Often described as one of those lenses that makes people say, I didn’t even know such a lens existed, the Tele-Elmarit 180mm f2.8 is a truly rare piece. It is a telephoto lens designed for the Visoflex system. The serial number is in the 2.08 million range, dating it to 1965. Made in Germany. The distance scale is engraved in both feet and meters. The minimum focusing distance is 1.8 meters. The compatible filter is Series 8, used via the 14165 filter ring adapter. The lens features a preset diaphragm. The actual measured weight is 1122g.
It is said that only a single batch was produced, with an estimated total production of around 250 to 300 units, though figures vary depending on the source. All units were reportedly supplied exclusively to Leitz New York, and the lens never appeared in European Leitz catalogs, making it something of a mystery. As a result, the only known product code is the New York–specific 11910. Among Leitz lenses, this is regarded as one of the rarest.
This telephoto lens is equipped with a built-in hood and features a 3-group, 5-element optical construction. Judging from the optical diagram, the design bears a resemblance to the Zeiss Olympia Sonnar 180mm f2.8. Manufacturing is believed to have been carried out by Schneider. Another interesting point is that the optical design differs from that of the Tele-Elmarit-R 180mm f2.8, which was announced at Photokina in 1966, almost contemporaneously with this lens.
Overall, the item shows considerable signs of use, with paint sheen, small scratches, and areas of paint loss visible. It has a dignified, well-worn appearance that suggests it was actively used and well appreciated in its time.
It was overhauled in 2000 by the previous owner at Shin-Ebel Hegner Japan, and all functions are operating properly.
There are 4–5 extremely light cleaning marks on the front element, and minor balsam deterioration can be seen in the middle element, but these should have virtually no effect on actual shooting. We carried out test shots using our store demo Leica SL, and the performance was very good. The lens delivers beautiful rendering with pleasing bokeh, although shooting handheld with the first-generation SL, which lacks image stabilization, can be a bit challenging (laugh).
The 14165 filter adapter, a Series 8 filter, and the original front cap are included.
