Overview

The Leitz Wetzlar Fisheye-Elmarit-R 16mm f/2.8 is a rare, Japan-made Leica R-mount fisheye lens (1974-1979, ~3,000 units) with an optical design identical to Minolta's MC Fisheye Rokkor 16mm f/2.8. It offers excellent backlight resistance with no noticeable ghosting, but its petal hood can shadow medium-format sensors. The lens cannot accept front filters, relying on a cap for protection. Minimum focus is 0.3m, enabling interesting close-ups. On film, deep depth of field makes focus peaking difficult; stopping down is recommended. It suits casual, creative use where distortion is acceptable, but is not ideal for critical sharpness or digital compatibility (Err20 on some Canon bodies).