Overview of Leica-M Lenses
The Leica M-mount was introduced in 1954 with the M3 and has been used with all of Leica's rangefinder models since then. The bayonet mount features a relatively short flange to focal plane distance, which has made it possible to design compact, high quality lenses for the system. Indeed, the M-lenses have arguably been the main reason for many photographers to buy a Leica rangefinder camera. M-optics tend to excel in terms of contrast, resolution, and tonal depth, while their solid mechanical construction and tight manufacturing tolerances ensures longevity and provides for smooth and precise focusing action.
The patent for the M-bayonet ("Bajonettvorrichtung für die lösbare Verbindung zweier Kamerateile") was registered by Ernst Leitz GmbH at the German patent office on 10 February 1950 and published on 23 October 1952. Hugo Wehrenfennig was credited with the invention.
The M-lens catalog has grown continuously over time, with more than 70 Leica lenses having been released for the company's rangefinder cameras. All of these lenses are focused manually, and all are prime lenses. That said, the two Tri-Elmars (16-18-21mm and 28-35-50mm) make it possible to cover several focal length in one lens, and on the Leica M (Type 240) and newer cameras, it is possible to use them as continuous zooms in Live View mode.
New Lenses for Leica M
Leica Noctilux-M 75mm f/1.25
- Tele-photo Prime for Full Frame
- Manual focus operation
- Aperture range: f/1.25 - 16
- Aperture blades: 11, rounded
- Construction: 9 elements in 6 groups
- Filter size: E67
- Dimensions: 74 x 91 mm (3.0 x 3.7")
- Weight: 1,055 g (37.2 oz)
- Launch Price: $12,795
- Street Price: check offers at Amazon
Leica Thambar-M 90mm
- Tele-photo Prime for Full Frame
- Manual focus operation
- Aperture range: f/2.2 - 25
- Aperture blades: 20, rounded
- Construction: 4 elements in 3 groups
- Filter size: E49
- Dimensions: 90 x 57 mm (3.7 x 2.3")
- Weight: 500 g (17.6 oz)
- Launch Price: $6,495
- Street Price: check offers at Amazon
The listing below shows all the M-lenses that Leica released, as well as third-party offers. Moreover, Leica's earlier screw-mount lenses can also be used on M-cameras via appropriate adapters. Hence, there are many options for the M-shooter, and even though the high quality of the optics has its price, many lenses can be found in excellent condition on the pre-owned market at a sizable discount.
| Lens Designation | Focus System (type) | Filter Type (size) | Weather Sealing (y/n) | Lens Dimensions (dia x len) | Lens Weight (net) | Product Launch (year) | Launch Price (USD) | Street Price (USD) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Voigtlander Hyper Wide Heliar 10mm f/5.6 | MF | n | n | 68 x 59 mm | 312 g | 2016 | 1,099 | amazon.com | |
| 2 | Voigtlander Ultra Wide Heliar 12mm f/5.6 | MF | E67 | n | 75 x 43 mm | 230 g | 2016 | 699 | amazon.com | |
| 3 | Zeiss Distagon T* 15mm f/2.8 ZM | MF | E72 | n | 78 x 92 mm | 550 g | 2016 | 4,695 | amazon.com | |
| 4 | Voigtlander Super Wide Heliar 15mm f/4.5 | MF | E58 | n | 65 x 55 mm | 247 g | 2016 | 749 | amazon.com | |
| 5 | Zeiss Hologon 15mm f/8 | MF | n | n | 59 x 6 mm | 110 g | 1972 | $$$ | ebay.com | |
