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Leica 90mm f/4 Elmar-C Wetzlar M-Mount Lens, Germany, Black {E39} 11540

Model #383624
  • $189.00

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New in box complete with manufacturer's USA warranty. Not previously owned or used.
Essentially new with no signs of use. “Open box.” In manufacturer's packaging with original accessories and instructions. 180-day warranty.
Barely used with virtually no traces of wear. Only the closest inspections will reveal slight use. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Lightly used with limited signs of wear. Exceptionally nice but may have slight wear on finish visible. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Noticeably used with average signs of wear. Shows moderate wear for the age of the item, with the possibility of blemishes and/or minimal dings. Lens glass may have average dust and zoom/focus ring tension may have slight looseness or tightness overall, but will not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Frequently used with above-average wear. May have dents, dings, or finish loss. Lens glass may have small scratches, dust, and blemishes, and zoom/focus ring tension may have moderate looseness or tightness overall, but should not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Heavily used with extensive visible wear. Equipment is rough, with multiple impressions in the finish, excessive finish loss and brassing. Glass will have marks, fungus and/or heavy/cloudy haze which could affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. Not covered under KEH warranty.
Non-functional or damaged. Equipment will not work. Usable for parts. Not covered under KEH warranty and non-returnable.
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Leica 90mm f/4 Elmar-C: compact portrait reach for M-mount shooters.

The Elmar-C 90mm f/4 is a German-made short telephoto built around the Leica M bayonet mount. At 90mm, it sits in the classic portrait and street telephoto range, enough compression to separate a subject from its background, without the physical bulk that longer focal lengths demand. The Compact Elmar-C designation signals exactly what this lens was designed around: keeping a 90mm optic small enough to carry without friction.

The f/4 maximum aperture is honest about its priorities. This is a lens for photographers who care about rendering and focal length over wide-aperture light gathering. The E39 filter thread keeps the front element small. Made in Germany, it carries the material and manufacturing standards that define Leica's M-system glass.

For M-mount shooters already invested in the system, the Elmar-C represents a practical way to add 90mm reach without sacrificing the compact profile that makes rangefinder shooting attractive in the first place.

Who It's For

Street photographers who want a longer perspective without adding mass to their kit will find the Compact Elmar-C design delivers 90mm reach on a M-mount body without the profile of larger telephoto options. Portrait shooters working in good light get the subject compression that 90mm provides. Travel photographers keeping their bag minimal benefit from the E39 filter thread and the compact form factor that the Elmar-C designation specifically addresses. Collectors and purists drawn to German-manufactured M-system glass have an example of Leica's telephoto optics in the M lineup.

Key Features

  • 90mm fixed focal length for classic portrait compression
  • f/4 maximum aperture prioritizes compact design over speed
  • Leica M bayonet mount for M-system bodies
  • E39 filter thread on compact front element
  • German-made optics and construction
  • Compact Elmar-C design minimizes telephoto bulk

FAQ

What mount does the Elmar-C 90mm use?
Leica M bayonet mount. It's the standard M-system connection, so it works with any M-mount body in your collection.
Why f/4 instead of a wider aperture?
The f/4 maximum is part of the design philosophy - Leica built this lens around compactness and optical rendering over low-light speed. You get a smaller, lighter 90mm that still delivers the separation and perspective compression portrait shooters want.
What filter size does this lens take?
E39 thread. Small front element keeps the lens compact and keeps filter costs down.
Is this lens made in Germany?
Yes. It's manufactured to Leica's German standards for M-system glass.
How does 90mm compare to other M-mount portrait lenses?
90mm is the classic Leica portrait focal length - longer than a 50mm for better subject separation, shorter than 135mm to keep overall package size manageable. It's the middle ground for rangefinder shooters who want reach without bulk.
Who should buy the Elmar-C 90mm?
M-mount photographers already committed to the system who want a practical, compact way to shoot longer focal lengths. If you value lens speed over focal length, look elsewhere. If you value the rangefinder workflow and optical character, this lens fits.
SpecificationValue
Focal Length90mm
Max Aperturef/4
MountLeica M
Filter ThreadE39
OriginGermany
ColorBlack

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 Short Tele / Portrait
Max Focal Length 90mm
Min Focal Length 90mm