High-quality Leica R-mount lens series with f/2.8 aperture, widely adapted onto digital cameras to achieve the classic Leica rendering and bokeh character.
Technical Details
The Elmarit-R series included focal lengths from 19mm to 180mm, with all lenses featuring a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8. Classic focal lengths were 24mm, 28mm, 35mm, 60mm Macro, 90mm, and 135mm. The 60mm Macro variant achieved a reproduction ratio of 1:2 without extension tubes. All lenses featured a pre-selector aperture with manual control from f/2.8 to f/16. The optical design was based on 6-8 lens elements in 4-6 groups, depending on the focal length. The focusing range typically extended from 0.3m to infinity, and for the 90mm, from 0.9m to infinity.
History & Development
In 1964, Leica introduced the first Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8 along with the Leicaflex. In 1968, the wide-angle variants 28mm and 35mm followed. The legendary 19mm Super-Elmarit-R was launched in 1980 and was considered a benchmark for extreme wide-angle lenses until the 2000s. In 1976, the 60mm Macro-Elmarit-R expanded the series with close-up functionality. With the discontinuation of the R-System in 2009, Elmarit-R production also ended after 45 years.
Practical Use in Film
Elmarit-R lenses shaped the look of numerous independent films in the 1970s and 80s. Stanley Kubrick used the 19mm Super-Elmarit-R for extreme wide-angle shots in "Eyes Wide Shut" (1999). Their compact construction made them ideal for handheld shots and tight shooting situations. The 60mm Macro established itself in product and detail photography for films. The characteristic bokeh rendering and neutral color reproduction allowed for consistent visual language when changing focal lengths within the series.
Comparison & Alternatives
Compared to the faster Summicron-R lenses (f/2.0), Elmarit-R lenses offered more compact dimensions with slightly reduced light transmission. In comparison to Zeiss-Contax lenses of the same era, they exhibited less contrast but softer skin tones. Modern alternatives include Leica SL lenses or adapted Summicron-M lenses on mirrorless cameras. For film productions today, Zeiss CP.3 or Sigma Cine lenses are often used, offering similar focal lengths with constant T-stops.