First introduced in 1964 and produced all the way until 2009, Leica R-mount lenses have developed a devoted following among cinematographers.
If Contax/Zeiss lenses are known for their crisp, clinical rendering (and their visual similarities to Zeiss Super Speeds), Leica R lenses sit closer to the smoother, more painterly look of Panavision Primos.
With warm tones, gentle roll-off in highlights, and excellent micro-contrast, they are prized for their organic rendering — especially when compared to modern, overly sharp photo lenses.
Before we dive into specific lens recommendations, let’s take a moment to understand the Leica R lens variants.
Leica R: Lens Variants
Version I (v1) – 1960s–early 1980s
- Build: All-metal bodies, scalloped focus rings, often single-coated or early multi-coating
- Look: More vintage rendering – lower contrast, more flare, more “character”
- Aperture rings: Clicked, no half-stops
- Mounts: 1-cam or 2-cam versions early on
- Appeal: Dreamy, soft bokeh and “painterly” look — useful for stylized work
Version II (v2) – Mid-1980s to early 2000s
- Build: More modern ergonomics (rubber focus grip), improved coatings
- Look: Sharper, higher contrast, better resistance to flare
- Aperture rings: May include half-stop clicks
- Mounts: 3-cam standard, some ROM versions
- Appeal: Better optical performance and consistency across focal lengths
ROM Versions – 1996 onward
- Feature: Added electronic contacts for data transmission to Leica R8/R9 bodies
- Optics: Same as final v2 lenses — not optically different
- Compatibility: Data pins don’t affect video/cine use; adapters ignore them
- Build: Highest-quality version mechanically — more durable
- Appeal: Premium choice for rehousing or cine mods due to later production and tighter tolerances
Recommended Lenses
Let’s break down the recommended Leica R primes available on the used market (all prices in USD).
Wide Angle Primes
| Lens | Summary | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 19mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R (Version II preferred) | Leica’s widest rectilinear R prime. The Version II (ROM) is optically superior, with better flare control and corner sharpness. Big front element, but incredible performance and cinematic look. | 1200-3000 |
| 24mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R (Version II preferred) | Compact and sharp with good distortion control. It has a classic Leica rendering — not overly contrasty, with pleasing bokeh and gentle vignetting on full-frame. | 650-1500 |
| 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R (Version II or ROM) | A sleeper lens with great micro-contrast and naturalistic rendering. Later versions have improved coatings and color consistency. Lightweight and great for handheld work. | 600 |
| 35mm f/1.4 Summilux-R (Version II) | Leica’s fast wide-angle for R mount. Gorgeous rendering with signature Leica glow wide open, but sharpens up nicely by f/2. Bokeh is creamy and flattering. Pricey but coveted. | 3000-5000 |
| 35mm f/2 Summicron-R | Smaller, more affordable alternative to the Summilux. Very sharp, with rich colors and a balanced look. A popular focal length for video shooters on full-frame. | 1000-1700 |
Normal Primes
| Lens | Summary | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 50mm f/1.4 Summilux-R (especially pre-E55 or E60 version) | A legendary standard lens. Wide open it has a classic vintage softness, great for dreamy portraits. Stopped down, it’s razor sharp. Preferred by many for its versatility and beautiful flare. | 1800-3500 |
| 50mm f/2 Summicron-R | More affordable than the Summilux and extremely sharp from f/2 onward. Clean contrast, solid mechanics, and a more neutral rendering. Great “budget” Leica option with pro results. | 400-800 |
| 60mm f/2.8 Macro-Elmarit-R | Often overlooked, this lens is extremely sharp and makes a great “normal” lens that doubles as a macro. Color and contrast match well with the 90mm Summicron. | 400-600 |
Telephoto Primes
| Lens | Summary | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 80mm f/1.4 Summilux-R | One of the fastest medium telephotos in Leica’s lineup. Shallow depth of field and creamy bokeh make it ideal for portraits. Has a cinematic quality even wide open, though it’s a heavy lens. | 1400-2700 |
| 90mm f/2 Summicron-R | Compact and incredibly sharp, with beautiful tonal transitions and minimal focus breathing. Great for interviews or handheld portraiture. Still relatively affordable. | 450-800 |
| 100mm f/2.8 APO-Macro-Elmarit-R | One of the sharpest lenses Leica ever made — with apochromatic correction. Not cheap, but excellent for interviews or controlled shooting. | 1000-1500 |
| 135mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R | Often overlooked, but a solid telephoto with lovely compression. Not as sharp as the 90mm, but it has a gentle falloff and vintage character that works well for stylized looks. | 250-400 |
| 180mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R | A stellar long telephoto with beautiful rendering and relatively compact for the focal length. Great for dramatic close-ups with heavy background separation. | 400-600 |
🛠️ Buyer’s Tips
- Match Your Set (If You Can): Leica R lenses changed over time — coatings, mechanics, even optical formulas. For best color and contrast consistency across your lens set, try to stick to lenses from the same production era. Matching serial numbers or versions (e.g., all ROM lenses or all 3-cam) is one way to do this.
