Ultra-wide-angle lens, Elmarit-M 21mm f2.8. This is the rare 0.4m close-focus version. Serial number in the 2.99 million range, from the first production batch made in 1979.
The very earliest Elmarit units are said to have had an E49 filter size, but these are almost never seen. Most first-batch examples found on the market, including this one, use E60. The focusing tab is the so-called Tiger Claw type, the same style found on the 7-element Summicron 35mm and the 3rd version Summicron 50mm.
Leitz product code 11134. Made by Leitz Canada. Compatible hood is 12537.
Introduced in 1980 as the successor to the Super-Angulon 21mm f3.4, appearing in catalogs from that year. The Leica M4-P was in production at the time. Optical construction is 6 elements in 8 groups with a retrofocus design. The rear element no longer protrudes, making it compatible with cameras such as the Leica M5 and CL. Despite being an ultra-wide lens, it offers a fast maximum aperture of f2.8. The minimum focusing distance is 0.4m, though rangefinder coupling is not active below 0.7m.
Delivers stable performance even wide open. The out-of-focus rendering at close range is gentle and very natural. The characteristic vignetting can be used creatively. Stopping down to f5.6 yields crisp sharpness across the entire frame. It is an enjoyable lens throughout the f2.8 to f5.6 range.
A rare piece.

Minor paint wear from normal use is present, but overall the lens maintains a clean and well-kept appearance. It pairs nicely with a clean body without any sense of mismatch.
Fully overhauled in March 2026. The helicoid and aperture both operate smoothly with a pleasant, moderate resistance. Rangefinder coupling is spot on.
The glass shows only extremely slight coating wear, visible only under strong LED light, and it will have virtually no impact on actual shooting. There are no noticeable cleaning marks or haze, and the optics remain clear and crisp. Test shots also produced excellent results.
Comes with a 12537 hood, E60 UVa filter, and rear cap.