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Leica 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH. M-Mount Lens with Protection Ring, Germany, Black, 6-Bit {39} 11677
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$2,135.00
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Leica's most compact M-mount wide-angle prime, proven on the street.
At 30mm long and 180g, the Elmarit-M 28mm f/2.8 ASPH. earns its reputation as the smallest lens in the Leica M portfolio without cutting corners on optical performance. The 8-element, 6-group design incorporates one aspherical element to control spherical aberration and keep distortion in check from the 0.7m minimum focus distance all the way to infinity. The 75-degree angle of view gives you genuine wide coverage in a barrel that barely intrudes on the M camera's viewfinder frame, which matters when you're working quickly and need an unobstructed view to compose.
The 10-blade aperture with click-stop half-stops gives you clean out-of-focus transitions and fine-grained exposure control without fumbling. Six-bit coding means digital M bodies read the lens identity automatically for accurate frame-line selection and EXIF data. The all-metal construction, German manufacture, and included rectangular screw-mount hood reflect the build quality M shooters expect from a lens they'll carry daily for years.
For anyone adapting to Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, or L-Mount bodies, this lens translates directly with the right adapter, making it a legitimate option beyond the Leica ecosystem. At 28mm on full frame, it sits in a focal length that rewards both deliberate composition and instinctive, close-quarters shooting.
Who It's For
Street and documentary photographers working with Leica M bodies get the full package: the smallest M-mount wide available, six-bit coding for automatic lens recognition, and a profile that keeps the rangefinder viewfinder clear. Travel photographers benefit from the 180g weight and 30mm length when packing light without dropping to a zoom. Mirrorless shooters on Sony E or Nikon Z systems chasing rangefinder rendering can adapt this lens and get the aspherical-corrected 28mm field of view on full-frame sensors. Reportage photographers working in tight spaces will find the 75-degree angle of view and 0.7m close-focus distance practical in interiors and crowds.
Key Features
- 28mm f/2.8 prime with Leica M mount
- One aspherical element controls spherical aberration and distortion
- 8-element, 6-group optical design
- 10-blade aperture with click-stop half-stops down to f/22
- Minimum focus distance 0.7 meters, 75-degree angle of view
- Only 30mm long and 180 grams, most compact M-lens
- 6-bit coding for digital M-body compatibility
- All-metal German construction with rectangular screw-mount hood
FAQ
- What makes this 28mm smaller than other M-mount wide-angles?
- The aspherical element lets Leica compress the optical path without sacrificing sharpness. At 30mm long and 180g, it's genuinely pocket-sized compared to older designs, and it won't block your viewfinder frame when composing.
- Does the 28mm work with Sony E, Nikon Z, or Canon RF bodies?
- Yes. Use an M-to-E, M-to-Z, or M-to-RF adapter and it becomes a 28mm manual prime on those systems. The 75-degree angle of view and close-focus capability translate directly.
- How close can you focus with this lens?
- 0.7 meters (2.3 feet). Close enough for environmental portraits and layered street work without needing an external diopter.
- Will a digital M body recognize this lens automatically?
- Yes. The 6-bit coding tells digital M cameras to display the correct frame lines and record lens data in EXIF without manual input.
- What's the aperture control like for manual exposure?
- 10-blade diaphragm with preset, click-stop half-stops. You get smooth out-of-focus rendering and fine exposure increments without the resistance of older lever designs.
- Is distortion correctable in post, or is the lens naturally clean?
- The aspherical element keeps distortion minimal across the entire focus range, from 0.7m to infinity. You won't need heavy correction work in Lightroom.
- Does it come with the screw-mount hood?
- Yes. The rectangular, all-metal hood screws on and can be swapped for an included protector ring for storage.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 28mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/22 |
| Mount | Leica M |
| Stabilization | No |
| AF System | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 0.70 m / 70 cm / 2.3 ft |
| Focal Length Actual | 28.4mm |
| Aperture Range | f/2.8 to f/22 |
| Aperture Ring | Yes |
| Diaphragm Blades | 10 |
| Aperture Notes | Preset, with click-stops, half values available |
| Elements | 8 |
| Groups | 6 |
| Special Elements Coatings | 1 aspherical element |
| Angle Of View | 75 degrees |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.045x |
| Reproduction Ratio | 1:22 |
| Entrance Pupil | 12.8 mm / 0.5" |
| Smallest Object Field | 533 x 800 mm / 21.0 x 31.5" |
| Filter Thread | 39mm |
| Length | 30 mm / 1.18" |
| Diameter | 52 mm / 2.05" |
| Distance Scale | Yes |
| DOF Scale | Yes |
| Lens Type | Prime |
| Materials | Metal barrel, metal mount |
| Six Bit Coding | Yes |
| Country Of Manufacture | Germany |
| Color | Black |
| Package Weight | 1.65 lb |
| Box Dimensions | 5.9 x 4.8 x 4.6" |
| Weight | 180 g / 6.3 oz |
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 | 39mm |
| Focus Type | Manual focus (only) |
| Lens Mount | Leica M |
| Lens Type | Wide-Angle |
| Max Focal Length | 28mm |
| Min Focal Length | 28mm |
