Leica's original R moderate wide — the manual-focus Elmarit-R 28mm f/2.8 (I), versatile reportage prime.
The Leica Elmarit-R 28mm f/2.8 (I) is the first version of Leica's 28mm wide-angle prime for the R reflex system. It provided a moderate wide-angle view popular for reportage, landscape and general work, and was later superseded by a redesigned second version. As the original design it can be distinguished from the later type by its optical layout and barrel.
This is a manual-focus Leica R lens with a 28mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/2.8. It is a rectilinear retrofocus wide-angle for the reflex line. Because the first and second versions differ in construction, buyers should confirm they are getting the version they want and verify the filter thread and cam configuration on the specific example rather than assuming.
At 28mm the lens is a versatile moderate wide, suited to landscapes, architecture, street and environmental subjects where a bit more context is wanted than a 35mm gives. It keeps verticals straight and works in tighter spaces. The f/2.8 aperture allows reasonable low-light handheld use for a wide of its era.
On the used market the first-version Elmarit-R 28mm is common enough to find but should be distinguished from the version II, which differs optically. Check for haze, fungus and coating wear, confirm the aperture blades are dry and the click stops crisp, and inspect focus feel. Verify the cam arrangement for correct metering on your R body; a Leica R adapter permits mirrorless use.