Leica's compact ultra-wide for M mount — the Elmar-M 24mm f/3.8 ASPH with aspherical correction.
The Leica Elmar-M 24mm f/3.8 ASPH. is a compact ultra-wide prime for the Leica M mount. The Elmar designation indicates a simpler, more affordable optical design. Despite the modest aperture, the aspherical element provides excellent optical correction at 24mm. At f/3.8, it is one of the most compact M-mount ultra-wide options.
Optical performance is good. Sharpness is very good from f/3.8 with the aspherical element providing excellent correction for the wide angle. The Elmar designation means simpler optics than the Summilux or Elmarit alternatives but the aspherical element bridges much of the quality gap. Colour rendition has the characteristic Leica precision and neutrality.
Leica M mount with 6-bit coding for digital M bodies. Filter thread is 46mm — compact. Weight is approximately 210 grams — one of the lightest M-mount 24mm options. Build quality is excellent Leica engineering. The compact size suits the M-mount philosophy of minimal, portable equipment. Manual focus with rangefinder coupling.
Available on the used market at moderate Leica prices. Check rangefinder coupling and 6-bit coding. The most compact Leica 24mm option. The f/3.8 is modest but adequate for landscape and architecture where the lens is typically stopped down. An affordable entry to Leica ultra-wide photography.