Vario-Elmar-R 21-35mm f/3.5-4 ASPH. Leica product code 11274. ROM version. Serial number in the 3.95 million range, manufactured in 2002. Made in Germany.
Introduced in 2002 as Leica’s first wide-angle zoom lens. It features 9 elements in 8 groups, including two precision-ground aspherical elements. Despite its complex optical design, the lens was made relatively compact and lightweight. Unfortunately, sales appear to have been limited, and total production is said to have been around 3,400 units.
The minimum focusing distance is 0.5m. The actual measured weight is 443g. Filter size is E67.
The resin hood shows some light rubbing, but the lens itself has only minimal signs of use and is in clean cosmetic condition.
The aperture, helicoid, and zoom mechanisms all operate smoothly.
The glass shows no haze or noticeable scratches. We tested the lens on our Leica SL demo camera, and the results were also very good.
It produces clear, crisp images, with soft bokeh both in front of and behind the focus plane, together with a pleasing amount of natural vignetting.
The original box, leather case, instruction manual, warranty card, inspection certificate, dedicated hood, and front and rear caps are all included.
