I’ve been shooting with Leica lenses for as long as I can remember, but there’s something special about the vintage R-mount glass that keeps me coming back. When I first got my hands on the Leica Vario-Elmar-R 35-70mm f/3.5, I wasn’t sure what to expect. After all, it’s a zoom lens from a bygone era, and we all know how most vintage zooms perform, right? Well, let me tell you – this lens completely changed my perspective.
My First Encounter with the Vario-Elmar-R 35-70mm
I remember the day like it was yesterday. I found this beauty sitting in a dusty corner of my local camera shop, looking lonely and forgotten. The owner almost didn’t want to sell it, saying something about keeping it as a display piece. After some gentle persuasion (and maybe showing him my wallet), I walked out with what would become one of my favorite lenses in my collection.
When I first mounted it on my camera, I was struck by how solid it felt. This isn’t some lightweight plastic affair – we’re talking about a proper piece of engineering here. The weight is substantial but not overwhelming, and the way the focus ring turns is nothing short of buttery smooth.
A Brief History of This Classic Lens
The Leica Vario-Elmar-R 35-70mm f/3.5 was first introduced in the late 1970s as part of Leica’s R-system lineup. It was designed to be a versatile workhorse for photographers who wanted the convenience of a zoom without sacrificing too much quality – a tall order for that era.
What I find fascinating is that Leica was one of the few manufacturers at the time that took zoom lenses seriously. While other companies were treating them as convenient compromises, Leica was pushing the boundaries of what was optically possible. This lens represents that philosophy perfectly.
Build Quality and Design: Built Like a Tank
Let me talk about the construction for a moment because it’s worth mentioning. The Vario-Elmar-R 35-70mm f/3.5 is built entirely metal – no plastic here except for perhaps the focus grip. The barrel is made of what feels like aircraft-grade aluminum, and the mounting plate is solid brass.
Table: Physical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Mount | Leica R |
| Focal Length Range | 35-70mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
| Filter Size | 55mm |
| Weight | 560g (19.8 oz) |
| Length | 90mm (3.5 in) |
| Closest Focusing Distance | 0.8m (2.6 ft) |
The aperture ring clicks into place with satisfying precision, and the zoom action is tight but smooth – no zoom creep here, even when pointing the lens downward. I’ve taken this lens on countless trips, tossed it in my bag without much care, and it still looks and functions like new. That’s the kind of durability you just don’t find in modern lenses.
Optical Performance: Where the Magic Happens
Now, let’s get to the important part – how does this lens actually perform? I’ve shot thousands of frames with it in all kinds of conditions, and I’m consistently impressed.
Sharpness
When I first started shooting with this lens, I prepared myself for the typical vintage zoom softness. Boy, was I wrong. This lens is sharp – surprisingly so, even wide open at f/3.5. Center sharpness is excellent throughout the focal range, and while the edges do soften a bit at the wider apertures, they clean up nicely by f/8.
I remember shooting a landscape at 35mm, f/8, and being absolutely stunned when I zoomed in on the image on my computer. Every detail was rendered with crisp clarity, from the foreground flowers to the distant mountains. It’s the kind of performance that makes you question whether you really need those modern, über-expensive lenses.
Contrast and Color Rendering
This is where the Leica magic really shines through. The Vario-Elmar-R 35-70mm produces images with a micro-contrast that’s just delicious. Fine textures pop in a way that’s hard to describe but easy to see.
And the colors! Don’t even get me started on the colors. There’s a certain warmth to them that’s incredibly pleasing without being unnatural. Reds are deep and rich, greens have this beautiful depth, and skin tones – oh, the skin tones are just gorgeous. I’ve shot portraits with this lens that made my subjects look like they were glowing.
Bokeh
For a zoom lens, especially a vintage one, the bokeh is surprisingly pleasant. It’s not going to compete with a Noctilux or anything, but it’s smooth and creamy enough that you won’t be complaining. Out-of-focus highlights are rendered as soft circles without any harsh edges, even when stopped down a bit.