| 6 | Leica Tri-Elmar-M 16mm-18mm-21mm f/4 ASPH | MF | E67 | n | 54 x 62 mm | 335 g | 2006 | 5,395 | amazon.com | |
| 7 | Leica Super-Elmar-M 18mm f/3.8 ASPH | MF | E77 | n | 61 x 58 mm | 310 g | 2009 | 2,995 | amazon.com | |
| 8 | Zeiss Distagon T* 18mm f/4 ZM | MF | E58 | n | 65 x 71 mm | 350 g | 2003 | 1,495 | amazon.com | |
| 9 | Leica Summilux-M 21mm f/1.4 ASPH | MF | S8 | n | 70 x 66 mm | 580 g | 2008 | 7,495 | amazon.com | |
| 10 | Voigtlander Ultron 21mm f/1.8 | MF | E58 | n | 69 x 92 mm | 412 g | 2012 | 1,099 | amazon.com | |
| 11 | Leica Elmarit-M 21mm f/2.8 | MF | E49/E60 | n | 62 x 47 mm | 290 g | 1980 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 12 | Leica Elmarit-M 21mm f/2.8 ASPH | MF | E55 | n | 58 x 46 mm | 415 g | 1997 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 13 | Zeiss Biogon T* 21mm f/2.8 ZM | MF | E46 | n | 53 x 75 mm | 280 g | 2003 | 1,495 | amazon.com | |
| 14 | Leica Super-Angulon 21mm f/3.4 | MF | S7/E48 | n | 53 x 51 mm | 301 g | 1963 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 15 | Leica Super-Elmar-M 21mm f/3.4 ASPH | MF | E46 | n | 54 x 43 mm | 279 g | 2011 | 2,995 | amazon.com | |
| 16 | Leitz Super-Angulon f= 2.1 cm f/4 | MF | A42/E39 | n | 27 x 51 mm | 250 g | 1958 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 17 | Voigtlander Color Skopar P-Typ 21mm f/4 | MF | E39 | n | 55 x 25 mm | 136 g | 2003 | 449 | amazon.com | |
| 18 | Zeiss C Biogon T* 21mm f/4.5 ZM | MF | E46 | n | 53 x 56 mm | 210 g | 2010 | 1,295 | ebay.com | |
| 19 | Leica Summilux-M 24mm f/1.4 ASPH | MF | S7 | n | 61 x 59 mm | 500 g | 2008 | 7,495 | amazon.com | |
| 20 | Leica Elmarit-M 24mm f/2.8 ASPH | MF | E55 | n | 58 x 46 mm | 290 g | 1998 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 21 | Leica Elmar-M 24mm f/3.8 ASPH | MF | E46 | n | 53 x 41 mm | 260 g | 2008 | 2,495 | amazon.com | |
| 22 | Zeiss Biogon T* 25mm f/2.8 ZM | MF | E46 | n | 53 x 71 mm | 260 g | 2003 | 1,295 | amazon.com | |
| 23 | Voigtlander Color Skopar P-Typ 25mm f/4 | MF | E39 | n | 55 x 30 mm | 144 g | 2012 | 449 | amazon.com | |
| 24 | Leica Summilux-M 28mm f/1.4 ASPH | MF | E49 | n | 61 x 67 mm | 440 g | 2015 | 6,495 | amazon.com | |
| 25 | Leica Summicron-M 28mm f/2 ASPH | MF | E46 | n | 53 x 41 mm | 270 g | 2000 | 4,295 | amazon.com | |
| 26 | Leica Elmarit 28mm f/2.8 (I) | MF | S7/E48 | n | 53 x 38 mm | 225 g | 1965 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 27 | Leica Elmarit 28mm f/2.8 (II) | MF | S7/E48 | n | 52 x 46 mm | 300 g | 1972 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 28 | Leica Elmarit-M 28mm f/2.8 (III) | MF | E49 | n | 51 x 48 mm | 250 g | 1979 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 29 | Leica Elmarit-M 28mm f/2.8 (IV) | MF | E46 | n | 53 x 41 mm | 260 g | 1992 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 30 | Konica M-Hexanon 28mm f/2.8 | MF | E46 | n | 55 x 40 mm | 230 g | 1999 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 31 | Zeiss Biogon T* 28mm f/2.8 ZM | MF | E46 | n | 51 x 38 mm | 220 g | 2004 | 1,095 | amazon.com | |
| 32 | Leica Elmarit-M 28mm f/2.8 ASPH | MF | E39 | n | 52 x 30 mm | 180 g | 2006 | 2,495 | amazon.com | |
| 33 | Voigtlander Ultron 28mm f/2 | MF | E46 | n | 55 x 51 mm | 244 g | 2008 | 599 | amazon.com | |
| 34 | Leica Summaron-M 28mm f/5.6 | MF | E34 | n | 51 x 18 mm | 165 g | 2016 | 2,495 | amazon.com | |
