Leica 11850 M 135mm f/4 Leitz Elmar Lens
The Leica 11850 is a lens from Leica. Used copies start from $242.76 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Leica 11850 M 135mm f/4 Leitz Elmar Lens
Used Leica 11850 Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Leica 11850
Key Features — Leica 11850
135mm Telephoto Focal Length: Offers a narrow field of view suited to portraiture and distant subjects on Leica M rangefinder bodies.
Leica M Mount: Compatible with the full range of M-mount bodies, from vintage film cameras of the same era to modern digital Leica M series.
f/4 Maximum Aperture: A modest but usable maximum aperture typical of telephoto designs from this period.
1960s Leitz Manufacture: Produced during a celebrated decade of German optical craftsmanship, carrying genuine collector and historical significance.
Manual Focus Only: Fully manual operation with a focus ring designed for deliberate, precise use in keeping with the rangefinder shooting tradition.
Rangefinder Coupled Design: Engineered to couple with the Leica M rangefinder mechanism for accurate focus confirmation through the viewfinder.
Lens Specifications — Leica 11850
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Portrait, Landscape, Street, Architecture |
| Lens Mount | Leica M |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
Description — Leica 11850
The Leica 11850 M 135mm f/4 Leitz Elmar is a Manual Focus telephoto lens built for the Leica M mount rangefinder system, manufactured during the 1960–1969 era of Leitz optical production. Weighing 500g, this lens offers the solid, deliberate handling that characterizes professional-grade glass from this period. Its 135mm focal length positions it squarely in telephoto territory, making it a practical choice for rangefinder photographers working with subjects at a distance.
Compatible with Leica M mount cameras, it bridges decades of photographic history — equally at home on a vintage film body from its own era or a contemporary M-mount digital camera. As a vintage rangefinder lens, it demands a fully manual approach to focusing, rewarding patient and deliberate photographers. For collectors, the confirmed 1960s manufacture date and Leitz Elmar heritage make this a historically significant piece worth serious consideration.
Pros — Leica 11850
- ✓Leica M mount ensures compatibility with a wide range of M-mount rangefinder bodies
- ✓Manual focus operation suits the deliberate, hands-on rangefinder shooting style
- ✓Solid 500g build weight reflects the substantial construction typical of Leitz craftsmanship from the 1960s
Cons — Leica 11850
- ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus option for photographers who prefer it
- ✗Specifications data is limited, so buyers should inspect the individual lens condition carefully before purchase
- ✗No weather sealing information available in specifications
Videos — Leica 11850
#135/4 LEICA ライカ เมาท์ TELE-ELMAR-M テレ エルマー 135MM F4 (1965 E39) | KEPAGEAR — Kepa
Frequently Asked Questions — Leica 11850
What cameras is this lens compatible with?+
This lens uses a Leica M mount, so it is designed for Leica M-mount rangefinder cameras. It is classified under Telephoto Lenses and Manual Focus Lenses in its compatibility grouping.
When was this lens manufactured?+
According to the specifications, this lens was manufactured between 1960 and 1969, placing it firmly in the vintage category of Leica Elmar optics.
Does this lens support autofocus?+
No. The specifications list the focus type as Manual Focus only, which is consistent with both its vintage origin and the rangefinder camera system it was designed for.
How much does this lens weigh?+
The specifications list the weight at 500g, giving it a solid, substantial feel in hand.
Is this lens suitable for use on modern Leica M digital bodies?+
The lens features a Leica M mount, which is the mount used on current Leica M digital rangefinder bodies. However, buyers should verify rangefinder coupling and any potential vignetting considerations independently, as those details are not specified in the available data.
What type of camera system is this lens designed for?+
The specifications identify this as a Rangefinder vintage lens type, designed specifically for the rangefinder shooting system using a Leica M mount.