21MM BAYONET MOUNT LENSES
It is important to note that Leica lenses had their focal lengths specified in millimeters from 1925 to 1928, in centimeters from 1928 to 1970, and again in millimeters from 1971 onwards360.
21mm f/4 Super-Angulon
The 21mm f/4 Super-Angulon, code-named SUMOM184, was introduced in 1958184 and has the catalog number 11102L361. This lens features a rotating chrome mount with dual focusing scales, marked with red and black numerals184.
The first version of the Super-Angulon contained nine elements and required a special rear lens cap (catalog number 14042, code-named IROOW) for bayonet mount lenses to protect its protruding rear elements184. Consequently, incorrect exposure may result, prompting users to meter with another lens beforehand. The metering cell for flash exposure control on the M6 TTL is also obscured. In this case, users should switch the flash unit to "A" mode instead of "TTL" to utilize the independent metering cell of the flashgun235. Also, due to these protruding elements, the 21mm f/4 Super-Angulon could not be used on the Leica M5 without modification184. Even after the necessary modifications, the through-the-lens metering of the Leica M5 remained unusable184.
Leitz manufactured only 5292 bayonet-mount 21mm f/4 Super-Angulon lenses184.
21mm f/3.4 Super-Angulon
Introduced in 1963, the 21mm f/3.4 Super-Angulon lens underwent significant improvements following the lackluster performance of its predecessor 21mm f/4 Super-Angulon (catalog number 11102L361)184. This new version was produced exclusively in bayonet mount had the catalog number 11103184.
The redesigned 21mm f/3.4 Super-Angulon consisted of eight elements arranged in a non-rotating mount, equipped with dual scales in red and black lettering184. The initial models were finished in silver chrome, while later versions, produced around 1968, were finished in anodized black184. Notably, the silver-finished 21mm f/3.4 Super-Angulon included an infinity focusing lock184. However, when the lens transitioned to a black finish, this infinity lock was removed, leaving only the focusing tab184.
The 21mm f/3.4 Super-Angulon featured a larger front element than its predecessor 21mm f/4 Super-Angulon, necessitating either E48 screw-in or Series VII filters184. Additionally, these lenses required the 21mm Brightline finder (catalog number 12002, code-named SBKOO), which was initially produced in a silver finish and later in black to match the black lenses184. Leitz supplied each lens with its own lens hood (catalog number 12501)184.
The rear elements of 21mm f/3.4 Super-Angulon protrude far into the camera body235. This protrusion can partially obstruct the metering cell, leading to inaccurate readings of the white spot on the shutter curtain235. Consequently, incorrect exposure may result, prompting users to meter with another lens beforehand235. The metering cell for flash exposure control on the M6 TTL is also obscured235. In this case, users should switch the flash unit to "A" mode instead of "TTL" to utilize the flashgun’s independent metering cell235.
Serial numbers of 21mm f/3.4 Super-Angulon lenses range from 1967101 through 2917150361.
Production of the 21mm f/3.4 Super-Angulon lenses ended in 1980 (197995) with the introduction of the 21mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M184.
21mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M (Version 1)
In 1980 (or 197995), the version 1 of 21mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M (catalog number 1113495) was announced360. This lens was the fastest yet produced at the time and was exceptionally quick for such a short focal length360. It is also known as the "pre-ASPH" version.
Like its predecessor, the 21mm f/3.4 Super Angulon, the version 1 of 21mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M lens features an eight-element construction360 in 6 groups95. The lens featured a completely new formula95. The lens had angle of view of 92 degrees95. The filter size was E4995. The lens features a smallest aperture of f/16 and includes both full and half click stop apertures95. Its focusing range allows for manual focus from 16 inches to 28 inches to infinity)95. The lens is finished in black and comes with a lens hood (catalog number 12537)95. Its dimensions are 46mm in length and 53mm in diameter, with a weight of 0.290 kg95. The accessory viewfinder has catalog number 1201295. The minimum focusing distance was 70cm361.
The first retro-focus lens design from Leitz with a 21mm focal length originates from Midland, Ontario, Canada360 and bears a family resemblance to the Elmarit-R 1:2.8/19mm, which is also a Midland design361. The gradual shift from symmetrical to retro-focus designs for the M-camera became necessary after the introduction of the Leica M5361. Additionally, a less obvious reason for this change is the greater potential for optical corrections that retro-focus designs offer361. One of the prototypes of this design was the 25mm f/2.8 lens, numbered 00001023360. This prototype served as a stepping stone from the 28mm f/2.8 lens to the 21mm f/2.8 lens360.
