The main difference between a Leica R 35mm Elmarit and a Summicron is maximum aperture: the Elmarit is the slower, usually smaller lens, while the Summicron is faster and generally larger. Both are manual-focus wide-angle lenses made for Leica R SLR cameras. Choose based on how much light you need and how much bulk you will carry.
What the Names Mean
Leica uses the name Elmarit for lenses with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 and Summicron for those at f/2. In the R system, the 35mm focal length appeared under both names. The Summicron-R 35mm f/2 lets in more light than the Elmarit-R 35mm f/2.8, which is the practical heart of the comparison.
Key Differences
| Trait | Elmarit-R 35mm | Summicron-R 35mm |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum aperture | f/2.8 | f/2 |
| Typical size | Smaller, lighter | Larger, heavier |
| Low-light use | Workable | Easier |
| Depth of field control | Moderate | Slightly shallower wide open |
Both lenses come in more than one production generation, so check serial numbers and a Leica R reference to confirm which version you are looking at.
Choosing for Your Use
- Choose the Elmarit if you value a lighter lens for travel, street and landscape work, where you often shoot at f/5.6 or smaller.
- Choose the Summicron if you shoot indoors, at dusk or at events where a faster aperture helps keep shutter speeds up.
- Choose the Summicron if you want a bit more separation between a subject and the background.
- Choose the Elmarit if you plan to adapt the lens to a mirrorless camera and want to keep the combination compact.
Adapting to Mirrorless Cameras
Both lenses can be used on many mirrorless bodies with a Leica R adapter. Turn on focus peaking or use magnified live view, since focusing is manual. As a general guide, a wide lens often looks best between f/4 and f/8 on a high-resolution sensor, but you should try your own copy at several apertures.
Checking a Used Lens
- Inspect the glass for haze, fungus and scratches with a light.
- Turn the focus ring through its full range and confirm it feels even.
- Open and close the aperture ring to check for sticky or oily blades.
- Take sample shots at f/2 or f/2.8 and at f/8 to see how the corners behave.
We have not used these lenses ourselves, so confirm optical details with the maker’s archive or a respected Leica R guide.
FAQ
Is the Summicron always sharper than the Elmarit?
Not always. Sharpness depends on the version, the aperture and the individual copy. Compare sample images from the specific version you are considering.
Which is easier to carry?
The Elmarit is usually the more compact choice, though exact size and weight differ by version.
The Short Version
Choose the Summicron for the extra stop of light and a shallower look, and the Elmarit for lighter carry and simpler packing. Verify the exact version and its specifications before you commit.
