Leica Tri-Elmar-M 16-18-21mm f/4 ASPH.

Leica Tri-Elmar-M 16-18-21mm f/4 ASPH.

Known among Leica users as the WATE, short for Wide-Angle Tri-Elmar, this lens condenses three super-wide focal lengths into a single compact M-mount barrel. A textured ring selects 16, 18 or 21mm in discrete steps rather than a continuous zoom, so the optic behaves like three primes that share one body [1][2]. It is one of the more unusual designs in the M lineup, and for years it anchored the widest end of Leica's rangefinder range, leaving nothing below 21mm once it was withdrawn [1].

The optical formula uses 10 elements in 7 groups, with aspherical surfaces and internal floating elements that keep performance consistent across the three settings in a notably small package [2]. The lens is rangefinder coupled and focuses to 0.5m, with Leica extending the usable close range to about 0.3m by relying on depth of field; users feel a distinct increase in resistance at the point where they leave the rangefinder-coupled range, after which composing depends on Live View or an electronic finder [1]. Build quality is typical of Leica M optics, solid and precise but without full weather sealing, and the lens is manual focus only [2]. The screw-on hood is integral to the design and protects a front element that would otherwise sit exposed; a dedicated adapter (Leica article 14473) allows 67mm filters in place of the hood, though that holder is vented so the rangefinder remains usable [1]. Because the framelines in an M finder do not cover such wide angles, Leica supplied an attachable Universal Wide-Angle Viewfinder, nicknamed the "Frankenfinder," and the lens was sometimes sold together with it as a set [1].

The WATE was introduced in 2006 and remained in production for nearly two decades, an unusually long run by Leica standards, before being discontinued [1]. It is offered in black, and is catalogued under model number 11626 for the lens alone and 11642 for the version packaged with the universal viewfinder. The six-bit coding is not factory-applied on this model. Identification is straightforward given the distinctive three-position focal-length ring and the close mechanical resemblance to the older 28-35-50mm Tri-Elmar (the MATE), though the WATE does not switch finder framelines because no M frameline exists below 28mm [1].

Optical qualities

Rendering Reviewers and long-term users describe the WATE as optically excellent, producing high-resolution, high-contrast files even on demanding digital M bodies [1][2]. Rendering is clean and modern rather than vintage in character.

Sharpness The lens is regarded as very sharp across most of the frame, with slight corner softness wide open at f/4 that improves on stopping down [2].

Contrast and color Images show strong contrast and saturated, natural color, with pleasing skin tones, which reviewers note reduces post-processing time [2].

Distortion and vignetting Distortion is low for such a wide design, and verticals correct easily in post; a natural vignette is present and likewise straightforward to address [2].

Digital use The lens was conceived for the digital era. On the APS-H sensor of the Leica M8 its 1.33x crop turned the range into roughly 21-24-28mm, while the optic was built for the full 24x36mm image circle so it would work on full-frame digital and film bodies alike; it also performs well adapted to Leica SL cameras [1].

History

Development and Launch The Tri-Elmar 16-18-21 launched in 2006 alongside the Leica M8, the company's first digital M camera [1]. Because the M8 used a smaller APS-H sensor with a 1.33x crop factor, the three focal lengths corresponded to about 21, 24 and 28mm, classic rangefinder angles, and Leica offered a matching attachable 21-24-28mm viewfinder [1]. Designing the lens for a full 35mm image circle signalled that Leica already anticipated a return to full-frame digital, giving the optic long-term relevance [1].

Production Evolution The lens stayed in the catalogue for nearly twenty years with the same basic specification before being discontinued, with its final list price reported around €6,050 [1]. The macfilos farewell piece notes its withdrawal left the M system without a native option wider than 21mm, as the earlier Super-Elmar-M 18mm had already been retired [1].

Special editions No major factory special editions of the WATE are widely documented. The principal cataloguing distinction is between the lens sold on its own (11626) and the kit that bundles the Universal Wide-Angle Viewfinder (11642) [1].

Collector Notes The WATE is widely considered a desirable, somewhat exotic piece, and discontinuation is expected to increase its collectability [1]. Buyers should confirm the screw-on hood is present, since the front element is vulnerable without it, and check for the 67mm filter adapter (14473) and the bulky external viewfinder, which is essential for accurate framing on film and non-Live View bodies [1][2]. Note that one source lists an alternate lens article number (11606) for the set, which differs from the model numbers recorded here; verify the printed article number on any example before purchase [1].

Sources

• [1] Macfilos (Joerg-Peter Rau). Discontinued Leica WATE: Farewell to a unique lens. https://www.macfilos.com/2025/01/24/discontinued-leica-wate-farewell-to-a-unique-lens/
• [2] The Phoblographer (Brittany Smith). The Most Unique Lens? Leica 16-18-21mm Tri-Elmar F4 Review. https://www.thephoblographer.com/2021/12/06/a-unique-wide-angle-for-m-mount-leica-tri-elmar-review/