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Leica 180mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 3-Cam Lens

The Leica 180mm f/2.8 3-Cam is a 180mm f/2.8 lens designed for Leica R mount cameras. Used copies start from $284.58 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Leica 180mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 3-Cam Lens

Leica 180mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 3-Cam Lens

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Leica 180mm f2.8 Elmarit-R 3-Cam Lens (v.I)

Condition: Good

Product Highlights

  • 180mm Telephoto Lens
  • Bright f/2.8 Aperture
  • 3-Cam Mount Design
  • Exceptional Optical Performance

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Used Leica 180mm f/2.8 3-Cam Listings on GearFocus

Leica 180mm f2.8 Elmarit-R 3-Cam Lens (v.I)
Leica 180mm f2.8 Elmarit-R 3-Cam Lens (v.I)

Good

$284.58

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Leica 180mm f2.8 Elmarit-R 3-Cam (Late, ver.II) Lens
Leica 180mm f2.8 Elmarit-R 3-Cam (Late, ver.II) Lens

Good

$422.28

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Lens Overview — Leica 180mm f/2.8 3-Cam

The Leica 180mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R is a manual focus prime telephoto lens built for the Leica R mount system. Designed for full-frame coverage, this 180mm fixed focal length optic delivers a maximum aperture of f/2.8, making it well suited for isolating subjects and working in lower light conditions typical of portrait, wildlife, and event shooting. The 3-Cam designation refers to the lens's compatibility with the full range of Leica R-series camera bodies, with three cam profiles machined into the lens to support metering across different body generations.

Focus is entirely manual, placing full control in the photographer's hands — a characteristic consistent with Leica's optical heritage and build philosophy. The lens accepts 67mm front filters, opening it up to a wide range of standard filter accessories. At 1100 grams, this is a substantial piece of glass that communicates its build quality through sheer heft.

There is no image stabilization, so photographers will need to account for technique or support when working at longer exposures. For shooters already invested in the Leica R ecosystem, or those adapting Leica R glass to modern mirrorless bodies, the Elmarit-R 180mm f/2.8 represents a compelling telephoto prime option.

Key Features — Leica 180mm f/2.8 3-Cam

180mm f/2.8 Prime: Fixed 180mm focal length with a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture allows for strong subject isolation and usable performance in lower light conditions.

3-Cam Configuration: Three cam profiles machined into the lens barrel provide metering compatibility across the full range of Leica R-series camera bodies.

Leica R Mount: Designed for the Leica R system with full-frame coverage, and widely adaptable to modern mirrorless cameras via third-party adapters.

Manual Focus Only: Fully manual focus operation gives the photographer direct, deliberate control over focus placement with no autofocus motor.

67mm Filter Thread: Standard 67mm front filter thread accommodates a wide range of commonly available filters including polarizers and ND options.

All-Metal Build: Reflects Leica's all-metal construction philosophy, communicating durability and longevity through its robust feel and finish.

Lens Specifications — Leica 180mm f/2.8 3-Cam

Leica 180mm f/2.8 3-Cam full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesPortrait, Wildlife, Sports, Fashion
Lens TypeTelephoto
FormatFull Frame
Zoom/PrimePrime
Focal Length180mm
Maximum Aperturef/2.8
Camera SystemDSLR
Lens MountLeica R
AutofocusNo
Focus TypeManual
Image StabilizationNone
Filter Thread67mm

Description — Leica 180mm f/2.8 3-Cam

The Leica 180mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R 3-Cam is a prime telephoto lens built around the Leica R mount, designed to cover a full-frame image circle. With a fixed 180mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/2.8, this lens offers meaningful light-gathering capability for a telephoto prime. The 3-Cam designation indicates that the lens is equipped with cam profiles for broad compatibility across Leica R-series camera bodies.

Focus is manual only, consistent with the Leica R system's design. A 67mm filter thread allows for straightforward use of polarizers, ND filters, and other standard accessories. The lens weighs 1100 grams, reflecting the solid, professional-grade construction characteristic of Leica R optics.

There is no image stabilization, so stable shooting technique or physical support is recommended at longer exposures. Whether used on a native Leica R body or adapted to a modern mirrorless system, this Elmarit-R offers a distinct 180mm telephoto perspective in a manual focus prime package.

Pros — Leica 180mm f/2.8 3-Cam

  • ✓Fast f/2.8 maximum aperture for a 180mm prime, enabling subject separation and low-light shooting
  • ✓3-Cam configuration ensures compatibility with multiple generations of Leica R-series bodies
  • ✓Full-frame coverage with a Leica R mount — adaptable to many modern mirrorless systems

Cons — Leica 180mm f/2.8 3-Cam

  • ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus support, which may limit use in fast-action scenarios
  • ✗No image stabilization, requiring careful technique or support at slower shutter speeds
  • ✗At 1100g, the lens is heavy and may require additional support for extended handheld use

Videos — Leica 180mm f/2.8 3-Cam

🔴 LEICA R Lenses on Leica M Camera — Matt Osborne

Resources & Downloads — Leica 180mm f/2.8 3-Cam

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Leica 180mm f/2.8 3-Cam

What cameras is this lens natively compatible with?+
This lens uses the Leica R mount and is designed for Leica R-series DSLR cameras. The 3-Cam configuration means it carries cam profiles for metering compatibility across multiple Leica R body generations. It is not natively compatible with Leica M-mount or other systems without an adapter.
Does this lens have autofocus?+
No. The Leica 180mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R is a manual focus lens exclusively. Photographers must focus by hand using the lens's focus ring, which is standard for Leica R optics.
What filter size does this lens accept?+
The lens has a 67mm filter thread, making it compatible with the wide range of 67mm filters available from most filter manufacturers.
Is image stabilization included?+
No, this lens does not include image stabilization. Photographers shooting at slower shutter speeds or in lower light should account for this through shooting technique, higher ISO settings on the camera body, or the use of a tripod or monopod.
Can this lens be adapted to mirrorless cameras?+
The lens uses a Leica R mount. Many third-party adapter manufacturers produce Leica R to mirrorless mount adapters, though compatibility and functionality will depend on the specific adapter and camera body chosen. The lens covers a full-frame image circle, so it can be used on both full-frame and crop sensor mirrorless bodies.

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