Leica 180mm f/3.4 APO Telyt-R (1975–1998)
A telephoto lens for the Leica R system, known for apochromatic correction and sharp performance from f/3.4 onward.
Overview
The Leica 180mm f/3.4 APO Telyt-R is a telephoto lens for the Leica R mount. It was introduced in 1975 and produced until 1998. It started out in the early 1970s as a design for the US Navy High Resolution Small Format Camera System, and was released commercially after that. It comes in both 3-cam and R-cam versions, and works with R Adapter M and M-Adapter T on M-series bodies. It weighs 750 grams and is built the way Leica built lenses in this era.
Specifications
| Focal length | 180mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/3.4 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 |
| Aperture blades | 8 |
| Optical construction | 7 elements in 4 groups |
| Closest focusing distance | 2.5 m |
| Filter size | E60 |
| Dimensions (length × diameter) | 135 × 68 mm |
| Weight | 750 g |
| Mount | Leica R Mount |
| APO designation | Present |
Design
The optics are apochromatic (APO), with seven elements in four groups. That keeps chromatic aberration down and gives high color fidelity and sharpness. It has 8 aperture blades for smooth bokeh and a 60mm (E60) filter thread. There is a front tap, and it has been noted to break on some used examples.
Context
Market
As of 2023, the lens sells for between $500 and $1,000 depending on condition. Listings show €490 for a standard example and €750 for one with cosmetic damage, including a broken front tap. It typically comes with both caps and an original Leica case. One reported stolen serial number is 3156830, and a sold unit had serial number 2987718.
eBay Listings
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