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Leica 90mm f/4 Macro-Elmar-M Collapsible M-Mount Lens, Germany, Black, 6-Bit {E39} 11670

Model #384990
  • $2,785.00

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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-M: collapsible macro-capable M-mount prime.

The Macro-Elmar-M 90mm f/4 occupies a specific and deliberate niche in the M-mount system. Its retractable barrel collapses flush against the camera body, making it one of the most pocketable 90mm options available for rangefinder shooters. Four elements in four groups is a stripped-down formula, but it earns its keep by delivering consistent sharpness and even illumination across the aperture range, from wide open at f/4 through the smaller stops.

Paired with the Macro-Adapter-M, the lens shifts into close-focus territory with a reproduction ratio of 1:6.7, bringing subjects as near as 2.6 feet. Multi-layer anti-reflective coatings on each element keep contrast honest and color rendering clean under mixed or contrasty light. The 6-Bit coding communicates lens data directly to digital M bodies for accurate EXIF logging and vignetting correction. Manual focus, E39 filter thread, and German manufacture round out a lens built to Leica's established standard of mechanical precision.

Who It's For

Travel photographers shooting with M-system bodies will appreciate the collapsed profile fitting a jacket pocket without a protruding barrel. Documentary and street photographers get a useful short telephoto working distance at 90mm with minimal camera bulk. Macro-inclined shooters willing to add the Macro-Adapter-M gain genuine close-up capability from an otherwise compact package. Film Leica shooters on M6 or MP bodies get full mechanical compatibility, while digital M users benefit from the 6-Bit coding feeding corrective lens profiles automatically to the camera.

Key Features

  • Collapsible barrel design for pocket portability
  • Four-element optical formula with even illumination across aperture range
  • 1:6.7 close-focus capability with optional Macro-Adapter-M
  • Multi-layer anti-reflective coating on each element
  • 6-Bit coding for digital M-body EXIF and vignetting correction
  • E39 filter thread and manual focus
  • German manufacture

FAQ

Does the 90mm f/4 Elmar-M work on digital M bodies?
Yes. The 6-Bit coding transmits lens data to digital M cameras for accurate EXIF logging and automatic vignetting correction.
How close can you focus with this lens?
Standard focusing reaches infinity down to about 3.3 feet. With the Macro-Adapter-M, you can get as close as 2.6 feet at a 1:6.7 reproduction ratio.
What happens when you collapse the barrel?
The retractable design lets it fold flush against the camera body, making it pocket-friendly for travel. Optical performance stays consistent when extended and ready to shoot.
Is the optical design complex?
No. Four elements in four groups is minimal, but Leica engineered it to deliver even sharpness and consistent rendering from f/4 through smaller apertures without unnecessary glass.
What filter size does it take?
E39 threads. That's a common size across Leica's legacy lenses, so filters and caps are easy to find.
Can you use this lens on film M bodies?
Absolutely. Manual focus design works on any Leica M rangefinder, film or digital. The 6-Bit coding just adds convenience on digital bodies.
How does the multi-layer coating affect image quality?
Multi-layer coatings on each element reduce flare and ghosting, which keeps contrast higher and color rendering more neutral even in mixed or backlit conditions.
SpecificationValue
Focal Length90mm
Max Aperturef/4
MountLeica M
Package Dimensions6.5 x 5.5 x 4.9"
Weight1.3 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
Focus Type Manual focus (only)
Lens Mount Leica M
Lens Type Short Tele / Portrait
Max Focal Length 90mm
Min Focal Length 90mm