Leica Super-Elmar-M 21mm f/3.4 ASPH. Lens
The Leica 21mm f/3.4 ASPH. is a 21mm f/3.4 lens designed for Leica M mount cameras. Used copies start from $2,360.28 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Leica Super-Elmar-M 21mm f/3.4 ASPH. Lens
Used Leica 21mm f/3.4 ASPH. Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Leica 21mm f/3.4 ASPH.
Key Features — Leica 21mm f/3.4 ASPH.
21mm Full-Frame Prime: Fixed 21mm focal length covers a full-frame image circle, delivering a wide field of view without crop factor limitations on Leica M-mount cameras.
Aspherical Optical Design: ASPH. element corrects spherical aberration and distortion, contributing to edge-to-edge sharpness across the wide-angle frame.
Leica M Mount: Designed for Leica M-mount rangefinder cameras and adaptable to a wide range of mirrorless systems with an appropriate M-mount adapter.
Manual Focus Operation: Matches the deliberate rangefinder shooting workflow of Leica M cameras, with a focus ring suited to precise manual control.
f/3.4 Maximum Aperture: Modest but practical maximum aperture keeps the lens compact and lightweight while remaining usable in a variety of lighting conditions.
279g Compact Build: Lightweight construction makes it a practical travel and street photography lens that complements the slim profile of M-mount bodies.
Lens Specifications — Leica 21mm f/3.4 ASPH.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Travel, Documentary |
| Lens Type | Wide-Angle |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 21mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.4 |
| Camera System | Mirrorless |
| Lens Mount | Leica M |
| Autofocus | No |
| Focus Type | Manual |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 46mm |
Description — Leica 21mm f/3.4 ASPH.
The Leica Super-Elmar-M 21mm f/3.4 ASPH. is a prime, wide-angle lens built around the Leica M mount, delivering full-frame coverage for photographers working with M-mount rangefinder and compatible mirrorless systems. The fixed 21mm focal length places this lens firmly in wide-angle territory, ideal for capturing expansive scenes with consistent framing. With a maximum aperture of f/3.4, the lens balances light-gathering capability with a compact physical footprint.
Weighing just 279g and using a 46mm filter thread, it is one of the more travel-friendly options available for the M-mount system. Focus is entirely manual, aligning with the deliberate, hands-on shooting style that defines the Leica M experience. There is no image stabilization, so shooting technique matters when working in challenging light.
For photographers invested in the Leica M ecosystem who want a reliable, lightweight wide-angle prime, the Super-Elmar-M 21mm f/3.4 ASPH. presents a compact and purpose-built option.
Pros — Leica 21mm f/3.4 ASPH.
- ✓Lightweight at just 279g, making it easy to carry for extended shoots
- ✓Compact 46mm filter thread reflects the lens's slim, unobtrusive form factor
- ✓Full-frame coverage suits Leica M-mount cameras without crop limitations
Cons — Leica 21mm f/3.4 ASPH.
- ✗Maximum aperture of f/3.4 is relatively modest, limiting performance in lower light compared to faster wide-angle primes
- ✗No image stabilization, so handheld shooting in dim conditions relies entirely on technique
- ✗Manual focus only — not suitable for photographers who require or prefer autofocus operation
Reviews — Leica 21mm f/3.4 ASPH.
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Two Leica 21mm Lenses — Leica Camera Australia