* Item pictured for illustrative purposes only, actual item not pictured. See ‘Notes’ next to grade for included items.
Leica 21mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH. M-Mount Lens, Black {55} 11135
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$1,670.00
Leica's 21mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH: wide-angle precision in M-mount.
At 21mm, this Elmarit-M sits at the wider edge of what most M-mount shooters reach for regularly, and Leica built it to hold up at that focal length where optical compromises tend to show. The 9-element, 7-group design incorporates a single aspherical element to control the distortion and field curvature that plague simpler wide-angle constructions. The 9-blade diaphragm with clickstops at full and half stops gives you precise, repeatable exposure control without hunting. Minimum focus lands at 0.70 meters, reasonable for a lens this wide.
The black anodized metal barrel and mount weigh in at 300 grams, compact enough at 46mm long and 58mm in diameter to disappear into a coat pocket. A depth-of-field scale and distance scale are engraved on the barrel, which matters on a rangefinder where zone focusing is part of the workflow. The hood (code 12 592) is included. Photographers considering the silver chrome version should know it weighs 415 grams, a 115-gram difference, with the same optical formula and mechanics underneath.
Adapters open this lens to Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, L-Mount, and Fuji X systems, so its usefulness extends well beyond the M rangefinder ecosystem.
Who It's For
Street photographers working in tight urban spaces get a wide 21mm field of view with an aperture ring and depth-of-field scale that make zone focusing fast and deliberate. Travel photographers will appreciate the 300g weight and 46mm length, compact enough to carry all day without fatigue. Architecture and environmental photographers benefit from the aspherical element's distortion control at a focal length where lesser designs struggle. Mirrorless shooters on Sony E, Nikon Z, or L-Mount systems can adapt this lens and gain a well-corrected manual prime without the size penalty of native ultra-wides.
Key Features
- 21mm prime lens with f/2.8 max aperture for M-mount rangefinders
- 9-element, 7-group design with single aspherical element controls distortion
- 9-blade diaphragm with clickstops at full and half-stop intervals
- 300g weight in black anodized finish, 115g lighter than silver chrome version
- 0.70m minimum focus distance with engraved distance and DOF scales
- 55mm filter thread with included hood (code 12 592)
- Manual focus only, no autofocus or image stabilization
FAQ
- What's the weight difference between the black and silver chrome versions?
- Black weighs 300g, silver chrome 415g - a 115g difference. Optically and mechanically they're identical.
- Can you autofocus with this lens?
- No. It's a manual-focus rangefinder lens. Zone focusing with the engraved distance and depth-of-field scales is the intended workflow.
- What's the minimum focus distance?
- 0.70 meters (27.56 inches). Reasonable for a 21mm wide-angle on a rangefinder where you're often stopped down anyway.
- Does this lens have image stabilization?
- No. This is a rangefinder lens designed for M-mount bodies and has no optical image stabilization.
- What filter size does it take?
- 55mm. The hood (code 12 592) is included in the box.
- Can I adapt this to other camera systems?
- Yes. M-mount adapters exist for Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, L-Mount, and Fuji X, though you'll lose rangefinder coupling on those systems.
- How many aperture stops are marked on the diaphragm ring?
- Full stops and half stops with clickstops for precise, repeatable control. The aperture ring goes from f/2.8 to f/16.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 21mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/16 |
| Mount | Leica M |
| Stabilization | No |
| AF System | No |
| Lens Type | Prime |
| Elements | 9 |
| Groups | 7 |
| Special Elements Coatings | 1 aspherical element |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Aperture Notes | with clickstops (including half values), manual diaphragm |
| Aperture Ring | Yes |
| Minimum Focus | 0.70 m (27.56") |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.034× |
| Distance Scale | Yes |
| DOF Scale | Yes |
| Diameter | 58 mm (2.28") |
| Length | 46 mm (1.81") |
| Filter Thread | 55mm |
| Materials | metal barrel, metal mount |
| Color | Black anodized |
| Hood Product Code | 12 592 |
| Notes | Silver chrome version weighs 415g |
| Weight | 300 g (0.66 lb) |
This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.
| Brand Name | Leica |
|---|---|
| Filter Size | 55mm |
| Focus Type | Manual focus (only) |
| Lens Mount | Leica M |
| Lens Type | Wide-Angle |
| Max Focal Length | 21mm |
| Min Focal Length | 21mm |
