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. 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.

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[2]. Special glass elements with anomalous partial dispersion are used to suppress color aberrations even on high-contrast subjects. 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. 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. 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. On an APS-H sensor M8 the field of view narrows to roughly that of a 28mm lens on full frame. 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.

The lens entered the catalogue in 2011 under model number 11145 and has been offered in black anodized finish. 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.

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.

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.

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

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. 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. It joined Leica's line of 21mm M lenses as a smaller, slower companion to faster and larger ultra-wides in the catalogue.

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.

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. 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. 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.