Approximately 14000 units were manufactured, with an average sales volume of about 1000 per year361.
The serial numbers ranged from 2993701 through 3363299361.
21mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M (Version 2)
In 1985361, the version 2 of 21mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M (catalog number 1113495) was announced361. This lens was the fastest yet produced at the time and was exceptionally quick for such a short focal length360. It is also known as the "pre-ASPH" version.
The filter size was E60361. Minimum focusing distance was 70cm361.
The serial numbers ranged from 3363299 through 3719102361.
21mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH
The Leica 21mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH was introduced in 1997285 in black finish (catalog number 11135361).
The Leica 21mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH lens is compatible with all cameras in the Leica M series. The lens is ideal for photojournalism, landscape, and architectural photography. It is smaller, easier to handle, and optically more advanced than its predecessor, the 21mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M (catalog number 11134) lens209.
The 21mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH features a sophisticated optical design that includes nine elements arranged in seven groups209. Among these elements are three made with high refraction glass, two with anomalous partial dispersion, and one with an aspherical glass surface209. This design significantly enhances optical performance while drastically reducing the size of the lens209.
As a result, the lens offers a fast f/2.8 aperture, excellent flatness of field, and virtually no distortion, even at full aperture209. Its convenient portability makes it perfect for capturing decisive moments, especially outdoors209. Additionally, with a 92-degree angle of view, it allows photographers to shoot wide scenes or large objects from close distances209. The minimum focus distance of the lens is 70cm361.
In 1997, the Leica 21mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH lens was available in the U.S. with a suggested retail price of 2395 USD209. The serial numbers start at 3780530361.
Leica 21mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH lens was available in silver chrome finish (product code 11897361) as of 1998 and was priced at 2495 USD215. The weight of the chrome finish version was 415 grams361.
The Leica 21mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH lens remained in the catalogue until 2012361.
21mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH
The Leica 21mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH was introduced at Photokina 2008283.
All optical techniques have been employed to make the Leica 21mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH possible, including aspherical surfaces, floating elements, special optical glass, and a sophisticated manufacturing process361. The mechanical complexity of the new lenses with floating element technology has reached a new level: the minimal movements of the floating element must be extremely precise and consistent over many years of use to effectively enhance lens performance361. This need for precision is why the lens does not feature a smallest aperture of f/22361.
The specifications of the Leica 21mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH are highly demanding from an optical perspective361. A broad cone of light must be directed through the lens to the image plane while minimizing distortions and aberrations361.
The maximum aperture of f/1.4 not only enables the capture of extreme wide-angle images in low-light conditions but also addresses the common issue with wide-angle designs: the extensive depth of field, which makes selective focus difficult to achieve361.
The lens has a catalog number 11647361. It consists of 10 elements arranged in 8 groups, including two elements with one aspherical surface each, along with a floating group361. The lens offers an angle of view of 92° and a minimum focusing distance of 70 cm361. Weighing 580 grams in black finish, it uses a Series VIII filter and includes a 6-bit lens identification. Additionally, it comes with a separate, screw-on lens hood361.
21mm f/3.4 Super-Elmar-M ASPH
The Leica 21mm f/3.4 Super-Elmar-M ASPH, introduced in 2011, has catalog number 11145361. It consists of 8 elements arranged in 7 groups, including one element with two aspherical surfaces, providing an impressive angle of 92º361. The minimum focusing distance is 70 cm, and it weighs 260 grams361. It is designed with an E46 female thread for filters and includes a male thread with a stop for a separate lens hood. Additionally, it has a 6-bit lens identification system361.
The Leica 21mm f/3.4 Super-Elmar-M ASPH lens features the classic specifications associated with Super-Angulon fame and may evoke a sense of nostalgia among seasoned Leica users361. This new lens is compact and boasts impeccable mechanical quality361. While classical lenses often offered a solid feel, they sometimes fell short in optical performance361. However, this lens is one of the rare wide-angle designs where discussing the differences in quality between the center, edges, and corners becomes unnecessary361. This well-balanced characteristic is a hallmark of current Leica design361.
The optical prescription ensures extremely high image quality across all apertures, covering the full distance range from 70 cm to infinity and from center to corner361. The Leica 21mm f/3.4 Super-Elmar-M ASPH is technically closely related to the 18mm f/3.8 Super-Elmar-M ASPH; the behind-the-aperture group is nearly identical and includes a lens element with two aspherical surfaces361.
Following its introduction, the lens mount was slightly modified, featuring a larger diameter in the section between the bayonet and the focus ring361.
Price at the introduction was 2995 USD293.