When it comes to classic Leica R lenses, few debates are as passionate as the one between the 35mm Elmarit and Summicron. As a long-time Leica enthusiast who has shot extensively with both lenses, I’m here to settle this debate once and for all. Whether you’re building your Leica R system or looking to upgrade your wide-angle lens, understanding the differences between these two legendary optics is crucial.
The Leica R 35mm focal length has been a favorite among street photographers, photojournalists, and documentary shooters for decades. It’s wide enough to capture environmental context yet tight enough to create intimate images. But when it comes to choosing between the Elmarit (f/2.8) and Summicron (f/2), there’s more to consider than just the maximum aperture. In this comprehensive comparison, I’ll share my hands-on experience with both lenses to help you make an informed decision.
Overview of Both Lenses
Before diving into the nitty-gritty details, let’s get acquainted with our contenders.
Leica R 35mm f/2.8 Elmarit
The Leica R 35mm f/2.8 Elmarit has been part of the Leica R system in various iterations since the early 1970s. The most common versions are the Type 1 (produced from 1974-1976), Type 2 (1976-1994), and Type 3 (1994-2009). For this comparison, I’ll primarily focus on the Type 2 and Type 3, as they’re the most widely available and used today.
I remember my first encounter with the Elmarit. I was browsing through a local camera shop when I spotted its compact, unassuming design. At first glance, it doesn’t scream “premium lens” like some of Leica’s other offerings, but as I’ve discovered, its performance far exceeds its modest appearance.
Leica R 35mm f/2 Summicron
The Leica R 35mm f/2 Summicron is the more prestigious of the two, with a reputation that precedes it. Produced from 1976 to 1996, this lens has achieved legendary status among Leica photographers. It’s larger, heavier, and more expensive than the Elmarit, but its devotees swear by its optical qualities.
When I finally got my hands on a Summicron, I immediately understood why it commands such respect. The build quality is exceptional, with a smooth focus throw and precise aperture clicks that feel satisfyingly deliberate.
Historical Context
Understanding the history of these lenses helps explain their design philosophies and why they’ve remained popular decades after their introduction.
The Elmarit Lineage
The Elmarit name has been associated with f/2.8 lenses in Leica’s lineup since the 1960s. The R 35mm Elmarit was designed as a more compact and affordable alternative to the Summicron, targeting photographers who valued portability without sacrificing too much optical quality.
I’ve always appreciated how the Elmarit represents Leica’s commitment to creating accessible yet high-performing optics. It’s the “people’s champion” of the Leica R system – not the most expensive or prestigious, but capable of delivering stunning results in the right hands.
The Summicron Heritage
The Summicron name carries significant weight in the Leica world. These f/2 lenses have long been considered the sweet spot in Leica’s lineup, offering excellent low-light performance and beautiful rendering in a relatively compact package.
The 35mm Summicron R was designed during Leica’s golden age, when optical engineering was reaching new heights. I’ve often marveled at how a lens designed in the 1970s can still compete with modern optics in terms of sheer image quality.
Technical Specifications Comparison
Let’s put these lenses side by side and see how they stack up on paper:
| Specification | Leica R 35mm f/2.8 Elmarit | Leica R 35mm f/2 Summicron |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Lens Construction | 7 elements in 6 groups | 7 elements in 5 groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 11 | 11 |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 0.3m (1 ft) | 0.3m (1 ft) |
| Maximum Magnification | 1:15 | 1:15 |
| Filter Size | 49mm (E55) | 55mm (Series VII) |
| Length | 41mm (Type 2/3) | 54mm |
| Weight | 220g (Type 2/3) | 410g |
| Production Years | 1974-2009 (various versions) | 1976-1996 |
At first glance, the most obvious difference is the maximum aperture – the Summicron offers a full stop more light gathering capability than the Elmarit. But as I’ve discovered through extensive shooting, there’s much more to consider beyond just this number.
Optical Performance Comparison
This is where things get interesting. Both lenses produce beautiful images, but they have their own unique characteristics.
Sharpness
When it comes to sharpness, I found that the Summicron has a slight edge, especially when shooting wide open. At f/2, the Summicron is remarkably sharp across the frame, with excellent corner-to-corner performance. The Elmarit, while not quite as sharp at f/2.8, still delivers impressive results that would satisfy most photographers.