| 35 | Leica Tri-Elmar-M 28mm-35mm-50mm f/4 ASPH | MF | E49/E55 | n | 55 x 68 mm | 340 g | 1998 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 36 | Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.2 | MF | E52 | n | 61 x 62 mm | 471 g | 2011 | 999 | amazon.com | |
| 37 | Leica Summilux 35mm f/1.4 (I) | MF | E41/A46.5 | n | 53 x 38 mm | 245 g | 1961 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 38 | Leica Summilux 35mm f/1.4 (II) | MF | S7/E41 | n | 47 x 27 mm | 245 g | 1967 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 39 | Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Aspherical | MF | E46 | n | 53 x 42 mm | 300 g | 1991 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 40 | Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH (11874) | MF | E46 | n | 53 x 35 mm | 250 g | 1994 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 41 | Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.4 | MF | E43 | n | 55 x 29 mm | 200 g | 2003 | 649 | amazon.com | |
| 42 | Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH (11663) | MF | E46 | n | 56 x 46 mm | 320 g | 2010 | 4,995 | amazon.com | |
| 43 | Zeiss Distagon T* 35mm f/1.4 ZM | MF | E49 | n | 63 x 65 mm | 381 g | 2014 | 2,395 | amazon.com | |
| 44 | Voigtlander Ultron 35mm f/1.7 | MF | E46 | n | 53 x 51 mm | 238 g | 2016 | 999 | amazon.com | |
| 45 | Leica Summicron f= 3.5 cm 1:2 (I) | MF | E39 | n | 51 x 28 mm | 150 g | 1958 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 46 | Leica Summicron 35mm f/2 (II) | MF | S7/E39 | n | 51 x 33 mm | 170 g | 1969 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 47 | Leica Summicron 35mm f/2 (III) | MF | S7/E39 | n | 51 x 33 mm | 170 g | 1971 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 48 | Leica Summicron-M 35mm f/2 (IV) | MF | E39 | n | 52 x 26 mm | 160 g | 1979 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 49 | Leica Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH | MF | E39 | n | 53 x 35 mm | 255 g | 1997 | 2,995 | amazon.com | |
| 50 | Zeiss Biogon T* 35mm f/2 ZM | MF | E43 | n | 52 x 68 mm | 240 g | 2003 | 1,095 | amazon.com | |
| 51 | Leica Summarit-M 35mm f/2.4 ASPH | MF | E39 | n | 52 x 34 mm | 197 g | 2014 | 1,995 | amazon.com | |
| 52 | Voigtlander Color Skopar Pancake 35mm f/2.5 | MF | E39 | n | 55 x 23 mm | 134 g | 2003 | 499 | amazon.com | |
| 53 | Leica Summarit-M 35mm f/2.5 | MF | E39 | n | 51 x 34 mm | 220 g | 2007 | 1,995 | ebay.com | |
| 54 | Leica Summaron f= 3.5 cm f/2.8 | MF | A36 | n | 51 x 29 mm | 210 g | 1958 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 55 | Zeiss C Biogon T* 35mm f/2.8 ZM | MF | E43 | n | 52 x 55 mm | 200 g | 2010 | 895 | amazon.com | |
| 56 | Leica Summaron f= 3.5 cm f/3.5 | MF | A36/E39 | n | 48 x 27 mm | 195 g | 1949 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 57 | Voigtlander Nokton 40mm f/1.4 | MF | E43 | n | 55 x 30 mm | 175 g | 2003 | 499 | amazon.com | |
| 58 | Voigtlander Heliar 40mm f/2.8 | MF | E37 | n | 52 x 21 mm | 132 g | 2014 | 399 | amazon.com | |
| 59 | Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH | MF | E60 | n | 73 x 75 mm | 700 g | 2008 | 10,995 | amazon.com | |
