Leica Elmarit-M 90mm f/2.8

TelephotoMount: Leica M90mmf/2.8 – f/22
Introduced: 1964

Leica Elmarit-M 90mm f/2.8 is the compact Leica M short telephoto — the lighter and smaller alternative to the Summicron-M 90mm f/2 for M-system photographers who don't need the extra stop of speed. Particularly popular as the "tele" of a three-lens M kit (35-50-90 or 28-50-90).

Key features

  • Leica M bayonet mount — bright-line 90mm framelines on all M bodies
  • 4-element/4-group formula (current "thin" version 1990+); earlier versions are 5-element
  • 39mm filter thread
  • Manual aperture + manual focus
  • Built-in retractable lens hood
  • Compact — substantially smaller than Summicron-M 90/2

Use case + rendering

The Elmarit-M 90/2.8 is the portrait + isolated-subject Leica M lens. Shorter and lighter than the f/2 Summicron 90 — easier to handhold, fits naturally with a compact M body. At f/2.8 wide open the rangefinder focus accuracy is more forgiving than on the f/2 Summicron, where the shallow DoF makes calibration errors visible.

The Leica M rangefinder system is least optimal at 90mm — the small frame within the viewfinder is harder to compose precisely than wider focal lengths, and rangefinder calibration accuracy matters more. For portrait sessions where AF or precise focus matters, an SLR with similar focal length is often preferred. For walking-around-the-city compositions at moderate distance, the 90 Elmarit-M is a frequent companion.

Compatible bodies

Related lenses