Once you stop both lenses down to f/5.6, they become equally sharp. I’ve made large prints from both lenses, and at smaller apertures, it’s nearly impossible to tell them apart.
Contrast and Microcontrast
This is where the Summicron truly distinguishes itself. The Summicron produces images with higher microcontrast, giving them a distinctive “pop” that makes subjects appear almost three-dimensional. When I shoot with the Summicron, I’m always amazed by how it renders fine textures and details.
The Elmarit, while still contrasty, has a slightly more subdued rendering that some photographers prefer for its more natural, less “digital” look. I’ve found that the Elmarit’s rendering can be more forgiving for certain subjects, particularly portraits.
Bokeh Quality
Bokeh is subjective, but there are noticeable differences between these two lenses. The Summicron, with its wider aperture, produces creamier out-of-focus areas, especially when shot wide open. The transition between in-focus and out-of-focus regions is smooth and pleasing.
The Elmarit’s bokeh is still quite nice, but it’s not quite as ethereal as what the Summicron delivers. That said, for most practical purposes, the difference is subtle and may not be noticeable unless you’re specifically looking for it.
Vignetting
Both lenses exhibit some vignetting when shot wide open, which is typical for wide-angle primes of their era. The Summicron shows slightly more vignetting due to its wider aperture, but this can be part of its charm, drawing the viewer’s eye to the center of the frame.
I’ve found that the vignetting on both lenses is easily correctable in post-processing if desired, though I often leave a bit of it in my images as it can add to the vintage Leica look.
Distortion
Both lenses show minimal distortion, which is excellent for architectural and documentary work where straight lines need to remain straight. I’ve never noticed any problematic distortion with either lens, even when shooting urban environments with lots of geometric elements.
Flare and Ghosting
The Summicron, with its more complex optical design, is slightly more prone to flare when shooting directly into strong light sources. However, when used with the appropriate lens hood (which I always recommend), both lenses handle flare quite well.
I’ve shot with both lenses in backlit situations, and while the Summicron can produce some interesting flare artifacts when pushed, both lenses generally maintain good contrast even in challenging lighting conditions.
Also Read: Canon RF 70-200mm f/4 vs f/2.8
Build Quality and Handling
Both lenses are built to Leica’s exacting standards, but there are some differences worth noting.
Physical Construction
The Summicron feels more substantial in the hand, with its all-metal construction and solid build. The focus ring is smooth and well-damped, making precise focusing a pleasure. The aperture ring clicks into place with satisfying precision.
The Elmarit, while lighter and more compact, still feels well-built and durable. Its smaller size makes it less obtrusive for street photography, and its lighter weight means I can carry it all day without fatigue.
Ergonomics
The Summicron’s larger size provides more surface area to grip, which some photographers prefer. The focus throw is longer, allowing for more precise focusing, especially when using the lens on a camera without focusing aids.
The Elmarit’s compact size makes it ideal for discrete shooting, but the shorter focus throw can make precise focusing a bit more challenging, especially at closer distances.
Durability
Both lenses are built to last, with many examples still performing perfectly after decades of use. I’ve owned and used multiple copies of both lenses, and I’ve never encountered any mechanical issues with either.
That said, the Summicron’s more complex design means there are more potential points of failure, so if you’re buying a used copy, it’s worth checking for smooth focus and aperture operation.
Real-World Shooting Experiences
Technical specifications only tell part of the story. Let me share some of my real-world experiences with both lenses.
Street Photography
For street photography, I’ve found the Elmarit to be the more practical choice. Its compact size and lighter weight make it less conspicuous, and the f/2.8 aperture is generally sufficient for daylight shooting. I’ve spent entire days wandering cities with the Elmarit mounted on my camera, and its small size never draws unwanted attention.
The Summicron, while optically superior, is larger and heavier, making it more noticeable on the street. However, when shooting in dimmer conditions or when I want that extra stop of light gathering ability, the Summicron’s advantages become apparent.
Landscape and Architecture
For landscape and architectural photography, both lenses perform admirably. I’ve found that the Summicron’s slightly higher microcontrast can help bring out fine details in textures, while the Elmarit’s more neutral rendering can sometimes produce more natural-looking images.
