Leica's original R ultra-wide — the manual-focus Elmarit-R 19mm f/2.8 (I), rectilinear and corrected.
The Leica Elmarit-R 19mm f/2.8 (I) is the first version of Leica's 19mm ultra-wide rectilinear prime for the R reflex system. It gave R photographers a very wide corrected angle of view below the 21mm Super-Angulon, and was later replaced by a redesigned second version. As the original design it is distinguishable from the later version by its barrel and optical layout.
This is a manual-focus Leica R lens with a 19mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/2.8. It is a rectilinear ultra-wide, rendering straight lines without the barrel curvature of a fisheye. Buyers should confirm the cam configuration and filter thread of the specific example rather than assuming, as the first and second versions differ in construction and handling.
At 19mm the field of view is broad, taking in architecture, interiors and wide landscapes while keeping verticals straight. The corrected geometry makes it a practical tool for buildings and cityscapes. Stopped down it gives extensive depth of field for front-to-back sharpness in scenic and travel photography.
On the used market the first-version 19mm is scarcer than many R primes and is valued by collectors and users alike. Distinguish it from the version II before buying, since the two are priced and regarded differently. Check for internal haze and fungus, confirm the aperture blades are clean and dry, verify the front element condition, and check the cam setup for correct metering on your R body.