Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8
The Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8 is a 90mm f/2.8 manual-focus lens for the Leica R mount, made by Leica from 1964-1996. It uses 5 elements / 4 groups, telephoto. Typical used value is $300 to $800, with most examples near $480, and it adapts to Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and L-mount with a plain mechanical adapter.
Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8 specifications
Why collectors want it
A compact and very sharp Leica R short telephoto that is excellent for portraits. It holds high contrast and color rendition typical of Leica R glass. It is one of the more attainable Leica R lenses on the used market.
Mount and adapters for the Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8
The Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8 has a native Leica R mount. Leica R is the 1964 bayonet with a 47.0mm register used by the Leicaflex and R3 through R9 SLRs until 2009. Every mirrorless mount has a shorter register than 47mm, so a plain mechanical adapter puts the lens at its design distance and infinity focus is preserved. Plain adapter ring. Choose one with clearance for the meter cams and ROM contacts so nothing binds; Leica's own R-Adapter L and most current third-party adapters are fine.
| Camera system | Adapter | Infinity focus | Frames like | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony E | Plain mechanical, 29mm | Yes | 90mm on full frame; 135mm on APS-C (1.5x) | Leica R to Sony E |
| Fuji X | Plain mechanical, 29.3mm | Yes | 135mm on APS-C (1.5x) | Leica R to Fuji X |
| MFT | Plain mechanical, 27.75mm | Yes | 180mm on Four Thirds (2x) | Leica R to MFT |
| Canon RF | Plain mechanical, 27mm | Yes | 90mm on full frame; 144mm on APS-C (1.6x) | Leica R to Canon RF |
| Nikon Z | Plain mechanical, 31mm | Yes | 90mm on full frame; 135mm on APS-C (1.5x) | Leica R to Nikon Z |
| L-mount | Plain mechanical, 27mm | Yes | 90mm on full frame; 135mm on APS-C (1.5x) | Leica R to L-mount |
Frequently asked
What mount is the Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8?
The Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8 has a native Leica R mount. Leica R is the 1964 bayonet with a 47.0mm register used by the Leicaflex and R3 through R9 SLRs until 2009. With a plain mechanical adapter it fits Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and L-mount bodies and keeps infinity focus.
How much is the Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8 worth in 2026?
A used Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8 typically sells for $300 to $800, with most clean working examples near $480. Basis: eBay sold listings, KEH and MPB, 2024-2025. This is an estimate, not an appraisal; condition, variant, and service history move the number.
Does the Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8 work on Sony E, Fuji X, and MFT?
Yes. Leica R has a 47mm register and every mirrorless mount is shorter (16mm to 20mm), so a simple Leica R adapter reaches infinity with no optics. On a full-frame body the Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8 frames as a 90mm lens; on APS-C (1.5x) it frames like a 135mm, on Canon APS-C (1.6x) like a 144mm, and on Micro Four Thirds (2x) like a 180mm. Plain adapter ring. Choose one with clearance for the meter cams and ROM contacts so nothing binds; Leica's own R-Adapter L and most current third-party adapters are fine.
When was the Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8 made?
Leica made the Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8 from 1964-1996. It launched the same year as the Leica R mount itself (1964).
What is the optical design of the Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8?
The Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8 uses 5 elements / 4 groups, telephoto. A telephoto construction places a positive front group ahead of a negative rear group, making the lens physically shorter than its focal length.
Which lenses are similar to the Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8?
Close alternatives in the same focal class are the KMZ Jupiter-9 85mm f/2 (85mm f/2, $90 to $320), the Canon FD 85mm f/1.8 S.S.C. (85mm f/1.8, $100 to $340), and the Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5 (85mm f/1.5, $90 to $350). The KMZ Jupiter-9 85mm f/2, The Canon FD 85mm f/1.8 S.S.C., and The Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5 cost less on the used market. The KMZ Jupiter-9 85mm f/2, The Canon FD 85mm f/1.8 S.S.C., and The Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5 are faster.
Alternatives to the Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8
Lenses within 15mm of 90mm from other makers, ranked by how close they sit in focal length, aperture, and price.