Overview

The Leica Elmarit-R 19 mm f/2.8 (I), designed by Walter Mandler in 1975, offers astonishing image quality at medium apertures but with less corner detail than center. Its main weakness is strong blue fringing in highlights, though this can be mitigated in post. Build is solid, but the lens is larger than the Version II and lacks built-in filters. It suits landscape and architecture photographers on a budget, as it costs less than Version II, but those needing corner sharpness and minimal fringing should consider the later version.