28MM BAYONET MOUNT LENSES
28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M (version 1)
The 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M (version 1) (catalog number 11801235) was introduced in November of 1965542, starting with serial number 2061501361, and replaced the 28mm f/5.6 Summaron360.
The chrome-finished prototype (serial number 0000438) had a unique mounting design360.
Another prototype lens with a unique mounting design was bayonet mount 28mm f/4 illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014594. This lens had B640 inscription on it594.
The original Wetzlar version consisted of nine elements and featured a deeply protruding rear element group, which limited its compatibility with Leica cameras that had built-in metering133. The protruding rear elements interfered with the meter's acceptance angle, preventing it from accurately measuring the light reflected from the subject133.
The front flange was threaded for an E48 filter, and the clip-on hood could accommodate a Series VII filter if desired244. The angle of view was 76 degrees361. The minimum distance was 70cm and the weight was 225 grams361. The lens hood for this lens was 12501 and series VII or E-48 filters were accepted542. The 12007 (later 12009) brightline viewfinder was recommended for easier framing542.
The total production volume of this lens was quite low, with only about 3,200 units produced361.
The lens was replaced in mid-1969542 by a version produced by Leitz Canada, which was constructed with eight elements360.
It was also important to note that early 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M lenses with serial numbers below 2411000 did not correctly activate the 28mm frame on the Leica M6, Leica M4-P, and Leica M4-2 camera bodies235.
28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M (version 2)
Prototypes
Prototypes of this lens, numbered 0001027 and 0001028, with optical formula B741, were illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014594.
Serial Production
Later, mid-1969542, the Canadian-made Version 2 of 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M lens was introduced360. The serial numbers for this new versions were above 2314921 according to James L. Lager542 and above 2314801 according to original Leitz documentation361.
Constructed with eight elements arranged in six groups, this lens benefited from advancements in technology that significantly improved image quality at maximum aperture, particularly in the corners of the frame244. The catalog number was 11801 for the black variant361. This version featured a steeply curving convex front surface with an angle of view of 76°133. Note that there was a prominent arc of the front element133.
The second version was designed as a retrofocus lens specifically for the Leica M5244. It was shortened at the rear to provide clearance for the Leica M5’s swinging metering cell244. The diameter of the new lens at the front remained nearly the same as that of its predecessor, and it continued to use the same 12501 hood and E48 (or Series VII) filter244.
There were around 5000 lenses made361.
In late 1979, this lens was further improved in both optical quality and appearance360. The new 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M (version 3) model introduced a redesigned mount, featuring the typical 1980s engraving of the focal length in yellow360.
28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M (version 3)
Prototypes
Prototype of this lens, numbered 5001512 with "tiger paw" type focusing lever, was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014594.
Serial Production
Introduced at Photokina 1980493, the 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M (version 3) lens featured a completely new design based on advanced computation88 and represented a significant improvement over its predecessor361. The shipping began in March of 1981493. The serial numbers range from 2977551542 to 3576533361. This version was catalogued under the number 11804 for the black finish version88.
This lens had a redesigned mount with a focusing tab for easier adjustments361. The version 3 was a Canadian design featuring a retrofocus construction, but it utilized a different optical prescription361. This version incorporated low index of refraction glass in the front element542. The lens had eight elements arranged in six groups and was coupled with the rangefinder, allowing for focus from infinity down to 0.7 meters88. This new design featured a special anti-reflective coating on this surface to reduce ghost reflections and improve contrast542 and produced cleaner and flare-free images at f/2.8244. However, it also introduced considerable curvature of field, resulting in poor corner sharpness at infinity across all apertures244.
The front flange was slightly enlarged to accommodate an E49 filter244, and a new twist-on 12536 lens hood542 was introduced244. It was important to fit the lens hood 12536 carefully using the push/rotate method, as improper handling could have led to damage to either the hood or the lens542. A later version of the same hood (catalog number 12536) included a cutout for easier use with the built-in 28mm finder frame of the Leica M4-P camera, which debuted in 1981244.
Sales were impressive, totaling 17200 units361.
The lens remained in the catalog until 1993361.
Special Editions
A special edition was made for the 70 years anniversary of Ur-Leica and was engraved "Leica 1913-1983"361.
28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M (version 4)
The combination of the latest glass types and improved retrofocus design allowed Leica Solms to create a well-balanced version 4 of 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M244 of March of 1993542 (catalogue number 11809 for the black anodized version)361.
This lens aimed to address issues related to curvature and image quality at maximum aperture244. Composed of eight elements arranged in seven groups, it maintained a flat field at all apertures, delivering exceptional image quality even when wide open244. However, one slight drawback was the occurrence of flare and reflections when the lens was pointed toward the sun244.
