Leica 9cm (90mm) f/4 Elmar LTM Lens
The Leica 9cm f/4 LTM is a 90mm f/4 lens designed for Leica Thread Mount (LTM / M39) mount cameras. Used copies start from $129.99 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Leica 9cm (90mm) f/4 Elmar LTM Lens
Used Leica 9cm f/4 LTM Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Leica 9cm f/4 LTM
Key Features — Leica 9cm f/4 LTM
90mm f/4 Prime Optic: A fixed telephoto focal length well suited to portraiture, street, and travel photography where a compressed perspective is useful.
Leica Thread Mount (M39): Fits LTM-mount rangefinder cameras natively and can be adapted to Leica M and other systems via widely available M39 adapters.
Full-Frame Coverage: Projects an image circle large enough to cover a 35mm full-frame sensor or film plane without vignetting.
Collapsible Barrel Design: The lens retracts into the body when not in use, keeping the overall kit compact for storage and travel.
Lightweight at 250g: Exceptionally light construction adds minimal bulk to a rangefinder body, making it practical for extended handheld use.
Manual Focus Only: Operated entirely by hand, intended to be coupled with the rangefinder mechanism of compatible LTM bodies for precise focus confirmation.
Lens Specifications — Leica 9cm f/4 LTM
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Portrait, Street, Travel, Creative Effects |
| Lens Type | Prime |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 90mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 |
| Camera System | Rangefinder |
| Lens Mount | Leica Thread Mount (LTM / M39) |
| Autofocus | No |
| Focus Type | Manual |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 39mm |
Description — Leica 9cm f/4 LTM
The Leica 9cm (90mm) f/4 Elmar is a prime telephoto lens built for the Leica Thread Mount (LTM / M39) camera system. Designed to cover a full-frame image circle, it brings a classic rangefinder shooting experience to photographers who value manual craft and a compact form factor. Weighing in at just 250g, it is among the lighter options available in the 90mm telephoto category, making it an attractive companion for travel and documentary work.
The f/4 maximum aperture is characteristic of this lens lineage and keeps the overall size and weight minimal. Focusing is entirely manual, rewarding photographers who take a deliberate, considered approach to their work. A 39mm filter thread provides compatibility with a wide range of standard screw-in filters.
With no image stabilization, the lens relies on the shooter's technique, but its light weight helps manage handholding at this focal length. The LTM / M39 mount makes it natively compatible with LTM-mount rangefinder cameras and adaptable to a variety of other systems.
Pros — Leica 9cm f/4 LTM
- ✓Lightweight at just 250g, ideal for travel and extended shooting sessions
- ✓Full-frame coverage ensures compatibility with full-frame rangefinder bodies
- ✓90mm focal length places it in telephoto territory, useful for portraits and compressed perspectives
Cons — Leica 9cm f/4 LTM
- ✗Maximum aperture of f/4 is relatively modest, limiting performance in lower light conditions
- ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus capability for fast-moving subjects
- ✗No image stabilization, requiring careful handholding technique especially at 90mm
Videos — Leica 9cm f/4 LTM
🔴 Budget Leica Lens! Leica Elmar 90mm f4 — Matt Osborne