| 60 | Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/1 | MF | E58/E60 | n | 69 x 62 mm | 580 g | 1976 | $$$$ | ebay.com | |
| 61 | Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.1 | MF | E58 | n | 70 x 57 mm | 428 g | 2003 | 899 | amazon.com | |
| 62 | Leica Noctilux 50mm f/1.2 | MF | S8 | n | 61 x 60 mm | 470 g | 1966 | $$$$ | ebay.com | |
| 63 | Leica Summilux f= 5 cm f/1.4 (I) | MF | E43/A45 | n | 53 x 52 mm | 320 g | 1959 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 64 | Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 (II) | MF | E43 | n | 48 x 55 mm | 275 g | 1961 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 65 | Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 (III) | MF | E46 | n | 48 x 55 mm | 275 g | 1992 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 66 | Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH | MF | E46 | n | 54 x 53 mm | 335 g | 2006 | 3,995 | amazon.com | |
| 67 | Leica Summarit f= 5 cm f/1.5 | MF | A43/E41 | n | 47 x 44 mm | 320 g | 1949 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 68 | Zeiss C Sonnar T* 50mm f/1.5 ZM | MF | E46 | n | 56 x 63 mm | 250 g | 2003 | 1,295 | amazon.com | |
| 69 | Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.5 | MF | E49 | n | 54 x 46 mm | 220 g | 2013 | 799 | amazon.com | |
| 70 | Leica Summicron f= 5 cm 1:2 (I) | MF | E39/A42 | n | 48 x 49 mm | 220 g | 1951 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 71 | Leica Summicron f= 5 cm 1:2 (II) | MF | E39 | n | 51 x 50 mm | 240 g | 1968 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 72 | Leica Elcan 50mm f/2 | MF | E39 | n | 51 x 31 mm | 230 g | 1972 | $$$ | ebay.com | |
| 73 | Leica Summicron-M 50mm f/2 | MF | E39 | n | 53 x 44 mm | 240 g | 1979 | 2,195 | amazon.com | |
| 74 | Konica M-Hexanon 50mm f/2 | MF | E40.5 | n | 54 x 44 mm | 255 g | 1999 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 75 | Leica APO-Summicron-M ASPH 50mm f/2 | MF | E39 | n | 53 x 47 mm | 300 g | 2012 | 7,795 | amazon.com | |
| 76 | Zeiss Planar T* 50mm f/2 ZM | MF | E43 | n | 52 x 68 mm | 230 g | 2012 | 895 | amazon.com | |
| 77 | Leica Summarit-M 50mm f/2.4 | MF | E39 | n | 52 x 33 mm | 190 g | 2014 | 1,795 | amazon.com | |
| 78 | Leica Summarit-M 50mm f/2.5 | MF | E39 | n | 52 x 33 mm | 230 g | 2007 | 1,795 | ebay.com | |
| 79 | Leica Elmar f= 5 cm f/2.8 | MF | E39/A42 | n | 51 x 21 mm | 220 g | 1957 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 80 | Leica Elmar-M 50mm f/2.8 | MF | E39 | n | 52 x 22 mm | 170 g | 1994 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 81 | Leica Elmar f= 5 cm f/3.5 | MF | A36/E39 | n | 54 x 42 mm | 125 g | 1954 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 82 | Leica Noctilux-M 75mm f/1.25 | MF | E67 | n | 91 x 74 mm | 1,055 g | 2017 | 12,795 | amazon.com | |
| 83 | Leica Summilux-M 75mm f/1.4 | MF | E60 | n | 69 x 80 mm | 560 g | 1980 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 84 | Voigtlander Heliar 75mm f/1.8 | MF | E52 | n | 58 x 74 mm | 427 g | 2010 | 699 | amazon.com | |
| 85 | Leica Apo-Summicron-M 75mm f/2 ASPH | MF | E49 | n | 58 x 67 mm | 430 g | 2005 | 3,795 | amazon.com | |
| 86 | Leica Summarit-M 75mm f/2.4 | MF | E46 | n | 55 x 61 mm | 325 g | 2014 | 1,895 | amazon.com | |
| 87 | Leica Summarit-M 75mm f/2.5 | MF | E46 | n | 55 x 61 mm | 345 g | 2007 | 1,895 | ebay.com | |