When shooting architecture, I appreciate both lenses’ minimal distortion, which helps keep straight lines straight. I’ve used both lenses for architectural documentation, and neither has ever disappointed.
Portraits and Environmental Portraits
For portraits, the Summicron’s wider aperture and more pleasing bokeh give it an advantage. When shooting environmental portraits, I often find myself reaching for the Summicron when I want to separate my subject from the background more effectively.
The Elmarit, while not as strong in the bokeh department, still produces lovely portraits with a more vintage character that can be quite appealing for certain subjects.
Low Light Photography
In low light situations, the Summicron’s f/2 aperture provides a clear advantage. I’ve shot with both lenses in dimly lit interiors and at dusk, and the extra stop of the Summicron often makes the difference between getting the shot and missing it.
That said, modern digital cameras have excellent high ISO performance, so the Elmarit’s f/2.8 aperture is often sufficient for all but the most challenging low-light situations.
Price and Value Analysis
Price is often a deciding factor when choosing between these two lenses, and there’s a significant difference to consider.
Current Pricing
As of December 2025, a used Leica R 35mm f/2.8 Elmarit in good condition typically sells for $400-700, depending on the version and condition. The Leica R 35mm f/2 Summicron, on the other hand, commands $1,200-1,800 in similar condition.
Value Proposition
When considering value, it’s important to think about what you’re getting for the extra money with the Summicron. Essentially, you’re paying for:
- A full stop wider aperture (f/2 vs f/2.8)
- Slightly better sharpness wide open
- Higher microcontrast and more “pop”
- Slightly better bokeh
- More substantial build quality
With the Elmarit, you’re getting:
- A more compact and lighter lens
- Excellent optical performance at a lower price
- More discreet for street photography
- Better value for money
For most photographers, I believe the Elmarit offers better overall value. It delivers 90% of the Summicron’s performance at less than half the price, in a more compact package.
Who Should Buy Which Lens?
Now that we’ve compared both lenses in detail, let’s discuss who might be better served by each option.
The Leica R 35mm f/2.8 Elmarit Is For You If:
- You primarily shoot street or documentary photography
- You value compact size and light weight
- You’re on a tighter budget
- You want excellent optical performance without breaking the bank
- You prefer a more discreet camera setup
I’ve recommended the Elmarit to many of my photographer friends who are building their first Leica R system. It’s an excellent introduction to Leica optics without the financial commitment of the Summicron.
The Leica R 35mm f/2 Summicron Is For You If:
- You prioritize the absolute best optical performance
- You frequently shoot in low light conditions
- You value the distinctive Summicron rendering
- You’re building a premium Leica R system
- Budget is less of a concern than achieving the best possible image quality
I know several professional photographers who swear by the Summicron and wouldn’t consider using anything else. For them, the unique rendering qualities and superior low-light performance are worth the extra cost.
Also Read: Nikon D850 vs Z8
Adapting to Modern Cameras
One important consideration for many photographers today is how these lenses perform when adapted to modern digital cameras, including mirrorless systems.
Adapting to Leica M Cameras
Both lenses can be adapted to Leica M cameras using R to M adapters. However, due to their different optical designs, they perform differently on digital M cameras.
The Elmarit, with its more symmetrical design, is less prone to color shifts and corner smearing on digital M cameras. I’ve used the Elmarit on several M models and found it to perform admirably with minimal issues.
The Summicron, with its more complex design, can show more pronounced color shifts and corner smearing on digital M cameras, especially on older models. However, with in-camera corrections or post-processing, these issues can be minimized.
Adapting to Other Mirrorless Systems
Both lenses adapt beautifully to other mirrorless systems like Sony, Fuji, and Canon using appropriate adapters. I’ve used both lenses on various mirrorless bodies, and they perform exceptionally well, often outperforming native lenses in terms of rendering and character.
One advantage of adapting these lenses to modern mirrorless cameras is the ability to use focus magnification and focus peaking, which makes achieving precise focus much easier than on the original R cameras.
Pro Tips Section
Based on my extensive use of both lenses, here are some pro tips to help you get the most out of either option:
For the Leica R 35mm f/2.8 Elmarit:
- Use a Quality Lens Hood: The Elmarit benefits from using the correct lens hood (Series VII or E55, depending on the version) to reduce flare and protect the front element.
