24MM 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.
24mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH
Introduced at Photokina in 1996, 24mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH lens features the molded aspherical lens technology204. It consists of seven elements arranged in five groups, including one aspherical surface, one element made of special glass with partial anomalous dispersion, and two additional elements crafted from highly refractive glass204. The lens has a length of 45mm from the bayonet flange, weighs 290 grams, and has a filter size of E55204. Its smallest aperture is f/16204. A separate bright-line viewfinder is also available for use with this lens204.
The 24mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH is the first 24mm wide-angle lens designed for the M system and sets new performance standards in this focal length category, which photographers often prefer for dynamic shots in tight spaces215. It provides an angle of view of 84 degrees and is compact, weighing only 290 grams, making it ideal for achieving exceptional depth of field215. This new lens utilizes an aspherical glass surface, an element made of anomalous partial dispersion glass, and two additional highly refractive elements to ensure high contrast and detail at full aperture215. At full aperture, coma, field curvature, and astigmatism are virtually eliminated, thanks to its seven-element, five-group design215. This high level of performance is consistently maintained throughout the entire focusing range, down to a minimum focus distance of 0.7 meters215. A separate, non-parallax-corrected optical viewfinder is available for composition and can be mounted in the camera accessory shoe215.
As of 1998, this lens is available in a silver chrome finish, with a price of 2295 USD215.
24mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH
The Leica 24mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH lens was introduced at Photokina 2008283. The Leica-M range of lenses is quite comprehensive, particularly when relying on the mechanical coupling of the rangefinder and the limited selection of frame lines in the viewfinder361. There is room for growth in the realm of very high-speed lenses, and the Leica 24mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH complements the Leica 21mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH, offering comparable performance361.
While the 24mm version may slightly lag behind the 21mm version at maximum aperture, careful observation is needed to notice the difference361. In the past, it was challenging to fairly compare lenses with such vastly different apertures—like f/1.4 and f/3.8—only to identify minor differences361.
Choosing between the Leica 24mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH, the 24mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH, and the 24mm f/3.8 Elmar-M ASPH should be based purely on the intended use and the need for speed361. For reportage, documentary work, snapshots, and location photography—especially in fashion and portraiture—the high-speed capabilities of the 24mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH lens allow for a new type of imagery361. The Leica 24mm f/3.8 Elmar-M ASPH is excellent for snapshots with outstanding image quality, while the 24mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH serves as a good compromise between speed and size361.
The 24mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH has catalog number 11601 for the black finish361. The lens construction includes 10 elements arranged in 8 groups, with one aspherical surface and a floating group for enhanced performance361. It offers an angle of view of 84° and has a minimum focusing distance of 70 cm361. The lens weighs 500 grams and utilizes a Series VII filter that fits into the lens hood, which is a separate, screw-on type361.
24mm f/3.8 Elmar-M ASPH
The Leica 24mm f/3.8 Elmar-M ASPH was introduced at Photokina 2008283.
The 84-degree angle of view is quite intriguing, but it can also be creatively challenging361. Close-range photography of individuals or small groups conveys an intimacy that fosters a sense of connection361. Simultaneously, it allows for strong statements about the surrounding environment361. A concept of "encapsulated intimacy" could describe this approach361. When capturing images, photographers often tend to tilt the camera slightly downward to include more foreground in the shot361.
The Leica 24mm f/3.8 Elmar-M ASPH offers the smooth handling and solid feel characteristic of traditional Leica products361. The aperture ring features very smooth click stops361. Notably, the Leica 24mm f/3.8 Elmar-M ASPH has a greater number of blades than the 24mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH (nine versus eight), and the shaped aperture is more circular, which results in better bokeh or out-of-focus rendering361.
The 24mm f/3.8 Elmar-M ASPH lens performs exceptionally well at all apertures361. Its size is extremely comfortable for casual snapshots361. For the discerning user, it delivers all the performance required for high-caliber exhibition-quality images361. The 24mm f/3.8 Elmar-M ASPH offers outstanding value for money and demonstrates a high level of performance361. There is hardly any photographic discipline where the 24mm f/3.8 Elmar-M ASPH fails to deliver impressively good results361.
The lens has catalog number 11604361. There are 8 elements in 6 groups with one aspherical surface361. Angle of view is 84º361. Minimum focusing distance is 70 cm361. Weight is 260 grams361. Filter size is E46361. There is 6-bit lens identification361. The lens includes a screw-on type lens hood361.