| 88 | Zeiss Tele-Tessar T* 85mm f/4 ZM | MF | E43 | n | 54 x 95 mm | 310 g | 2010 | 995 | amazon.com | |
| 89 | Leica Summicron f= 9 cm 1:2 (I) | MF | E48/A63.7 | n | 66 x 110 mm | 660 g | 1957 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 90 | Leica Summicron f= 9 cm 1:2 (II) | MF | E49 | n | 65 x 112 mm | 685 g | 1963 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 91 | Leica Summicron-M 90mm f/2 (III) | MF | E49/E55 | n | 67 x 79 mm | 475 g | 1982 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 92 | Leica Apo-Summicron-M 90mm f/2 ASPH | MF | E55 | n | 64 x 78 mm | 660 g | 1998 | $$ | amazon.com | |
| 93 | Leica Thambar-M 90mm | MF | E49 | n | 57 x 90 mm | 500 g | 2017 | 6,495 | amazon.com | |
| 94 | Leica Summarit-M 90mm f/2.4 | MF | E46 | n | 55 x 67 mm | 346 g | 2014 | 2,195 | amazon.com | |
| 95 | Leica Summarit-M 90mm f/2.5 | MF | E46 | n | 55 x 67 mm | 360 g | 2007 | 2,195 | ebay.com | |
| 96 | Leica Elmarit f= 9 cm f/2.8 | MF | E39/A42 | n | 53 x 94 mm | 330 g | 1959 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 97 | Leica Tele-Elmarit 90mm f/2.8 | MF | E39/A42 | n | 51 x 60 mm | 355 g | 1964 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 98 | Leica Tele-Elmarit-M 90mm f/2.8 | MF | E39 | n | 53 x 67 mm | 225 g | 1974 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 99 | Leica Elmarit-M 90mm f/2.8 | MF | E46 | n | 57 x 76 mm | 410 g | 1990 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 100 | Konica M-Hexanon 90mm f/2.8 | MF | E46 | n | 55 x 69 mm | 330 g | 1999 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 101 | Leica Elmar 90mm f/4 (I) | MF | E39 | n | 51 x 51 mm | 285 g | 1954 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 102 | Leica Elmar 90mm f/4 (III) | MF | E39 | n | 43 x 82 mm | 300 g | 1964 | $$ | ebay.com | |
| 103 | Leica Macro-Elmar-M 90mm f/4 | MF | E39 | n | 52 x 41 mm | 230 g | 2004 | 3,295 | amazon.com | |
| 104 | Leica Elmarit-M 135mm f/2.8 (I) | MF | S7/A63.7 | n | 66 x 120 mm | 730 g | 1963 | $$$ | ebay.com | |
| 105 | Leica Elmarit-M 135mm f/2.8 (II) | MF | E55/A63.7 | n | 66 x 117 mm | 730 g | 1964 | $$$ | ebay.com | |
| 106 | Leica Elmarit-M 135mm f/2.8 (III) | MF | E55 | n | 66 x 114 mm | 780 g | 1976 | $$$ | ebay.com | |
| 107 | Leica APO-Telyt-M 135mm f/3.4 | MF | E49 | n | 59 x 105 mm | 453 g | 1998 | 3,399 | amazon.com | |
| 108 | Leica Elmar 135mm f/4 | MF | E39 | n | 53 x 123 mm | 440 g | 1960 | $$$ | ebay.com | |
| 109 | Leica Tele-Elmar 135mm f/4 | MF | E39/E46 | n | 59 x 112 mm | 510 g | 1965 | $$$ | ebay.com | |
| 110 | Leica Hektor 13.5 cm f/4.5 | MF | A36/E39 | n | 51 x 128 mm | 440 g | 1933 | $$ | ebay.com |
Further Reading
Erwin Puts wrote extensively about the history and the making of M-lenses and published his findings in the Leica Lens Compendium or more recently, the Leica Lens Chronicle. Online versions of these books and some other reference material are available as free downloads on the Leica pdf resources page. Further, if you need to protect the precious front elements of your Leica M-lenses, you might want to have a look at the information on Leica UVa filters, or Series filters that is available on this site.
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