The front lens, with its unique plane surface, delivered sparkling clarity at full aperture, even in high-contrast situations361. Generally, this lens offered an improvement of one full stop compared to its predecessor361. A distinctive feature of this lens was its excellent correction of oblique sagittal rays, which enhanced the rendition of fine gradations in small object areas361.
The front flange of the lens was smaller than in previous designs and was compatible with an E46 filter and a clip-on hood244. There were at least three versions of the hood244. Each of these hoods, referred to as catalogue numbers 11809, 12547, and 12588, featured cutouts and their own rectangular caps244. The 12547 and 12588 hoods slightly protruded into the bottom of both metal and plastic SLOOZ/12007 brightline finder542 fields of view, but the cutouts facilitate viewing through the camera's finder frame244.
The minimum focusing distance was 70cm361.
The lens remained in the catalogue until 2008361.
28-35-50mm f/4 Tri-Elmar-M ASPH (version 1)
The first version of 28-35-50mm f/4 Tri-Elmar-M ASPH was introduced in 1998211. The catalog number for the black version was 11890 and 11894 for silver chrome version361.
This compact lens was ideal for travel photographers and photojournalists, as it covered the frequently used wide-angle focal lengths of 28mm and 35mm, as well as the standard 50mm211. Despite being versatile, it was not a zoom lens; the 28-35-50mm f/4 Tri-Elmar-M ASPH (version 1) could be set specifically to these three focal lengths211.
The original proposal for the zoom lens design for the M-camera included two focal lengths; however, the final version was enhanced to feature three selectable focal lengths: 28mm, 35mm, and 50mm361. The Tri-Elmar lens, designed by Lothar Kölsch, was a significant achievement in both optical and mechanical engineering, showcasing a complexity that was quite remarkable361.
As a true zoom lens, the Tri-Elmar altered the focal length of the optical system, thereby changing the magnification of the image361. Its design consisted of two groups of lens elements361. The front group also moved axially to adjust the distance setting361.
The mechanical engineering demands, handled by André de Winter, were exceptionally high361. Cams with different curves were used to mechanically compensate for the relative movement between the two lens cells and the film plane361. Transitioning from 50mm to 35mm and then from 50mm to 28mm required the same distance on the focal-length setting ring, but the internal movements involved were quite different361. The shorter distances necessitated a steeper curve, resulting in varying forces that must have been overcome361. These forces needed to be carefully coordinated with the tensions of the frame actuating springs361.
28-35-50mm f/4 Tri-Elmar-M ASPH (version 1) lens was compatible with Leica M6211. It delivered photographs rich in contrast and detail at all three focal lengths211. The optical construction included eight elements arranged in six groups; two of these elements had aspherical surfaces, and five were made from special high-index glass types211.
Users could select the focus, lens aperture, and focal length via three distinct adjustment rings211. The focal-length adjustment ring included noticeable click stops at the 28mm, 35mm, and 50mm settings, preventing accidental adjustments211. The frame lines for the selected focal length were automatically reflected in the Leica M6's viewfinder211.
28-35-50mm f/4 Tri-Elmar-M ASPH (version 1) represented a milestone in lens design for the Leica M camera211. According to Sonke Peters, the Leica M Product Manager, at the time of its introduction, this lens was the most complex M lens ever created211.
The minimum focusing distance was 100cm361. The weight was 340 grams for the black version and 460 grams for silver chrome361.
Extremely compact, the 28-35-50mm f/4 Tri-Elmar-M ASPH (version 1) lens was available at a suggested retail price of 2495 USD upon introduction211.
The serial number range spans from 37531261 to 3829350, with version 2 being introduced at some point within this range361.
28-35-50mm f/4 Tri-Elmar-M ASPH (version 2)
Prototypes
A prototype of this lens, number 3771934, was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018596.
Serial production
The revised and improved 28-35-50mm f/4 Tri-Elmar-M ASPH (version 2) was reintroduced at Photokina 2000234. The catalog number for the black version was 11625361.
The first version of the Tri-Elmar-M 1:4/28-35-50 mm ASPH received some complaints regarding the somewhat unreliable lock of the 28mm position361. The second version featured the same optical cell but offerred improved ergonomics361. It included a focusing tab and an enhanced mechanism for selecting focal lengths361.
The image quality of the lens was exceptional at all three focal lengths, even at full aperture361. Some distortion was noticeable at the 28mm position; however, it was nearly absent at the other focal lengths361.
The front diameter was reduced from 55mm to 49mm234.
A new universal polarizer for the M (catalog number 13356) was introduced, which could accommodate several different filter sizes, including the newer lenses with built-in lens hoods212. The polarizer came in a fitted leather case with adapter rings for E39 and E46 filter sizes, and a separate adapter for E49 size lenses was available212. Users could simply screw the adapter onto the lens and attach the polarizer to it212.