- Stop Down for Maximum Sharpness: While the Elmarit is quite sharp wide open, stopping down to f/5.6-f/8 will yield maximum sharpness across the frame.
- Embrace Its Compact Size: Take advantage of the Elmarit’s small size for discrete street photography. It’s the perfect lens for candid shots without drawing attention.
For the Leica R 35mm f/2 Summicron:
- Master Focusing at f/2: The Summicron’s shallow depth of field at f/2 requires precise focusing. Take time to practice focusing at this aperture to maximize your hit rate.
- Use a Tripod for Critical Work: While the Summicron can be used handheld, using a tripod for critical landscape or architectural work will ensure maximum sharpness.
- Protect the Front Element: The Summicron’s front element protrudes more than the Elmarit’s, making it more susceptible to damage. Always use a filter or lens hood for protection.
For Both Lenses:
- Check for Calibration: When buying used, check that the lenses are properly calibrated. Focus shift can be an issue with older lenses, so test them carefully before purchasing.
- Use a Quality Adapter: If adapting to modern cameras, invest in a high-quality adapter to maintain the lens’s optical performance.
- Shoot RAW: Both lenses have unique rendering characteristics that are best preserved when shooting RAW. This gives you the most flexibility in post-processing.
FAQ Section
Which Leica R 35mm lens is better for street photography?
For street photography, the Elmarit is generally the better choice due to its compact size, lighter weight, and more discreet appearance. The f/2.8 aperture is typically sufficient for daylight street shooting, and the smaller size makes it less intimidating to subjects.
Is the Summicron worth twice the price of the Elmarit?
Whether the Summicron is worth twice the price depends on your specific needs and shooting style. If you prioritize the absolute best optical performance, frequently shoot in low light, or value the distinctive Summicron rendering, it might be worth the premium. However, for most photographers, the Elmarit offers better value.
Can I use these lenses on digital cameras?
Yes, both lenses can be adapted to modern digital cameras, including mirrorless systems from Sony, Fuji, Canon, and others. They can also be adapted to Leica M cameras, though the Summicron may show more corner issues on digital M bodies.
Which lens has better build quality?
Both lenses are built to Leica’s high standards, but the Summicron has a more substantial feel with its all-metal construction and larger size. The Elmarit, while lighter, is still well-built and durable.
How do these lenses compare to modern 35mm lenses?
While modern 35mm lenses may offer technical advantages like autofocus and better correction of optical aberrations, both the Elmarit and Summicron have distinctive rendering qualities that many photographers prefer. Their unique character and build quality continue to make them desirable options despite their age.
Are there different versions of these lenses to be aware of?
Yes, there are multiple versions of both lenses. For the Elmarit, the main versions are Type 1 (1974-1976), Type 2 (1976-1994), and Type 3 (1994-2009). The Summicron was produced in a single version from 1976-1996. Later versions generally have improved coatings and sometimes optical formulas.
Which lens is better for landscape photography?
For landscape photography, both lenses perform well, but the Summicron’s slightly higher microcontrast can help bring out fine details in textures. However, the Elmarit’s more neutral rendering can sometimes produce more natural-looking images, especially in high-contrast scenes.
Conclusion
After extensive use of both the Leica R 35mm f/2.8 Elmarit and the Leica R 35mm f/2 Summicron, I can confidently say that both are exceptional lenses capable of producing stunning images. The right choice for you depends on your specific needs, shooting style, and budget.
For most photographers, I recommend the Leica R 35mm f/2.8 Elmarit. It offers excellent optical performance in a compact, lightweight package at a fraction of the Summicron’s price. It’s the more practical choice for everyday shooting, especially for street and documentary photography.
However, if you’re a photographer who demands the absolute best optical performance, frequently shoots in low light, or values the distinctive Summicron rendering above all else, the Leica R 35mm f/2 Summicron might be worth the extra investment.
Regardless of which lens you choose, you’ll be getting a piece of Leica’s optical heritage that has stood the test of time. Both lenses have earned their legendary status, and either one will serve you well for years to come.
Ready to explore more classic Leica lenses? Check out my other comparisons and reviews on [markus-hagner-photography.com]. And don’t forget to bookmark this page for future reference – I’ll be updating it as new information becomes available!