Leica’s legendary Thambar 90mm f2.2. Leitz product code TOODY. Introduced in 1935. This example bears a serial number in the 280,000 range, from the second production batch of 1935, the very first year of Thambar production. Optical construction consists of 3 groups and 4 elements. Filter size is E48. Meter distance scale.
Leitz’s one and only soft-focus lens. In recent years, Leica surprised the market with a faithful reissue, once again bringing the Thambar into the spotlight. For soft-focus portrait photography, attach the dedicated filter and use the red aperture scale. For normal shooting without the filter, use the white aperture markings.
This example shows the honest signs of long years of use, making it easy to imagine the active life it once lived. When first acquired, it exhibited a rather strong back-focus tendency throughout the focusing range, but careful servicing has restored accurate rangefinder coupling. A pleasure to use today. Image quality is also exceptionally good for a Thambar.
Paint loss and scuff marks can be seen throughout the barrel, giving it a wonderfully seasoned appearance.
Fully overhauled in May 2026, including precise focus adjustment. The aperture ring and helicoid now operate with exceptionally smooth feel. Thanks to meticulous adjustment, the rangefinder coupling is spot on.
The glass shows only very slight aging-related yellowing, but there are no noticeable cleaning marks or haze, leaving it beautifully clear and crisp.
The lens performed very well in our test shooting, and sample images have been uploaded to our test gallery. All samples were taken wide open, without the filter, and focused using the rangefinder. Focus snaps in beautifully thanks to the excellent coupling accuracy, making this an absolute joy to shoot with. You can fully enjoy the dreamy, ethereal rendering unique to the Thambar. Stop it down slightly, and the Thambar produces surprisingly sharp images as well, revealing another side of its beautiful rendering character.
Included are the essential Thambar accessories: the original filter, hood, hood cap, and a Rayqual LM adapter. The front cap is aluminum, while the rear cap is brass.
