Leica 100mm f/4.0 Macro-Elmar-R 3-Cam Lens
The Leica Macro-Elmar-R 3-Cam is a 100mm f/4 lens designed for Leica R mount cameras. Used copies start from $335.58 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Leica 100mm f/4.0 Macro-Elmar-R 3-Cam Lens
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Lens Overview — Leica Macro-Elmar-R 3-Cam
Key Features — Leica Macro-Elmar-R 3-Cam
100mm Macro Prime: A dedicated macro prime focal length that provides generous working distance between lens and subject, reducing the risk of disturbing sensitive subjects or casting shadows.
1:1 Macro Reproduction: Capable of true life-size 1:1 magnification, allowing fine detail capture of small subjects at full-frame scale.
Leica R Mount (3-Cam): The 3-Cam designation ensures compatibility with the full range of Leica R-mount SLR bodies, from early to later R-series cameras.
f/4.0 Maximum Aperture: A modest maximum aperture typical of dedicated macro lenses, helping to maintain sufficient depth of field when shooting at close distances.
Manual Focus Design: Fully manual focus operation gives photographers precise control over focus placement — especially valuable in macro work where depth of field is extremely shallow.
Full-Frame Coverage: Designed to cover a full 35mm frame with no vignetting on compatible Leica R bodies.
Lens Specifications — Leica Macro-Elmar-R 3-Cam
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Macro, Portrait, Product, Studio |
| Lens Type | Macro |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 100mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | Leica R |
| Autofocus | No |
| Focus Type | Manual |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 60mm |
Description — Leica Macro-Elmar-R 3-Cam
The Leica 100mm f/4.0 Macro-Elmar-R 3-Cam Lens is a prime, manual focus macro lens built for the Leica R mount, designed to cover a full-frame image circle. With a fixed focal length of 100mm and a maximum aperture of f/4.0, it targets macro photography while also serving as a capable standard-range prime. The 3-Cam configuration ensures compatibility with a broad range of Leica R-series bodies.
Focus is entirely manual, putting precise control directly with the photographer — a meaningful advantage when working at close macro distances where subtle focus adjustments are critical. The 60mm filter thread makes it straightforward to pair with standard filter accessories. At 500g, the lens has a reassuring, well-built presence.
There is no image stabilization, so steady shooting technique or tripod support becomes important, particularly at extended close-focus distances. This lens is a purposeful, optically-dedicated tool for photographers committed to the Leica R system.
Pros — Leica Macro-Elmar-R 3-Cam
- ✓Full-frame coverage (lensFormat: Full Frame) means no crop factor considerations on compatible Leica R bodies
- ✓100mm focal length (minFocalLength: 100) provides comfortable working distance for macro subjects
- ✓3-Cam design broadens compatibility across the Leica R-mount camera lineup
Cons — Leica Macro-Elmar-R 3-Cam
- ✗Maximum aperture of f/4.0 (maximumAperture: 4) is relatively modest, limiting light gathering in low-light macro scenarios
- ✗No image stabilization (imageStabilization: None) makes handheld shooting at macro distances more challenging
- ✗Manual focus only (autoFocus: false) requires more time and skill compared to autofocus alternatives
Videos — Leica Macro-Elmar-R 3-Cam
Red Dot Forum Camera Talk: The Leica Macro Episode...Finally! — RedDotForum