Performance at Different Focal Lengths
One of the things I love about this lens is how consistent its performance is across the zoom range. Let me break it down for you:
At 35mm
The wide end is where this lens really shows its character. There’s a slight vignette wide open that I actually find quite charming – it adds a bit of vintage atmosphere to the images. Corner sharpness is decent at f/3.5 and improves significantly by f/5.6.
I’ve used this lens for street photography at 35mm, and it’s a joy to work with. The field of view is just right for getting close without being intrusive, and the manual focus action is smooth enough to make quick adjustments when needed.
At 50mm
The middle of the zoom range is perhaps where this lens performs best optically. Sharpness is excellent across the frame even at f/3.5, and distortion is well-controlled.
I find myself shooting at 50mm more often than not when I have this lens mounted. It’s just so versatile – great for portraits, environmental shots, and even some product work. The rendering has a certain “Leica look” that’s hard to quantify but easy to appreciate.
At 70mm
At the telephoto end, there’s a slight drop in sharpness at the corners when shooting wide open, but it’s nothing to write home about. By f/5.6, it’s performing beautifully across the frame.
I’ve used the 70mm end for portraits with lovely results. The compression is just right for headshots, and the way it renders facial features is incredibly flattering. There’s something about the transition from in-focus to out-of-focus areas that just works.
Aperture Performance: How It Holds Up
I’ve tested this lens at every aperture, and here’s what I’ve found:
Table: Aperture Performance
| Aperture | Performance Notes |
|---|---|
| f/3.5 | Very good center sharpness, slight softness at corners, beautiful character |
| f/4 | Improved corner sharpness, contrast increases slightly |
| f/5.6 | Excellent across the frame, sweet spot for many situations |
| f/8 | Peak sharpness, ideal for landscapes and detailed work |
| f/11 | Slight diffraction but still very good |
| f/16 | Noticeable diffraction, but usable when needed |
| f/22 | Significant diffraction, avoid unless absolutely necessary |
What impresses me most is how usable this lens is even at its maximum aperture. With many vintage zooms, you need to stop down immediately to get decent results, but with the Vario-Elmar-R 35-70mm, I’m comfortable shooting at f/3.5 when the light is low or when I want that extra subject separation.
Practical Use: Real-World Shooting Scenarios
I’ve taken this lens everywhere with me – from city streets to mountain trails, from dimly lit interiors to bright sunny beaches. Here’s how it has performed in various situations:
Street Photography
The 35mm end is perfect for street work. It’s wide enough to capture context but tight enough to isolate subjects when needed. The manual focus might seem like a disadvantage, but I’ve found it actually helps me slow down and be more deliberate with my compositions.
Portraits
At 50mm and 70mm, this lens shines for portraits. There’s a certain quality to the images that’s hard to describe – a three-dimensionality that makes subjects look like they could step right out of the photograph.
Travel Photography
This is where the zoom range really proves its worth. Being able to go from wide-angle to short telephoto without changing lenses is invaluable when you’re traveling light. I’ve captured everything from expansive landscapes to intimate details with this single lens.
Low Light Situations
While f/3.5 isn’t exactly fast by modern standards, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how well this lens performs in low light. The excellent contrast and micro-contrast help maintain clarity even when the light is less than ideal.
Comparison with Similar Lenses
I’ve had the chance to compare the Vario-Elmar-R 35-70mm f/3.5 with several other lenses, both vintage and modern. Here’s how it stacks up:
vs. Modern Zoom Lenses
Modern zooms, especially high-end ones, obviously have advantages in terms of autofocus, image stabilization, and sometimes outright sharpness. But what they often lack is character. The Vario-Elmar-R has a certain “je ne sais quoi” that makes images feel special in a way that clinically sharp modern lenses sometimes don’t.
vs. Vintage Primes
This is where things get interesting. While primes will generally outperform zooms of the same era, the Vario-Elmar-R holds its own surprisingly well. It might not match a prime in absolute sharpness or light-gathering ability, but it offers a versatility that primes simply can’t match.
vs. Other Vintage Zooms
Having owned and shot with several vintage zooms from various manufacturers, I can confidently say that the Leica is in a class of its own. Most vintage zooms suffer from poor sharpness, distortion, and overall mediocre optical quality. The Vario-Elmar-R avoids these pitfalls and delivers performance that rivals many primes of the era.
