelming flare when pointed at a light source while still able to produce a soft, controllable flare when a light is placed near the frame edge.

Sharpness Sharpness at the center is high when focus is nailed; the trade-off is that achieving precise manual focus with a 90mm rangefinder lens takes care, though the smaller f/4 maximum aperture gives more focusing latitude than a faster lens.

Bokeh and transitions The longer focal length and close-focusing ability help compensate for the modest f/4 aperture, yielding backgrounds that are still smoothly soft with a gradual transition from the sharp subject plane.

History

Development and Launch The collapsible 90mm f/4 Macro-Elmar-M was introduced in 2004 as a compact short telephoto for the M system, designed to be used either as a standalone lens or with the Macro-Adapter-M for closer focusing. The "II" or "big top" version covered here arrived in 2014, replacing the earlier model while retaining the collapsible architecture and 90mm f/4 specification.

Production Evolution The 2014 redesign is recorded with revised optical layout details, including a markedly different entrance pupil position relative to the first lens surface compared with the original version, and it was assigned order number 11670 in black. Earlier production included black and silver-chrome finishes and a kit pairing the lens with the Macro-Adapter-M.

Special editions No widely documented military, export or unusual factory special editions of this lens are recorded; the main distinctions are the generational change between the original 11633/11634 lenses and the later 11670 "big top" version, plus the earlier black and chrome finishes.

Collector Notes The lens barrel is engraved "LEICA MACRO-ELMAR-M 1:4/90 E39" followed by the serial number. Documented accessories worth verifying include the IUFOO (12575) hood, which can be reversed for storage, screw-in hoods, the matching front cap, and the Macro-Adapter-M itself, since the close-focus capability that gives the lens its name depends on having that adapter. Because two distinct generations share the same focal length and aperture, confirming the order number and serial range is the simplest way to identify which version is at hand.