26/06/2011
Compact M lens with improved imaging performance sets new standards in wide-angle photography
Leica has today added a new, high-performance wide-angle lens to its portfolio of short focal length lenses for Leica M cameras. The Leica Super-Elmar-M 21 mm f/3.4 ASPH. sets new standards in imaging performance and is characterised by its particularly compact size and suitability for a wide range of photographic situations. Whether used for photojournalism, architecture or landscape photography, the Leica Super-Elmar-M 21 mm f/3.4 ASPH. provides photographers with an extremely small, light and versatile wide-angle lens, particularly suitable for travelling.
The performance of the Leica Super-Elmar-M 21 mm f/3.4 ASPH. is reminiscent of one of the all-time favourite classics amongst M lenses, the Leica Super-Angulon-M 21 mm f/3.4. This much-praised lens was an integral part of the Leica M lens portfolio from 1963 to 1980, and made its name and reputation as an ideal tool for available light photography and photojournalism. Even today, the Super-Angulon-M 21 mm f/3.4 is extremely popular and one of the most sought-after M lenses amongst connoisseurs of fine optics.
The new Leica Super-Elmar-M 21 mm f/3.4 ASPH. is a worthy successor, with further improvements over the already outstanding performance of its predecessor. The lens reveals its excellent reproduction of detail and superior contrast at maximum aperture. Of particular note are the extremely effective flare characteristics of the Leica Super-Elmar-M 21 mm f/3.4 ASPH., which allow the capture of fascinating ‘contre-jour’ images with absolute clarity and contrast.
The intricate optical design and construction of the lens are responsible for its outstanding sharpness and imaging qualities. The Leica Super-Elmar-M 21 mm f/3.4 ASPH. is constructed with eight lenses in seven groups. At the same time, the use of one lens element with two aspherical surfaces and four lenses with anomalous partial dispersion ensure that aberrations are reduced to an absolute minimum.
As with all Leica lenses, the Super-Elmar-M 21 mm f/3.4 ASPH. was designed and developed by Leica specialists in Solms, Germany, and represents the perfect combination of optical and technical expertise. Particularly reliable and with enduring value, every Leica lens is manufactured from only the highest quality materials and is assembled with meticulous precision, completely by hand. The combination of cutting-edge technologies and extremely thorough manufacturing processes guarantees consistently excellent quality.
The Leica Super-Elmar-M 21 mm f/3.4 ASPH. is supplied with a high-quality, all-metal lens hood, which should be mounted at all times. The hood not only protects the lens effectively against reduction of contrast by extraneous light, but also against damage and the accumulation of dirt on the front lens element.
Notes to editors
For further information or high resolution images, please contact Jenny Hodge at jenny.hodge@leica-camera.co.uk or call 07920 291920.
Pricing and availability in the UK
The Leica Super-Elmar-M 21 mm f/3.4 ASPH. is scheduled to be available in the UK from June 2011 from authorised Leica dealers including the Leica Store Mayfair: www.leica-storemayfair.co.uk, tel: 020 7629 1351. A full list of authorised UK Leica dealers is available at www.leica-camera.co.uk. The UK suggested retail price of the Leica Super-Elmar-M 21 mm f/3.4 ASPH. is £2,025 including VAT.
Pricing and availability in the USA
For further information, please contact Clara Kroher at clara.kroher@evins.com, tel: 212-377-3589.
Leica warranty and added value services
The Leica Super-Elmar-M 21 mm f/3.4 ASPH. comes with a two-year warranty and a one-year Leica UK ‘Passport’ (complimentary accidental damage cover), both of which commence from date of purchase. UK customers are also welcome to visit the Leica Store and Akademie in Mayfair, London, for a complimentary demonstration on the features of the product. Technical support by telephone is available via Leica’s London-based Client Care department.
Leica Super-Elmar-M 21 mm f/3.4 ASPH. : Technical specifications
| Angle of view (diagonal, horizontal, vertical) | For 35mm format (24 x 36mm): 91°, 80°, 59° For Leica M8 models (18 x 27mm): 74°, 64°, 46° (Focal length equivalent: approx. 28mm) |
| Optical design | Number of lenses/groups: 8/7 Aspherical surfaces: 2 Position of entrance pupil: 15.6 mm (to the apex of the first lens surface) |
| Distance settings | Working range: 0.7 m to ∞ Scales: Combined metre/feet graduation Smallest object field: 706 x 1059mm (35mm format) 530 x 795mm (for M8) Largest reproduction ratio: 1:29.4 |
| Aperture | Settings / function: click-stops and half-stop detents Smallest aperture: 16 |
| Bayonet mount | Leica M quick-change bayonet with 6-bit bar-coding for digital Leica M models |
| Filter mount / lens hood | Non-rotating with inner threading for E46 screw-in filters, outer threading with stop for mounting the lens hood (supplied with the lens) |
| Dimensions | Length to bayonet flange: approx. 43/55mm (with/without lens hood) Largest diameter: approx. 53mm |
| Weight | Approx. 279g |
| Accessories included | Metal lens hood, front cap for lens hood, rear cap, leather case, instruction manual |
