The LEICA SUPER-ELMAR-M 18 mm f/3.8 ASPH. will help you capture the expansiveness of space like few other tools. Nominally larger than a standard lens, it boasts an extreme angle of view of up to 100 degrees and reaches far into the field of super wide angle lenses, at the same time guaranteeing the outstanding lens qualities that are typical for LEICA. The LEICA SUPER-ELMAR-M 18 mm f/3.8 ASPH. broadens the horizon not only in architecture and landscape photography but in many other areas as well.
Excellent performance and compact design
The LEICA SUPER-ELMAR-M 18 mm f/3.8 ASPH. successfully merges ambitious wide angle photography with the very best of optical quality and compact design. This is achieved thanks to a patented, spacesaving, yet extremely effective lens hood. The lens corresponds to a universal 24 mm wide angle lens when mounted on a LEICA M8 model and a super wide angle lens with an impressive angle of view when mounted on an analogue Leica M model. Its retrofocus-like architecture features eight lens elements of which one boasts two aspherical surfaces, ensuring outstanding optical performance across the image plane and at all f-stops. With the lens set to maximum aperture and mounted on a traditional Leica M or digital LEICA M8 model, vignetting – an effect which is inherently more prevalent with super wide angle lenses – amounts to a nominal 2.3 stops or 1.7 stops on an M8. Stopping down to f/5.6 reduces the vignetting to a value of 1.3 or 1 respectively. Maximum distortion, in turn, measures only 1.8 percent and is virtually undetectable to the human eye.
The LEICA ELMAR-M 18mm f/3.8 ASPH. not only offers optimum image performance, it has compact dimensions - for its focal length - and provides all Leica M users with an economical introduction to super wide-angle photography.
Filter Use: Requires the use of Leica Filter Holder (14484), which will accept a 77mm filter.
Angle of view (diagonal, horizontal, vertical)
For 35 mm: 100°, 90°, 67°
For LEICA M8 models (18 x 27 mm): 84°, 74°, 53°
Optical design
Number of lenses/groups: 8 / 7
Focal length: 18.3 mm
Position of entrance pupil: 19.8 mm (related to the first lens surface in light direction)
Distance setting
Focusing range: 0.7 m to infinity
Scales: Combined meter/feet graduation
Smallest object field: 827 mm x 1241 mm (35 mm), 620 x 931 mm (LEICA M8 models)
Largest reproduction ratio: 1:34.6
Aperture
Setting/Function: With click-stops, half values available, manual diaphragm
Lowest value: 16 / Number of blades: 9
Bayonet: Leica M quick-change bayonet with 6 bit lens identification bar code for digital M models
Filter mount/Lens hood
Male thread, non-rotating and with stop for filter holder or lens hood.
Accessory filter holder for E77 filters available / Separate, screw-on type, included in delivery
Dimension and weight
Length: 58 mm (2.28 in)
Largest diamater: 61 mm (2.4 in)
Weight: approx. 310 g (10.93 oz.)
