Ultra wide-angle lens, Elmarit-M 21mm f2.8. Serial number in the 3.26 million range, manufactured in 1983. Made by Leitz Canada.
It was introduced in 1980 as the successor to the Super-Angulon 21mm f3.4. The Leica M4-P was the current model at the time of its release.
Optical construction is 8 elements in 6 groups, featuring a retrofocus design. The protruding rear element of the Super-Angulon was eliminated, making this lens compatible with the Leica M5 and Leica CL as well. Despite being an ultra wide-angle lens, it offers a bright maximum aperture of f2.8. The minimum focusing distance is 0.7 m, while early versions allowed focusing down to 0.4 m without rangefinder coupling. Filter size is E60, and the compatible hood is 12537.
It delivers stable performance already wide open. Out-of-focus rendering at close distances is gentle and very natural. The characteristic vignetting can be enjoyed as a creative option in image making. Stopped down to f5.6, sharpness extends cleanly to all four corners. A highly versatile lens that can be fully enjoyed throughout the f2.8 to f5.6 range.
Very slight signs of wear can be seen, but overall there is hardly any sense of use and the exterior remains in very clean condition.
As is typical for lenses of this era, the aperture ring has a relatively light operating feel, but all controls function properly. Rangefinder coupling is spot on.
The glass is clear and clean, with no noticeable cleaning marks or haze, and shows excellent transparency. Actual shooting tests produced very good results.
The 12537 hood and front and rear caps are included.
