Leica Thambar-M 90mm f/2.2

The Leica Thambar-M 90mm f/2.2 is a M-mount lens for Leica rangefinder cameras. Leica price index ↗

Reference maintained by Thomas Boots

Model number(s): 11697

Focal Length: 90mm

Aperture: 𝑓/2.2

Release Year (from): 2017

Diameter: 57 mm

Length: 90 mm

Minimum Focus Distance: 1m

Elements in Groups: 4/3

Aperture Blades: 20

Mount: M

Six bit code:

Material Weight: Metal, 500g

Colors: Black

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Leica Thambar-M 90mm f/2.2

The Thambar-M 90mm f/2.2 is unusual among modern Leica optics because it is engineered to be soft rather than sharp. Introduced in 2017, it is a faithful revival of the Leitz Thambar of the mid-1930s, a short telephoto built specifically for romantic, soft-focus portraiture rather than the clinical resolution most Leica lenses pursue [1][2]. The name derives from the Greek root for blurred or out of focus, a fitting label for a lens that treats spherical aberration as a creative tool instead of a defect [1][3].

The lens uses a deliberately under-corrected optical design, with the softening effect growing stronger toward the edges of the frame and increasing as the aperture opens, so the photographer controls the strength of the glow by adjusting the diaphragm [2]. Leica retained the original optical layout for the modern version, keeping the same four-element configuration in three groups behind a stepless 20-blade aperture that renders out-of-focus highlights as smooth circles [2][3]. The aperture ring is click-less for fine, continuous adjustment, and the lens carries two engraved scales: a white scale for use without the supplied center spot filter and a red scale for use with it, since the filter blocks the central rays and intensifies the diffuse halo [3]. As a manual-focus M-mount lens it is rangefinder coupled and focuses to one meter, a sensible close limit for head-and-shoulders work. The black paint finish, the red and white engravings, and the overall proportions closely echo the 1930s original [3].

The most significant change from the vintage Thambar is a single protective coating added to the glass to guard against environmental influence and surface corrosion, intended to make the modern lens more durable in regular use [1][3]. The lens is supplied with a center spot filter, a dedicated metal lens hood, a metal front cap, and a vintage-style brown leather case styled after the original outfit, with a pocket in the lid to store the filter [3]. It carries Leica order number 11697.

Optical qualities

Rendering

The Thambar-M is defined by its soft-focus character, an intentional under-correction of spherical aberration that produces a diffuse, glowing image which intensifies toward the frame edges and at wider apertures [2]. Leica and reviewers describe the result as a painterly or dreamlike portrait look achieved entirely in camera, with effects that are difficult to reproduce convincingly in digital post-processing [1][2]. The 20-blade diaphragm contributes rounded out-of-focus highlights, and the optional center spot filter pushes the halo effect further by masking the central rays [2][3]. This is a specialist rendering tool rather than a general-purpose telephoto, and its behavior is best understood as a controllable creative effect rather than conventional sharpness or contrast.

History

Development and Launch

The original Leitz Thambar appeared in the mid-1930s, around 1935, at a time when Leica lenses were already known for crisp, high-resolution imaging, which made a deliberately soft lens a surprising addition to the catalogue [1][2]. It was conceived for portraiture, where a gentle, flattering diffusion was valued, and it became closely associated with the romantic glamour aesthetic of its era [2][3]. The original was produced in small numbers, with roughly 3,000 examples made, which contributed to its later status as a collectible rarity [2][3]. In October 2017 Leica announced the Thambar-M 90mm f/2.2 as a modern reissue carrying the same optical design but updated for the M system, and it reached the market in late 2017 [1][2].

Production Evolution

The principal documented difference between the modern Thambar-M and the vintage Thambar is the addition of a single protective coating to the glass; the optical formula, the dual red and white aperture scales, the stepless diaphragm, and the black paint exterior were carried over with only minor adjustments to align with the current M lens line [1][3].

Collector Notes

Buyers should distinguish between the original 1930s Leitz Thambar, a rare and highly collectible vintage lens, and the 2017 Thambar-M reissue described here, which shares the optical concept but is a current production M-mount lens [2][3]. Because the center spot filter is integral to the intended effect and to the red aperture scale, its presence is worth confirming, along with the dedicated hood, metal front cap, and leather case that make up the complete outfit [3].