The minimum focusing distance was 100cm361.
Combined, both versions of this lens sold over 10000 units361.
The chrome finished 28-35-50mm f/4 Tri-Elmar-M ASPH (version 2) lens was particularly special, as only 575 lenses were manufactured, including the 75 with unique "Leica HISTORICA 1975-2000." engraving236.
28-35-50mm f/4 Tri-Elmar-M ASPH (version 2) engraved "Leica HISTORICA 1975-2000."
This very special variant of 28-35-50mm f/4 Tri-Elmar-M ASPH (version 2) lens was created to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Leica Historica e.V236. It featured a unique engraving that read "Leica HISTORICA 1975-2000."236 Only 75 pieces of this lens were produced, numbered 1 to 74, along with one piece numbered 150236. The engraving was similar to that on the special Leica M6 "Leica HISTORICA" model, which celebrated the 20th anniversary of Leica Historica e.V.236.
The chrome finished 28-35-50mm f/4 Tri-Elmar-M ASPH (version 2) lens was particularly special, as only 575 lenses were manufactured, including the 75 with unique engraving236. This chrome version weighted 460 grams, while the black version weighted only 340 grams236. In addition to the distinctive engraving, the lens cap was also noteworthy; it was made from a heavy metal and featured an engraving of the Leica logo236.
28-35-50mm f/4 Tri-Elmar-M ASPH (version 2) engraved "Leica HISTORICA 1975-2000", when paired with the Leica M6 "Leica HISTORICA" body and the 50mm f/2 Summicron lens, created a special commemorative set for the anniversary236.
28mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH
The 28mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH lens was announced in Photokina 2000231. This high-speed wide-angle lens was eagerly anticipated by photojournalists and enthusiasts of low-light photography231. Thanks to the use of special glass types and an aspherical lens element, Leica's lens designers achieved improved optical performance231. Catalog number was 11604 for black and 11661 for silver chrome version made until 2012361.
The lens comprised nine elements arranged in six groups, including one aspherical surface, and supported a filter size of E46231. It weighted 270 grams (without the lens hood)231. The lens had 10 aperture blades434. The minimum focusing distance was 70cm361. The lens had a lockable clip-on type lens hood361.
The 28mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH was considered one of the crown jewels in Leica's lineup of lenses361. Leica's designers faced two contrasting challenges when creating lenses for the M-system: ensuring the lens remained compact while achieving the highest possible image quality361.
The 28mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH featured an optical construction that included one molded glass surface with an aspherical design, specifically on the front surface of the last element361.
Even at full aperture, this lens produced high-contrast imagery with sharp definition of extremely fine details across most of the image field361. Flare was well suppressed; however, a lens hood was recommended when light sources are near or in front of the lens361. Leica had also redesigned the front section where the lens hood attached for improved handling, demonstrating the design team's commitment to enhancing usability361.
The suggested retail price for the lens was 1995.00 USD, and deliveries were set to begin in February of 2001231. The production started at serial number 3900076361.
28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH (version 5)
The fifth version of 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M (catalog number 11606361) was introduced in 2006 at Photokina277. The lens was designed to work equally well on analog and digital M’s277.
The fifth version of 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M lens was compact in size (30 mm x 52 mm) and delivering exceptional performance361. It offerred impressive sharpness across the entire image area, from corner to corner, at all distances, making it appealing to a wide range of photographers361. The lens enjoyed popularity and was featured in various special edition cameras from Leica, with several versions produced using different materials for the mount361.
This lens might have been one of the first 28mm wide-angle lenses for rangefinder cameras to exhibit no distortion at all361.
The weight of the lens was 180 grams361. It took E39 size filters361. The minimum distance was 70cm and the angle of view was 76 degrees361. There were 8 elements in 6 groups, with one aspherical surface361. The serial numbers started at 3997621361.
28-75mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario-Elmar-M ASPH (Prototype)
Prototypes
There were 3 prototype lenses of 28-75mm f/3.5-56 Vario-Elmar-M ASPH kind designed in 2012 in Germany386. The original plan was to replace the 28-35-50mm f/4 Tri-Elmar-M ASPH (version 2)386. In contrast to the 28-35-50mm f/4 Tri-Elmar-M ASPH (version 2), the 28-75mm f/3.5-56 Vario-Elmar-M ASPH was a true zoom construction, capable of producing sharp images between the four hard stops of 28, 35, 50, and 75386.
The final-stage prototypes were outsourced to Japan, but due to the complexity of the mechanical and optical design, the project was canceled in 2015386.
