Leica 11136 (1980–1998)

Name: Leica 11136
Brand: Leica

A pre-aspherical 90mm f/2 M-mount prime lens, known for its classic rendering and solid build.

Overview

The Leica 11136 is a manual focus lens for the Leica M mount, part of the Summicron-M series. It is the third version (Version III) of the 90mm f/2 Summicron, made from 1980 to 1998. People often call it the "pre-ASPH" version, since it came before the aspherical redesign. It came with either a 49mm or a 55mm filter thread. The 11136 designation covers all the black anodized aluminum versions, including the later E55 models. It is praised for its classic optical character, with pleasant rendering wide open and better contrast when stopped down.

Specifications

Focal length	90mm
Maximum aperture	f/2
Mount	M
Filter thread	E55
Design type	pre-ASPH version
Design type	Version III
Production years	1980–1998

Design

The Leica 11136 has a non-aspherical optical design, which is what "pre-ASPH" means. The focus throw is long and heavy, similar to the 75mm Summilux, so precise manual focusing is easy. The barrel is black anodized aluminum, and by M-lens standards the lens is big and heavy. The later production form uses an E55 filter thread.

Context

This lens sits in the Leica Summicron-M lineup. It was the premium 90mm option before the ASPH variant arrived. In character and focal length it competes with the Voigtländer 90mm lenses and the Zeiss Tele-Tessar 85/4, though its classic rendering is its own. It is less sharp than modern high-resolution lenses. What it gives you instead is a pleasing, non-sterile image that many photographers like for portrait and street work.

Market

A pre-asph 90mm Summicron (11136) in very good condition with moderate wear sold for $595.00 via PayPal. Users call it "very affordable," and it offers strong value for anyone after a classic Leica look without paying for a newer design. It performs well on both film M cameras and digital bodies like the M10 Monochrom and Sony A7rII.