Leica 90mm Lenses (1958–Today)

Leica's 90mm lineage runs from Canadian-built oddities to apochromatic lenses, with each version a chapter in rangefinder telephoto history.

Overview

Leica has made 90mm lenses for its rangefinder cameras since 1931. The modern era of fast 90mm optics began in 1958 with the first 90mm f/2 SUMMICRON, built in Canada. By 1980, Leica replaced the Canadian model with a slimmer, lighter version. It was still f/2 and still M-mount, but had no aspherical or apochromatic corrections. The third major step came in 1998 with the APO-SUMMICRON-M 90mm f/2 ASPH, positioned right away as Leica's premier medium telephoto. Alongside these flagships, Leica built the more modest 90mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M from 1990 to 2008. Despite its humble designation, it earned a reputation for optical perfection among users.

The 90mm focal length sits in a sweet spot for rangefinder photography. It's tight enough for portraits, long enough to isolate a subject, and still manageable for street work. 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 is reportedly among Leica's most hated lenses, even though brochures from 1965 and 1975 praised 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 need focus calibration to match modern bodies. One collector picked up a working example for under $250, delivered.

The 1980-1998 90mm f/2 M, sometimes called the "pre-ASPH" version, has the same aperture but a simpler formula: 5 elements in 4 groups, against the earlier model's 6 in 5. It weighs 485g and measures 77mm long, so it's noticeably more compact. It looks nearly identical to the later APO-Summicron-M ASPH, but it has neither aspherical elements nor apochromatic correction. Then came the APO-SUMMICRON-M 90mm f/2 ASPH in 1998, which according to user reports redefined expectations. At 473g (or 475g, depending on source), it's slightly heavier than its predecessor. Some users describe it 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, which keeps the aperture markings consistently oriented.

The 90mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M, produced from 1990 to 2008, sat in the middle: optically flawless according to multiple sources, but overshadowed by the faster, more expensive models. At 395g and 82.89mm long, it's lighter and more compact than the f/2 variants. It has a 46mm filter thread and a built-in telescoping hood. The 4-element Ernostar design is multi-coated and stops down to f/22 on half-stop clicks, and it delivers corner-to-corner sharpness with no distortion or ghosting. It sold for up to $2,000 new in 2008, then became a bargain used by 2009, fetching around $650 on eBay. Demand surged with the arrival of the Leica M9, and prices reached 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 has a two-stage telescoping hood built into the lens barrel, which was a rarity for Leica lenses of the era. Extended, it shields the front element from stray light and improves contrast in backlit conditions. The hood retracts flush with the lens body. It has no rotation lock, so the aperture markings can end up upside down when you adjust 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. It gives good grip, but under prolonged use the sharp ridges can press uncomfortably into the fingertips. The tactile feedback is precise, but the ergonomics fall short of later models. Some users blame the lens's unpopularity on this flaw, though others argue it's minor next to the 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 keyed to prevent rotation. The aperture and distance markings stay upright regardless of lens orientation. The hood extends smoothly and locks securely.

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

The 90mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M uses 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. The straight diaphragm blades, slightly S-shaped at f/3.4 and nearly circular at f/22, contribute to pleasing bokeh. It isn't as fast as the f/2 models.

Pre-ASPH Optical Design (1980–1998 SUMMICRON)

The 1980-1998 90mm f/2 M is often called the "pre-ASPH" version, since 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. It still performs strongly, particularly when stopped down. It looks so much like the later APO model that identifying it can be difficult without checking the name engraving.

Historical Context

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 raise the status of newer lenses like the APO-Summicron-M ASPH. The 1980-1998 version simplified the design, reducing element count and weight. In 1998, Leica introduced the APO-SUMMICRON-M 90mm f/2 ASPH as its new flagship, combining apochromatic correction, aspherical elements, and refined mechanics. The 90mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M (1990-2008) was the 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, which reflects its mixed reputation despite strong optical performance. The 1980-1998 version commands slightly higher prices because of 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, dropped to around $650 on eBay in 2009, then doubled 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. Focus calibration is a common concern with older SUMMICRON models, particularly the Canadian version, which may need adjustment to match specific camera bodies.

eBay Listings

Leica M 90mm f:2.8 Tele Elmarit lens, US SELLER, "LQQK"

$295

Leica 90mm f/2.8 Tele-Elmarit M-Mount Lens, Slim {E39} 11800

$380

Leica 11122 M 90mm f2 Summicron Lens Black (v.I) #463

$357

🎦👀🌟N MINT🌟 Minolta M-ROKKOR 90mm f/4 Lens Leica M For CL CLE

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