Pros and Cons: The Bottom Line
After months of shooting with this lens, here’s my honest assessment:
Pros
- Exceptional build quality that puts modern lenses to shame
- Surprisingly sharp throughout the zoom range
- Beautiful color rendering and micro-contrast
- Smooth manual focus and zoom actions
- Versatile focal range for various shooting situations
- Characterful rendering that’s hard to find in modern lenses
- Compact size considering the build quality and zoom range
Cons
- Manual focus only (could be a pro or con depending on your preference)
- No image stabilization
- f/3.5 maximum aperture might be limiting in very low light
- Can be difficult to find in good condition
- May require an adapter for use on modern cameras
- Slight distortion at the wide end
Who Is This Lens For?
Based on my experience, the Leica Vario-Elmar-R 35-70mm f/3.5 is ideal for:
- Photographers who appreciate vintage glass and the character it brings
- Those who value build quality and are tired of plastic lenses
- Leica R-system users looking for a versatile zoom
- Mirrorless shooters willing to adapt manual lenses
- Photographers who enjoy the deliberate process of manual focusing
- Anyone looking for a compact, high-quality zoom for travel
It might not be the best choice for:
- Sports or action photographers who need autofocus
- Those who primarily shoot in very low light
- Photographers who prefer the convenience of modern lenses
- Anyone on a tight budget (good copies can be expensive)
Final Verdict: Does It Deserve a Place in Your Bag?
After shooting extensively with the Leica Vario-Elmar-R 35-70mm f/3.5, I can say without hesitation that it’s one of the most enjoyable lenses I’ve ever used. It’s not perfect, but its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about using a lens that was built with such care and attention to detail. Every time I mount it on my camera, I know I’m in for a special shooting experience. The images it produces have a certain magic that’s hard to quantify but easy to appreciate.
If you’re a photographer who values character over technical perfection, who enjoys the process as much as the results, and who appreciates fine engineering, then this lens might just be for you. It’s a classic beauty that still delivers remarkable results in [cy].
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Is the Leica Vario-Elmar-R 35-70mm f/3.5 suitable for digital cameras?
Absolutely! While it was designed for film cameras, it adapts beautifully to modern digital bodies. I’ve used it on both full-frame and APS-C mirrorless cameras with excellent results. You’ll need an R-mount adapter, but those are readily available.
How does it compare to modern Leica zoom lenses?
Modern Leica zooms certainly have advantages in terms of autofocus and image stabilization, but the Vario-Elmar-R holds its own optically. Some photographers actually prefer the rendering of the vintage lens for its character.
Is it difficult to focus manually?
Not at all! The focus ring is large, smooth, and well-damped, making precise focusing a pleasure. Most modern cameras have focus aids like focus peaking that make manual focusing even easier.
Can I use filters with this lens?
Yes, it takes 55mm filters, which are common and relatively affordable. I often use a polarizer with it for landscape work, and the results are stunning.
Is this lens weather-sealed?
No, it’s not weather-sealed. While the build quality is excellent, I’d be cautious about using it in heavy rain or extreme conditions.
How much should I expect to pay for a good copy?
Prices vary depending on condition, but generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $400 to $800 for a good copy. Mint condition examples with box and paperwork can go for more.
Are there different versions of this lens?
Yes, there were a few versions produced over the years with minor cosmetic differences. The optical formula remained largely the same, though, so performance should be similar across versions.
How does it handle lens flare?
Like many vintage lenses, it can produce some beautiful flare when shooting into the sun. If you want to minimize flare, the lens does accept a screw-in lens hood, which I’d recommend using.
Final Thoughts
If you enjoyed this review, be sure to check out my thoughts on other classic Leica lenses [internal link to other Leica reviews]. And don’t forget to bookmark this page for future reference – I’ll be updating it as I continue to shoot with this wonderful lens.
What are your experiences with the Leica Vario-Elmar-R 35-70mm f/3.5? Drop a comment below and let me know! I love hearing from fellow photographers who appreciate vintage glass as much as I do.