Dan Kerin

 Leica 90mm F2.8 Elmarit V2

In the 1990’s Leica was re-structuring its lens lineup, and offering a range of entry level lenses which were often sold with or at a discounted price when purchased new with an M6. This comprised of the 28mm and 90mm Elmarit’s and the 35mm and 50mm Summicrons. These lenses offered a good starting point for people buying into the Leica ecosystem. While not being as liked as other focal lengths I have really started to appreciate the 90mm focal length on the Leica M system in recent years. Up until this point I have only really shot with their older 90mm lenses and this would be the first somewhat modern 90mm I would be using.

Released in 1990 this would be Leica’s 3rd 90mm f2.8 and replaced the 1974 Tele-Elmarit. The lenses shared the same optical design of 4 elements in 4 groups and had the same 10 bladed aperture. This allows for some lovely out of focus areas, even with this lens being f2.8. The lens supports a 46mm front filter thread which was a standardisation of Leica at the time and this means finding filters can be pretty easy for this lens. Leica was updating their lens portfolio and while they were technically releasing new lenses many of these lenses had the same optical formula as their predecessors, just with an updated barrel design and better internal coatings. The 50mm Summilux is another example of this where the version 2 and 3 are optically the same. This version was available in black anodised or chrome plated brass and would later be released in limited numbers in a titanium finish. The black anodised one I am testing comes in at 410g making it light enough to keep on the camera without worrying about the extra weight.

Initially I thought I would finish this review much sooner however while in Japan I just found 90mm to be a little too long especially in Tokyo where I leaned towards using a 50mm. I ended up shooting the remainder of the images you see in Wales which leant itself quite well to the 90mm focal length. This particular 90mm balances very well on any Leica M bodies as its fairly compact and quite lightweight. This also means its a nice lens you can throw in your camera back and not need to worry about it taking up too much space. Sadly in Japan it spent most of its time in my camera bag, but was always there if the situation arose.

I will always stand by that the 90mm focal length is a often overlooked focal length within the Leica M ecosystem but one I think everyone should try at least once. If you are looking to give 90mm a try or simply want to expand your focal lengths available, then this lens is a very good option. Optically it performs very well, significantly sharper and less prone to flair than older 90mm lenses. And coming in under £1000 (usually between £600 - £800) it is excellent value for money.