Only three lenses were finished386:
- Lens number 4197615 was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018596.
- Lens number 4197793 was discussed by Dr. Ulrich Rohde in DPREVIEW thread in 2016.
- Lens number 4197794 was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018596. At the time, it had "PT 3" sticker on the depth of the field scale. Later, this lens was auctioned off at the 37th Leitz Photographica Auction in November of 2020386. It had the Leica order number 11669 and came with a special screw-type prototype hood 12469386.
28mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH
Prototypes
A prototype of this lens, number 4168963, was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018596.
Serial production
28mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH was first made available in 2014 as a special series of 100 in a stainless steel version to celebrate Leica's 100th anniversary306. In 2015, it was released as a regular production lens in a standard black anodized finish306. As of 2019, the lens was available in silver chrome finish (see p. 95 2/2019 Leica Fotografie International magazine).
At a focal length like 28mm, moving beyond f/2.8 significantly increased the demands on the optical designer306. Consequently, the 28mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH was big and heavy306. There was a trade-off for the light-gathering capability of f/1.4 and its ability to creatively limit depth of field when desired306. There was notable intrusion into the bottom right-hand corner of the viewfinder, especially at close distances306. For accurate composition and framing, live view was extremely helpful306. The focusing action was smooth, and the click stops for the aperture were positively firm306.
The lens had a new style screw-in lens hood306.
The optical design consisted of 10 elements, including 1 aspherical surface, arranged in 7 groups306. The click stops were adjustable to f/16 in half stops, and the focus range extended from 0.7m to infinity306. The smallest object field measured 526mm x 789mm with a ratio of 1:21.9, and it offered a horizontal angle of view of 65 degrees306. The filter size was E49, and the lens hood could be screw-mounted via an external thread306. In terms of dimensions, the lens had a length of 67mm (81mm when including the lens hood), a diameter of 61mm, and weighted 440g306.
28mm f/2 Summicron-M
This was the second version of the Leica 28mm f/2 Summicron-M lens312. It had the catalogue number 11672 and was released in 2016434. This lens featured an improved metal screw-in lens hood and an updated optical formula designed to enhance edge and corner resolution by flattening the plane of focus434.
The "Safari" finished variant of this lens was introduced in 2020 (see p.88 3/2020 Leica Fotografie International magazine).
28mm f/5.6 Summaron-M
The silver chrome version of28mm f/5.6 Summaron-M lens was introduced in 2017, with catalog number 11695312. As of 2019, the lens was available in black lacquered finish (see p. 94 2/2019 Leica Fotografie International magazine).
The key specifications included an angle of view of 75° diagonal, 65° horizontal, and 46° vertical312. It featured 6 elements in 4 groups, with the entrance pupil positioned 2.4mm in front of the bayonet312. The focusing range extended from 1 meter to infinity, and the distance setting combined meter-increments for the smallest object field (for 35mm) is 80 x 120mm312. The largest reproduction ratio was 1:33.4, and the aperture setting was a prefix with click stops at full stops, with the smallest aperture of f/22312. The lens had 8 aperture blades and a filter thread of E34312. The length was approximately 18mm without the lens hood and 39mm with it, while the largest diameter without the lens hood was about 51mm312. The total weight was approximately 165g without the lens hood312.
28mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH
The third version434 of 28mm f/2 Summicron-M, the 28mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH (Close Focus) lens was introduced on October 26, 2023434, with catalog number 11618434.
The new 28mm f/2 Summicron-M APSH featured redesigned optical calculations that remained largely unchanged from its previous version375.
These traits included outstanding optical performance, achieved through an intricate lens construction featuring nine elements arranged in six groups375. As expected, the redesign process involved a thorough reevaluation of the 28mm f/2 Summicron-M APSH's design375. However, only minimal adjustments were necessary to accommodate the thickness of the Leica M11's front element375. These adjustments were merely minor corrections rather than a complete overhaul375. Ultimately, this led to small improvements in an already excellent performance, although these enhancements were virtually imperceptible outside of the MTF chart375.
The redesigned 28mm f/2 Summicron-M APSH lens could focus on subjects at distances ranging from 40 to 70 cm375. A slight mechanical resistance at the 70 cm mark, along with grey inlaid values beyond this threshold, clearly indicated that you are moving out of the distance range suitable for analogue and older digital M cameras375. Thanks to the increased angle of rotation on the focus ring, this new lens allowed for the same level of precise focusing as its predecessor375. When shooting at close range, using the live view feature on the rear screen was the most convenient option, as it was easier to adjust the camera's position than to continuously turn the focus ring375.
Leica Camera AG announced the Safari green version of this lens on December 4, 2025554. The lens would become available in February of 2026554.