Overview

The Leitz Wetzlar Elmarit-C 40mm f/2.8 is a rare lens designed for the Leica CL, but its optical quality is poor. It is soft at close distances at any aperture, with low contrast wide open, improving only when stopped down to f/5.6 or beyond. Build-wise, it has a short barrel with tabs for focus and aperture, but handling remains difficult. The lens was never sold commercially; only about 400 were made and given to Leitz employees. It suits collectors seeking a rare piece of Leica history, not photographers wanting good image quality.