Leica 90mm Lenses (1958–Today)

From Canadian-built oddities to apochromatic masterpieces, Leica’s 90mm lineage spans decades of optical evolution—each version a chapter in rangefinder telephoto history.

Overview

Leica has made 90mm lenses for its rangefinder cameras since 1931, but the modern era of fast 90mm optics began in 1958 with the introduction of the first 90mm f/2 SUMMICRON. That lens, built in Canada, kicked off a lineage that would evolve through multiple iterations, each reflecting the engineering priorities of its time. By 1980, Leica replaced the Canadian model with a slimmer, lighter version—still f/2, still M-mount, but now without aspherical or apochromatic corrections. A third major leap came in 1998 with the debut of the APO-SUMMICRON-M 90mm f/2 ASPH, a lens immediately positioned as Leica’s premier medium telephoto. Alongside these flagship models, Leica also produced the more modest 90mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M from 1990 to 2008—a lens that, despite its humble designation, earned a reputation for optical perfection among users.

The 90mm focal length occupies a sweet spot for rangefinder photography: tight enough for portraits, long enough to isolate, yet still manageable for street work. Over the years, Leica has offered variants at f/1.5, f/2, f/2.5, f/2.8, and f/4, but the f/2 models—particularly the SUMMICRON line—have drawn the most attention, both adoration and controversy. The original 1958–1980 SUMMICRON, for instance, is reportedly among Leica’s most hated lenses, despite contemporary brochures from 1965 and 1975 praising its “brilliant images with crisp edge-to-edge sharpness” and “exceptional definition.” Owners note it’s too big and heavy, with a fluted, scalloped focus ring that can dig into the fingers, and samples often require focus calibration to match modern bodies. Yet one collector picked up a working example for under $250, delivered—proof that reputation doesn’t always dictate value.

The 1980–1998 90mm f/2 M, sometimes called the “pre-ASPH” version, shares the same aperture but a simpler optical formula: 5 elements in 4 groups, compared to the earlier model’s 6 in 5. It weighs in at 485g and measures 77mm long, making it noticeably more compact. Though it looks nearly identical to the later APO-Summicron-M ASPH, it lacks both aspherical elements and apochromatic correction. Then came the APO-SUMMICRON-M 90mm f/2 ASPH in 1998—a lens that, according to user reports, redefined expectations. At 473g (or 475g, depending on source), it’s slightly heavier than its predecessor but delivers what some describe as the highest performance of any medium telephoto they’ve used. It’s reportedly sharp wide open, even in the corners, with no visible distortion and excellent bokeh. The built-in telescoping hood is keyed so it doesn’t rotate, keeping aperture markings consistently oriented—a small but meaningful ergonomic touch.

Meanwhile, the 90mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M, produced from 1990 to 2008, occupied a middle ground: optically flawless, according to multiple sources, yet overshadowed by the faster, more expensive models. At 395g and 82.89mm long, it’s lighter and more compact than the f/2 variants, with a 46mm filter thread and a built-in telescoping hood. Its 4-element Ernostar design, multi-coated and stopping down to f/22 on half-stop clicks, delivers corner-to-corner sharpness with no distortion or ghosting. Despite selling for up to $2,000 new in 2008, it became a bargain on the used market by 2009, fetching around $650 on eBay—before demand surged with the arrival of the Leica M9, pushing prices to about $1,100 by the end of 2010.

Specifications

Key Features

Built-in Telescoping Hood (1958–1980 SUMMICRON)

The 1958–1980 90mm f/2 SUMMICRON features a two-stage telescoping hood built directly into the lens barrel—a rarity for Leica lenses of the era. When extended, it effectively shields the front element from stray light, improving contrast in backlit conditions. The hood retracts flush with the lens body, preserving a clean profile when not in use. This design choice suggests Leica anticipated the lens’s use in varied lighting, though the hood’s lack of rotation lock means aperture markings can end up upside down when adjusting focus.

Fluted, Scalloped Focus Ring (1958–1980 SUMMICRON)

Owners report the focus ring on the Canadian-built 90mm f/2 SUMMICRON is aggressively fluted and scalloped, providing grip but at a cost: under prolonged use, the sharp ridges can press uncomfortably into the fingertips. While the tactile feedback is precise, the ergonomics fall short of later models. Some users have attributed the lens’s unpopularity to this design flaw, though others argue it’s a minor issue compared to optical performance.

Keyed Telescoping Hood (APO-SUMMICRON-M 90mm f/2 ASPH)

The APO-SUMMICRON-M 90mm f/2 ASPH improves on earlier designs with a telescoping hood that is keyed to prevent rotation. This ensures the aperture and distance markings remain upright regardless of lens orientation—a subtle but significant refinement for field use. The hood extends smoothly and locks securely, offering protection without sacrificing usability.

4 Elements in 4 Groups (Ernostar Design) – Elmarit-M f/2.8

The 90mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M employs a 4-element Ernostar-type optical formula, a design known for balancing sharpness and compactness. Despite its simplicity, the lens is described as optically perfect, with ultra-sharp performance even wide open. The multi-coating helps suppress flare, and the straight diaphragm blades—slightly S-shaped at f/3.4 and nearly circular at f/22—contribute to pleasing bokeh. This configuration, while not as fast as the f/2 models, delivers exceptional image quality with minimal compromise.

Pre-ASPH Optical Design (1980–1998 SUMMICRON)

The 1980–1998 90mm f/2 M is often referred to as the “pre-ASPH” version, indicating it precedes the aspherical redesign. With 5 elements in 4 groups, it lacks the apochromatic correction and aspherical elements of the 1998 APO-Summicron-M ASPH. Yet it maintains strong optical performance, particularly when stopped down. The lens’s similarity in外观 to the later APO model can make identification difficult without checking the name engraving—a point of caution for collectors.

Historical Context

Leica’s 90mm lens development reflects shifting priorities in optical design and market positioning. The 1958–1980 SUMMICRON, made in Canada, was marketed as a high-performance optic, with brochures from 1965 and 1975 claiming “brilliant images with crisp edge-to-edge sharpness from f/2.” Yet it became one of Leica’s most hated lenses, possibly due to its size, weight, and ergonomic quirks. Some speculate that Leica’s current marketing downplays this model to elevate the status of newer lenses like the APO-Summicron-M ASPH. The 1980–1998 version simplified the design, reducing element count and weight. Then, in 1998, Leica introduced the APO-SUMMICRON-M 90mm f/2 ASPH as its new flagship, combining apochromatic correction, aspherical elements, and refined mechanics. Meanwhile, the 90mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M (1990–2008) served as a high-quality, mid-tier option—optically flawless but less glamorous than its f/2 siblings.

Collectibility & Value

The 1958–1980 90mm f/2 SUMMICRON can be found for under $250 in working condition, reflecting its mixed reputation despite strong optical performance. The 1980–1998 version commands slightly higher prices due to its improved ergonomics and lighter weight, though exact figures are not documented. The 90mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M sold for up to $2,000 new in 2008 but dropped to around $650 on eBay in 2009 before doubling to $1,100 by 2010, driven by demand from Leica M9 users. The APO-SUMMICRON-M 90mm f/2 ASPH, introduced in 1998 and still in production, trades in the $3,500–$4,500 range used, with some reporting difficulty finding them in stock. Collectors note that focus calibration is a common concern with older SUMMICRON models, particularly the Canadian version, which may require adjustment to match specific camera bodies.

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