3rd gen Canadian ELMARIT M 28
A review and photo examples of the Elmarit-M 28mm F2.8 (third generation).
Table of contents
Gallery
- Sample photos taken with the LEICA M9 and LEICA M6 +Fuji100
Review
1．Overview
The third-generation Elmarit M was a wide-angle lens for the Leica M mount released in 1979.
Approximately 17,000 were manufactured in the 12 years from its release until its discontinuation in 1991.
It has the same 6-group, 8-element lens configuration as the second-generation Elmarit, but the rear group has a thicker lens, resulting in a different lens arrangement.
The filter diameter is E49 (49mm), which is a common filter diameter.
There are two types of third-generation Elmarit: an early model with a tapered lens barrel and a later model with a straight lens barrel, but both have the same lens configuration, and the lens hood is 12536 and is exclusive to this lens. The lens mount is a standard screw-on type, so it is compatible with additional modifications to Leica’s 6-bit lens recognition code.
2．Usability
The third-generation Elmarit does not have the sharpness of modern lenses at full aperture, but has a softer depiction. Of course, the resolution increases when you narrow the aperture. The full aperture is not as quirky as the first and second-generation lenses, so it is easy to use.
Perhaps because it was produced in large quantities, it is not as popular as the first and second-generation lenses, and its price is generally cheaper.
The lens I owned is an early model with a narrow barrel, and the finger hook on the focus ring is not split into two but is claw-like.
The shape of this finger hook was described as the “Tiger Claw version” in the description of a German camera mail-order store.
Lenses with this Tiger Claw finger hook include the SUMMICRON-M 50mm (second generation) and SUMMICRON-M 35mm (7-element lens) from the same era. You will occasionally see it when looking at used lenses.
The Tiger Claw can be priced higher than the regular third-generation Elmarit. The lens structure is the same, so unless the condition is very good, there’s little point in it being more expensive than the average used price.
I was able to get it for a relatively low price, and I have fond memories of taking pictures of the streets of Bangkok, Thailand with this lens.
3．Summary
To sum up the third-generation Elmarit-M 28mm, it has a slightly looser depiction wide open, similar to the first-generation lens, so it would be a good choice if you like wide-open depictions.
It is the largest and most noticeable of all Leica M-mount 28mm lenses, so it suits larger cameras such as the M5.
Specification and Competitor
28mm is a focal length with many competitors, with seven Leica M-mount lenses and around 30 lenses for rangefinder cameras, making it one of the more difficult focal lengths to choose from. All lenses produce images that exceed a certain level, so you just have to choose the lens you like.
Compared to the first and second generation, the lens barrel seems to have steadily reduced in cost, which is probably one of the reasons for its unpopularity. If you’re looking for something compact, we recommend the fifth generation aspherical Elmarit.
| Items | ELMARIT 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
| Focal length(mm) | 28 | 28 | 28 |
| Max aperture | 2.8 | 2.8 | 2.8 |
| Min aperture | 22 | 22 | 22 |
| Lens Construction | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Aperture blade | 9 elements in 6 groups | 8 elements in 6 groups | 8 elements in 6 groups |
| Min distance(m) | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.7 |
| Lens length(mm) | 42 | 45 | 48 |
| Max diameter(mm) | 52.5 | 52.5 | 52.5 |
| Filter Size(mm) | 48 シリーズ7 | 48 | 49 |
| Lens hood | Square hook type hood 12501 | Square hook type hood 12501 | Square pinned hood 12536 |
| Lens mount | LEICA M | LEICA M | LEICA M |
| Weight(g) | 242 | – | – |
| Release date | 1964-1966 | 1969-1978 | 1979-1991 |
| Production numbers | 3,200 | 7,050 | 17,115 |
Reference links
- Description page of ELMARIT-M 2.8/28-3rd by LEICA Wiki
- Introduction page for the 1st generation ELMARIT-M 2.8/28 (link in Shige’s hobby)
- Introduction page for the 2nd generation ELMARIT-M 2.8/28 (link in Shige’s hobby)
- Introduction page for the 5th generation ELMARIT-M 2.8/28 ASPH. (link in Shige’s hobby)
Update
- 2025.4.23
- 2024.9.11
- 2024.03.10
- 2022.0503
Affiliate links
- Amazon Affiliate Link Leica Lens
- Amazon Affiliate Link Leica Books
- Amazon Affiliate Link / Classic Camera Specialty
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