No photo available for this lens
Production
1960 – 1999
Country
Germany
Optical
Tessar/Gauss/Triplet
Updated
Feb 6, 2026
Leica Elmar 50mm f2.8
Leica M · 50mm · f/2.8
AI-assisted · from real reviewsUpdated 6 Feb 2026
Overview
The Leica Elmar 50mm f/2.8 is a compact collapsible standard lens that continues the long Elmar lineage, one of Leica's foundational 50mm designs. The reviews here reference multiple generations: an older 'v1' variant and a newer 'v2' (the Elmar-M), as well as both L39 (LTM) screw-mount and M-mount versions. One reviewer notes owning three copies (two M-mount, one LTM) and describes them as 'excellent lens, very capable for either BW or Color.' The lens is prized for its remarkable portability, its collapsible design allowing it to nearly disappear into the camera body, and its classic Leica craftsmanship. No established nicknames appear in the reviews (beyond the standard 'Elmar' family name and the 'Elmar-M' designation), so none are invented here. People love it as a discreet, pocketable, and characterful Leica lens that punches above its modest f/2.8 aperture, offering sharpness and pleasing rendering in a tiny package.
Verdict: The Leica Elmar 50mm f/2.8 is a compact, characterful standard lens ideal for photographers who value discretion, portability, and classic Leica craftsmanship over maximum aperture speed. It rewards users with sharp, pleasingly rendered images and nice bokeh in a pocketable collapsible package. Best suited to street, travel, and everyday shooters who don't need f/1.4 speed and appreciate a tiny, capable lens for both black-and-white and color work.
Optical Character
Bokeh
Pleasant bokeh from aperture design
Color
Balanced color rendering
Sharpness wide open
Good sharpness from f4 onwards
Flare resistance
Moderate flare resistance
Contrast
Good contrast and clarity
Vignetting
Mild to moderate wide open
Community Insights
What people love
- Extremely compact, lightweight (approx 220g for the Elmar-M) and pocketable thanks to the collapsible design that nearly disappears into the body
- Sharp rendering even wide open, with 'incredible sharpness' in close-ups
- Pleasing, 'very nice' bokeh that gradually fades into an appealing blur
- Vibrant, true-to-life colors and contrasty output (especially the newer version)
- Excellent Leica build quality; smooth well-damped focus ring and firm, satisfying aperture clicks (a reason one reviewer chose the Elmar-M over the older Elmar)
- Versatile for both black-and-white and color photography
- No noticeable purple fringing reported by one reviewer
What people dislike
- The f/2.8 maximum aperture limits use in low-light scenarios and offers less subject isolation than faster 50mm lenses
- Haze is a common problem in these old lenses
- The collapsible design requires the extra step of extending the lens before shooting (though reviewers adapted quickly)
- The older v1 has lower contrast than the newer v2
Pro Tips
- Remember to extend and lock the collapsible barrel before shooting; reviewers found it becomes natural quickly
- Because of the f/2.8 aperture, plan for tripod use in low light (one reviewer used a tripod and suggested a shutter release cable)
- Exploit its close-up sharpness for detail shots where the busy-but-appealing background blur works well
- Choose the newer v2/Elmar-M if you prefer higher contrast; the v1 if you want a lower-contrast, gentler look
- Inspect for haze before buying, as it is a common issue that affects contrast
Compatible Adapters
Real adapters from our shop that fit this lens mount.
Standard · ฿480 · In stock
Standard · ฿480 · In stock
Standard · ฿480 · In stock
Standard · ฿480 · In stock
Sources (3)
Web-grounded synthesissecondary
The Leica Elmar 50mm f/2.8 is a compact collapsible standard lens that continues the long Elmar lineage, one of Leica's foundational 50mm designs. The reviews here reference multiple generations: an older 'v1' variant and a newer 'v2' (the Elmar-M), as well as both L39 (LTM) screw-mount and M-mount versions. One reviewer notes owning three copies (two M-mount, one LTM) and describes them as 'excellent lens, very capable for either BW or Color.' The lens is prized for its remarkable portability, its collapsible design allowing it to nearly disappear into the camera body, and its classic Leica craftsmanship. No established nicknames appear in the reviews (beyond the standard 'Elmar' family name and the 'Elmar-M' designation), so none are invented here. People love it as a discreet, pocketable, and characterful Leica lens that punches above its modest f/2.8 aperture, offering sharpness and pleasing rendering in a tiny package.
https://www.badphotography.co.uk/blog/first-impressions-of-my-leica-50mm-elmar-m-from-1996https://therawcamera.net/leica-elmar-50mm-f2-8-collapsible-lens-review-features-and-sample-images-524dda7b711fhttps://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/2987322https://www.reddit.com/r/Leica/comments/tztd08/collapsing_the_elmar_50mm_f28/https://rangefinderforum.com/threads/how-good-is-elmar-50mm-f2-8-old.108497/
MFlenses ForumForum
The Leica Elmar 50mm f2.8 is a vintage lens that represents Germany optical engineering. Produced across multiple decades, it became a staple for photographers seeking specific focal length and aperture combinations. This lens reflects the technical choices and design philosophy of its era.
DPReview ForumForum
The Leica Elmar 50mm f2.8 is a vintage lens that represents Germany optical engineering. Produced across multiple decades, it became a staple for photographers seeking specific focal length and aperture combinations. This lens reflects the technical choices and design philosophy of its era.