Leica Super-Elmar-M 21mm f/3.4 ASPH.

Leica Super-Elmar-M 21mm f/3.4 ASPH.

Among Leica's ultra-wide M lenses, the Super-Elmar-M 21mm f/3.4 ASPH. stands out for how much optical correction it packs into a small, light barrel. Leica positions it as a lens built for photography that demands uncompromising image quality, noting that its expansive 91-degree angle of view renders architecture with little distortion and presents landscapes with high clarity while adding very little weight to an M body [1][3]. The moderate f/3.4 maximum aperture is part of the point rather than a limitation: the relatively slow speed is what allows the compact construction that pairs naturally with M-System cameras [1]. Across its full diagonal field the lens is intended to deliver uniform sharpness, which has made it a favorite for architecture, street reportage, and sweeping nature scenes [1].

Optically the lens uses eight elements in seven groups, including an aspherical lens with two aspherical surfaces, a layout Leica credits for the virtually distortion-free image and even sharpness across the frame [1][2]. Special glass elements with anomalous partial dispersion are used to suppress color aberrations even on high-contrast subjects [1]. Focusing is manual down to a close limit of 0.7 m, with combined meter and feet scales and a click-stopped aperture that offers half-value settings to a minimum of f/16 [2]. The lens couples to the M rangefinder and carries the six-bit lens identification bar code so digital M bodies can recognize it and apply the appropriate corrections [2]. The filter thread is E46, and the lens ships with a rectangular metal hood that protects against stray light while keeping the overall package small [1][3]. On an APS-H sensor M8 the field of view narrows to roughly that of a 28mm lens on full frame [2]. In practical use, reviewers have praised the build as impeccable and the focus ring as smooth but firm, a tightness that helps hold a set zone-focus distance for fast wide-angle shooting; the small metal hood barely intrudes into the frame of an external 21mm viewfinder [3].

The lens entered the catalogue in 2011 under model number 11145 and has been offered in black anodized finish [2]. Apart from the standard production version, no widely documented factory special editions, finishes, or mount variants are recorded for this lens.

Optical qualities

Rendering The Super-Elmar-M 21mm is consistently described as a high-correction, neutral wide angle rather than a character lens. Leica emphasizes meticulous detail, linear rendering, and strong suppression of glare and reflections, with natural rendering and precise correction of optical aberrations [1].

Sharpness Field reports back up the design intent. A photographer shooting the lens on the Leica M9 for Leica's own blog described it as extremely sharp, noting the level of fine detail it resolved in landscape and architectural work [3].

Distortion and vignetting Geometric distortion is very low by ultra-wide standards. Leica attributes the virtually distortion-free, straight-line rendering to the aspherical design, which is part of why the lens is recommended for architecture [1][3].

Contrast and color Anomalous partial dispersion glass is used to control chromatic aberration on high-contrast subjects, supporting clean color and edge definition [1].

History

Development and Launch Leica introduced the Super-Elmar-M 21mm f/3.4 ASPH. in 2011 as a modern, compact ultra-wide for the M system, with the manufacturer's technical data published in June of that year [2]. The design priorities were a small, light barrel and high optical correction, achieved by choosing a moderate f/3.4 speed and an aspherical, low-dispersion optical scheme [1][2]. It joined Leica's line of 21mm M lenses as a smaller, slower companion to faster and larger ultra-wides in the catalogue [1].

Special editions No major factory special variants of this lens are widely documented; it has been sold as the standard black-anodized version under model number 11145 [2].

Collector Notes Identification is straightforward: the front ring is engraved LEICA SUPER-ELMAR-M 21mm 1:3.4 / 21 ASPH. E46 with the serial number, and the lens carries the six-bit code for digital M recognition [2]. Because it is a current, all-metal lens, the usual concerns are mechanical rather than optical: confirm the focus action is smooth and that the included rectangular metal hood and E46 filter thread are present and undamaged before purchase [2][3]. Note that the verified specification lists this lens without active six-bit coding while the manufacturer's data and Leica Wiki describe a six-bit bar code on the bayonet, a point worth checking against the individual sample [2].

Sources

• [1] Leica Camera. Super-Elmar-M 21 f/3.4 ASPH., black anodized - Overview. https://leica-camera.com/en-US/photography/lenses/m/super-elmar-m-21mm-f3-4-asph-black/discover
• [2] Leica Wiki (English). 21mm f/3.4 Super-Elmar-M ASPH. https://wiki.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php?title=21mm_f%2F3.4_Super-Elmar-M_ASPH.
• [3] Gregory Simpson, Leica Camera Blog. Impressions of a Leica Super-Elmar-M 21mm f/3.4 ASPH lens. https://leica-camera.blog/2011/11/23/fegor-impressions-of-a-leica-super-elmar-m-21mm-f3-4-asph-lens/