In 2017, while on a trip to Ireland, I came across an incredible find: a Leitz 9cm f4 Elmar lens for only 150 euros. This was my first time owning a Leica lens, and I was immediately impressed by its quality and history. My current piece was produced in 1961, this lens represents one of the Leica's first foray into the 90mm focal length. While Leica gear is notorious for its high prices, this particular lens was a steal, likely because most Leica enthusiasts prioritize 35mm and 50mm lenses for their everyday shooting. This made the Leitz 9cm f4 Elmar a hidden treasure, offering exceptional quality at an affordable price.
Below images are taken with Leica MP and Leitz 9cm f4 Elmar on Kodak Colorplus 200 - shot on f5.6
Elmar I own is in excellent condition for its age. It exhibits only a few cleaning marks and a just a little bit of haze on the rear element that is barely noticeable and does not affect image quality. The aperture operates smoothly without any oil on the blades, and the focusing mechanism is buttery smooth, a testament to Leica's craftsmanship. While 35mm and 50mm lenses often dominate the Leica landscape, the 90mm focal length provides a unique perspective for portrait and street photography. The lens is surprisingly compact, making it easy to carry alongside other lenses in a small bag. This portability allows me to seamlessly switch between focal lengths without being weighed down.
Next images are taken with Leica M10-R - close-up shots on f4, other shots on f5.6. You can see how smooth the bokeh is!
The Elmar 90mm f/4 excels in several key areas: Sharpness: The lens delivers impressive sharpness even when shooting wide open at f/4, ensuring detailed and crisp images. Contrast and Flare Resistance: The lens has a balanced contrast, avoiding excessive contrast while effectively suppressing flare. This characteristic contributes to natural-looking images with well-defined details. Smooth Bokeh: The 15-blade aperture diaphragm creates a pleasingly smooth background blur, particularly when there is a significant distance between the subject and the background. This bokeh enhances subject separation and adds an aesthetic quality to portraits. Focusing Experience: The smooth, 360-degree focus throw allows for precise and enjoyable focusing, making it effortless to achieve critical sharpness.
My experience suggests that the Leitz 9cm f4 Elmar is a versatile lens suitable for various photographic pursuits. While its f/4 maximum aperture might appear limiting to some, it proves sufficient for street photography and provides a shallow depth of field for portraiture. Additionally, the lens's clickless aperture and smooth focus pull make it an attractive option for videography, particularly for achieving cinematic effects.
With the Leica M10-R even at F4 night photos are not bad!
Leitz 9cm f4 Elmar presents a compelling option for photographers seeking a high-quality lens without breaking the bank. Its compact size, smooth operation, and ability to produce sharp images with pleasing bokeh make it a worthy addition to any photographer's kit. As my review demonstrates, this often overlooked lens deserves recognition for its exceptional value and performance. You can check for more images at my instagram page @jakubwysocki
