Leica 24mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH. M-Mount Lens, Germany, Black, 6-Bit {55} 11878

Leica's 24mm f/2.8 ASPH: the widest M-mount prime

At 24mm on full-frame, this Elmarit-M covers serious wide-angle territory in a package that weighs just 290g and measures 45mm long. The 7-element, 5-group design incorporates one aspherical element to control the distortion and field curvature that plague fast wide primes, and f/2.8 gives enough light-gathering for low-available-light shooting without the bulk of a faster optic. The aperture ring clicks at full and half stops between f/2.8 and f/16, so exposure adjustments are tactile and precise.

The 6-bit coding communicates lens data directly to digital M bodies, enabling automatic EXIF tagging and in-camera vignetting correction. Distance and depth-of-field scales are engraved on the barrel, which makes zone focusing at 0.7m minimum focus entirely practical for street work. The all-metal construction, black anodized finish, and 55mm filter thread are consistent with Leica's made-in-Germany production standards. For photographers on mirrorless systems outside the M ecosystem, the lens adapts to Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, and L-Mount bodies with appropriate adapters, making it a legitimate option well beyond rangefinder use.

At this focal length and weight, the Elmarit-M 24mm ASPH occupies a real gap in the M system, wide enough for environmental work but compact enough to disappear into a jacket pocket.

Who It's For

Street photographers working Leica M bodies get the full benefit here: 6-bit coding, zone focusing with engraved scales, and a 290g build that doesn't announce itself. Architecture and travel shooters gain a 24mm field of view on full-frame without resorting to a zoom. Documentary photographers shooting in tight interiors will find f/2.8 useful when flash isn't an option. Mirrorless shooters on Sony E or Nikon Z can adapt this lens for a compact, manual-focus wide-angle with optical quality that modern adapters fully preserve.

Key Features

• 24mm focal length, widest M-mount prime option
• f/2.8 max aperture with clickstop aperture ring including half stops
• One aspherical element controls distortion and field curvature
• 6-bit coding for automatic EXIF and vignetting correction on digital M bodies
• 0.7m minimum focus with engraved distance and depth-of-field scales
• 290g weight, 45mm length, all-metal black anodized construction
• Seven elements in five groups, manual focus rangefinder-coupled
• 55mm filter thread, supplied lens hood included

FAQ

Does this lens autofocus on M-mount bodies?

No. The Elmarit-M 24mm is manual focus only, which is standard for M-mount glass. The 6-bit coding enables EXIF tagging and vignetting correction on digital M bodies, but focusing is entirely rangefinder-coupled or zone-based.

What's the minimum focus distance?

0.7m (27.56 inches). The engraved distance and depth-of-field scales on the barrel make zone focusing practical for street work at that distance.

Can I use this lens on mirrorless cameras?

Yes, with adapters. M-mount lenses work on Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, and L-Mount bodies, though you lose rangefinder coupling and autofocus is unavailable on those systems.

How much does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

290g and 45mm long with a 58mm barrel diameter. It's compact enough to pocket on a walk, which is the point of this focal length in the M system.

What's the aperture range and how is it adjusted?

f/2.8 to f/16 with clickstops at full and half-stop intervals. The aperture ring offers tactile, precise exposure control without electronic metering dependence.

Does the aspherical element reduce distortion?

Yes. One aspherical element controls the distortion and field curvature typical of fast wide-angle primes. Paired with the 6-bit coding on digital M bodies, in-camera vignetting correction is also available.

Is a lens hood included?

Yes, it's supplied in the box. Filter thread is 55mm if you need additional accessories.