The legendary Thambar 90mm f2.2. Leitz product code: TOODY. Introduced in 1935. This example has a serial number in the 280,000 range and comes from the second production batch of 1935, the first year of Thambar production. 4 elements in 3 groups. Filter size is E48. Distance scale is in meters.

The Thambar was the only soft-focus lens made by Leitz. In recent years, Leica surprised enthusiasts by releasing a modern reissue, which attracted considerable attention. For soft-focus portrait photography, attach the dedicated filter and use the aperture scale marked in red. For normal photography without the filter, use the aperture index marked in white.

The exterior shows considerable signs of use, making it easy to imagine the many years of service this lens has seen. When we first acquired it, the rangefinder coupling showed significant back focus throughout the focusing range, but after careful servicing, the coupling is now spot-on. You can now concentrate fully on shooting without distraction. The optical performance is also excellent.

This lens was previously sold by us and has now returned to our shop after being carefully used by its owner.

There is paint loss and wear throughout the barrel, but its condition remains unchanged from when we last sold it, giving it a wonderfully well-used and dignified appearance.

A full overhaul, including focus adjustment, was carried out in 2026. Both the aperture and helicoid remain exceptionally smooth to operate. Thanks to careful adjustment, the rangefinder coupling is also spot-on.

The glass shows only extremely slight age-related discoloration, with no noticeable cleaning marks or haze. It is clear and bright overall.

Our shooting test results were also excellent. Although the sample images were taken when we previously sold this lens, we hope you will enjoy viewing them in our Test Shoot Gallery. All were taken without the special filter, wide open, and focused using the rangefinder. The rangefinder coupling is excellent, allowing focus to snap into place with confidence, making this a truly enjoyable lens to shoot with. You can fully appreciate the unique, dreamlike rendering for which the Thambar is famous. Stop it down slightly, and the image becomes tighter and sharper, with an equally beautiful character.

Included are the essential original Thambar filter, hood, hood cap, and a Rayqual L-to-M adapter. The front cap is aluminum, while the rear cap is brass.