- Version Matters: Many Leica R lenses were updated over the years. Version II or ROM versions usually have better coatings and optical performance. Earlier versions (especially pre-1970s) can have beautiful rendering but more character (and more flaws).
- Check Compatibility for Adaptation: Leica R lenses adapt beautifully to mirrorless mounts like L-Mount, RF, E-Mount, and Z-Mount using passive adapters. But some mirrorless cameras (especially Sony bodies) may have issues with rear element clearance on certain lenses (e.g., 19mm v1). Always check for compatibility.
- Serviceability and Declicking: Since most Leica R lenses are mechanical, they’re relatively easy to service and can be de-clicked for smoother aperture transitions. A CLA (clean, lube, adjust) or cine mod from a reputable technician is worth the investment.
- Watch for Fungus & Haze: Many Leica R lenses are 30+ years old and may suffer from internal haze, balsam separation, or fungus — especially early versions. Always request detailed photos or, if possible, buy in person.
- Pricing is Volatile: Some focal lengths (like the 80mm Summilux or 35mm Summilux) have become collector’s items and command very high prices. Don’t overpay for earlier versions that don’t offer much advantage. Patience pays off.
🧠 Should You Buy a Version I Lens?
Buying a v1 version of a Leica R lens can make a lot of sense in certain contexts — especially for filmmakers looking for specific characteristics:
✅ Buy v1 if you want:
- Lower contrast / more flare: For dreamy, soft images right out of camera
- Vintage coating look: Earlier coatings result in warmer tones and flaring (often desirable for period looks or music videos)
- More “character”: Slight imperfections, swirlier bokeh, glow at wide apertures
- Smaller budget: v1 lenses are often cheaper (especially in 28/50/90mm)
- Creative work: Ideal for stylized, analog-feeling footage, especially on digital sensors
🚫 Avoid v1 if you want:
- Maximum sharpness or consistency across a set
- Modern contrast and coating performance
- A lens to rehouse or use in commercial/cine production — mechanics are sometimes less robust and harder to match across the lineup
🎥 Leica R Cine Lens Kits
Leica R’s are amazing for video/film. But which ones to get? Here are two matched kits.
💸 Budget Set: “The Working Shooter”
For indie filmmakers or owner-operators who want Leica character without breaking the bank. Focuses on consistency and performance over collector rarity.
Total cost: $2,500 to $4,000.
- 28mm Elmarit-R f/2.8 (v2): Great balance of sharpness and vintage tone
- 35mm Summicron-R f/2 (v2): Smooth focus, neutral rendering
- 50mm Summicron-R f/2 (any): Affordable, sharp, cinematic
- 90mm Summicron-R f/2 (v2 or early ROM): Compact tele with flattering compression
Why this set works:
- All lenses are relatively easy to find and price-stable.
- Color and contrast are fairly well-matched across v2/early ROM era.
- Easy to adapt or cine mod with consistent mechanics and iris feel.
💎 Premium : “The Cine Collector”
For high-end productions or collectors looking for peak performance and cinematic rendering. These lenses often get cine-modded or rehoused.
Total cost: $8,000 to $14,000.
- 19mm Elmarit-R f/2.8 (v2 ROM) Superior flare control, minimal distortion
- 35mm Summilux-R f/1.4 (v2) Creamy bokeh, signature Leica glow
- 50mm Summilux-R f/1.4 (E60, late v2) Modern performance with vintage soul
- 80mm Summilux-R f/1.4 (any) Legendary portrait lens, massive subject separation
- 100mm APO-Macro-Elmarit-R f/2.8 Exceptional sharpness, used in cinema often
Why this set works:
- Versions selected for matching contrast and coatings (late v2/ROM).
- Excellent candidates for rehousing with uniform gearing.
- Delivers the full “Leica Look” from wide to telephoto.
Leica R vs. Contax Zeiss
Go Leica R if you’re focused on skin tones, cinematic softness, or portrait/interview work.
Choose Contax Zeiss if you need versatility, grading flexibility, and a cost-effective path to a high-end vintage look. For more info, see my guide on best Contax Zeiss lenses.
Both are excellent, but neither fully replaces true cinema glass. Still, they’re arguably the best vintage options before stepping into higher-end cine territory like Zeiss CP.2s, Cooke Panchros, or Super Speeds.
Links and Resources
- Leica R Cine Mod Set (by Matthew Duclos)
Back to Vintage Lenses