Leica 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M (3rd Version) M-Mount Lens with Hood Pins, Canada, Black {E49} 11804

Leica's 28mm Elmarit-M third version, compact rangefinder wide-angle proven over decades.

At 180g and just 30mm long, this Canadian-built Elmarit-M disappears into a coat pocket without sacrificing the all-metal construction Leica M shooters expect. The 8-element, 6-group design incorporates a single aspherical element that keeps distortion and field curvature in check across the full 35mm frame, something earlier wide-angle rangefinder lenses struggled with at this focal length. A 39mm filter thread and E49 designation keep filter costs reasonable, and the included hood with pin attachment locks on without fuss.

The 10-blade aperture stops down to f/22 with click-stops at half values, giving precise exposure control for zone-focus street work where you're setting aperture by feel without lifting the camera to your eye. The depth-of-field and distance scales are engraved and usable, not decorative, which matters at f/8 when you're prefocusing at 2 meters and trusting the scale. Minimum focus sits at 0.70m, close enough for environmental portraits at 28mm without distortion becoming a problem at typical working distances.

Adapters open this lens to Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, L-Mount, and Fuji X bodies, which means a shooter already invested in one of those systems can put a piece of refined M-mount glass to work on modern mirrorless sensors.

Who It's For

Street photographers working the rangefinder system will appreciate the prefocus-friendly DOF scale and the lens's ability to operate quietly and quickly at f/5.6 to f/11 zone settings. Travel photographers packing light get a 28mm prime that covers full-frame at under 200 grams. Documentary shooters who need consistent wide-angle coverage in tight spaces will find the 0.70m minimum focus distance useful for close environmental context. Mirrorless shooters on Sony E or Nikon Z platforms who want M-mount character can run this via adapter without giving up much in practice.

Key Features

• 28mm f/2.8 prime with 8 elements, 1 aspherical element
• 10-blade aperture stops to f/22 with click-stop half values
• 0.70m minimum focus distance with engraved DOF and distance scales
• 180g weight, 30mm length in all-metal construction
• 39mm filter thread with included pin-attachment hood
• Manual focus only, no autofocus or stabilization
• Leica M-mount with adapter compatibility for E, Z, RF, L, X bodies

FAQ

Does this 28mm work on modern mirrorless cameras?

Yes - Leica M adapters exist for Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, L-Mount, and Fuji X. You lose rangefinder coupling on digital bodies, but the manual focus and distance scale remain functional for zone focusing.

How close can you focus with this lens?

0.70m minimum focus distance means you can shoot environmental portraits at 28mm without distortion becoming an issue at typical working distances.

What's the aperture ring like for street photography?

10-blade aperture with click-stops at half-value increments lets you set exposure by feel - you're adjusting the ring without looking, which matters when you're focused on composition.

Can you prefocus using the distance scale?

Yes - the engraved distance scale and depth-of-field markings are calibrated and usable. At f/8 with the scale set to 2 meters, your zone is reliable enough for street work.

How much does it weigh and how compact is it really?

180g and 30mm long - it fits a coat pocket without being a toy lens. All-metal construction means it handles like rangefinder glass should.

What filters does this take?

39mm thread, E49 designation. Standard filter sizes keep costs down compared to larger optics.

Does the hood come included?

Yes - pin-attached hood locks on without fuss and ships with the lens.