Leica Leitz Elmarit-M 28mm f/2.8

There's a reason 28mm lenses have become such favourites among rangefinder photographers. They let you capture more of the world around you without losing that natural feeling of being right there in the moment.

The Leitz Elmarit-M 28mm f/2.8 is a lovely example of that approach.

Designed for Leica's M rangefinder system, this classic wide-angle lens brings together a practical focal length, traditional manual controls and the beautifully considered construction associated with older Leitz optics.

At 28mm, the view is wide enough for busy streets, architecture, travel and everyday life, while still feeling comfortable for photographing people within their surroundings.

It's the kind of lens that encourages you to get closer, pay attention to the edges of your frame and make the whole scene part of the photograph.

The f/2.8 maximum aperture offers a useful balance between light gathering and portability, making it a versatile choice for photographers who enjoy working with natural light.

Focusing is entirely manual, with engraved distance markings and a depth-of-field scale that make it particularly enjoyable for traditional rangefinder shooting.

You can take your time with each frame, or use the distance scale to prepare your focus before the moment happens.

And while it was originally designed for 35mm film photography, the Elmarit-M remains relevant today, working with compatible digital Leica M cameras and selected mirrorless systems through an adapter.

A beautifully traditional wide-angle lens for anyone who enjoys the slower, more considered side of photography.

Best for

• Street photography

• Travel photography

• Documentary photography

• Architecture

• Environmental portraits

• Everyday photography

• Leica M film photography

• Traditional rangefinder shooting

• Collectors of classic Leitz lenses

What to expect

The Leitz Elmarit-M 28mm f/2.8 provides a wide-angle perspective that's particularly well suited to photographing people and places together.

On a 35mm film or full-frame digital camera, 28mm offers a noticeably wider view than a standard 50mm lens without the more exaggerated appearance of an ultra-wide lens.

The f/2.8 maximum aperture is useful for everyday shooting, particularly outdoors and in reasonably bright conditions.

As with many classic wide-angle lenses, stopping down can help improve sharpness across the frame.

Focusing is entirely manual, using the lens's traditional focusing mechanism.

The engraved distance and depth-of-field scales are also useful for zone focusing, particularly when photographing on the street.

When using this lens on a Leica M camera, check that the camera provides suitable 28mm framing or use an appropriate external viewfinder.

Compatibility with digital cameras and adapters should be checked before purchasing.

Developing

This lens can be used for film photography when mounted on a compatible Leica M film camera.

The developing process depends on the film used rather than the lens.

For example, 35mm colour negative film is generally processed using C-41 chemistry, while black and white and slide films require their respective processes.

When used on a compatible digital camera, no film developing is required.