Leica 18mm f/3.8 Super-Elmar-M Aspherical Manual Focus Lens USA
The Leica 18mm f/3.8 Super-Elmar-M Aspherical Lens works with any Leica M-mount cameras, providing a field of view equivalent to a 24mm lens in the 35mm format when used upon the M8 digital rangefinder.
A highly refined effort to say the least, this lens takes advantage of the M system's absence of a mirror box to achieve wide angle performance which any SLR lens would need to envy. The last element of glass (closest to the film or sensor) goes deep into the body of the M camera, and this gives the Super-Elmar-M the pinnacle of resolution and distortion correction (please note that this does increase the vignetting).
Being an 18mm focal length and f/3.8 maximum aperture, the Super-Elmar-M always provides a broad depth of field, making it a practical tool for speedy close-up snapshots as well as for sweeping architectural and landscape vistas. Even shooting wide open it can give uniform sharpness from ~4' to infinity, and stopping down the aperture only further increases this capacity. Upon analogue Leica cameras the 18mm f/3.8 Super-Elmar-M provides a 90° horizontal viewing angle, and with the M8 you'll get a 74° horizontal view.
- Extremely compact and light specifications for a wide angle lens
- Sophisticated 8-element lens formula with aspherical element
- Broad depth of field at every aperture
- Just 1.8% of maximum distortion; practically undetectable to the human eye
- Dedicated hood, with cutout to minimize viewfinder obstruction
- Optional E77 filter accessory
- Optional M8 UV/IVR filter to placed between hood and lens when using the M8 camera
- Optionally-available 18mm viewfinder in black or silver
- Lens mount's rear has 6-bit code allowing digital M-series cameras to identify lens and its characteristics
| Filter Size | 77mm (only with dedicated hood) |
| f/Stop Range | f/3.8-16.0 |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 2.3' (70cm) |
| Magnification | 1:35 |
| Angle of View |
90° x 67° (horizontal x vertical) with 35mm cameras 74° x 53° (horizontal x vertical) with Leica M8 |
| Groups/Elements | 7/8 |
| Length | 2.3" (58mm) |
| Maximum Diameter | 2.4" (61mm) |
| Weight | 0.84 lb (310g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 3 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
Pros
- Lightweight (3)
Cons
Best Uses
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 3 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-3
Pros
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Leica 18mm f/3.8 Super-Elmar-M Aspherical Manual Focus Lens:
Works flawlessly with the M9, superb images, great design.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Consistent Output
- Lightweight
- Sharp
Cons
- 38 Little Slow Indoors
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Leica 18mm f/3.8 Super-Elmar-M Aspherical Manual Focus Lens:
I purchased this lens before going to Rome for the first time. I wanted something that would be able to capture scenes that I couldn't get with my 28mm lens. This was a perfect solution!
The photos captured with this lens and an M9 are fantastic. The clarity is amazing for such a compact lens. The 3.8 lens speed was a little slow for indoor shots at the Basilica. I did not use a filter, which I normally do on all of my lenses for protection, due to the large filter holder required for this lens.
Overall, I couldn't be happier. I might like the faster 21mm 1.4 even better. But it is very large, costs twice as much, and still requires an external finder.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- good color
- Lightweigth
- Sharp
Cons
- Requires extra viewfinder
Best Uses
- Architectural exteriors
- Interiors
Comments about Leica 18mm f/3.8 Super-Elmar-M Aspherical Manual Focus Lens:
This lens is used for architecture, both interiors and exteriors, and for landscapes. It is extremely sharp edge to edge. Some distortion close-up but nothing that can't be fixed in photoshop. Be sure to use the external viewfinder to get an accurate image of the scene.
Displaying reviews 1-3
Filters & Filter Kits
- Price: $31.50
Hoods & Covers
- Price: $99.95
Estimated arrival at B&H is 7-14 days. Your order will only be charged at time of shipment.
Viewfinder Accessories
- Price: $749.00
Cases & Wraps
- Price: $15.99
Care & Cleaning
-
- Original: $4.99
- Save: $0.50
- Price: $4.49
What's in the Box
- Rear Lens Cap for M-Lenses
- Lens Hood Cap
- Leather Lens Case
- 3-Year Limited Warranty
- 3-Year Passport Warranty
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