Leica 9cm (90mm) f/4 Elmar "Thin ELANG" Screw Mount Lens, Black/Chrome Review

The Leica 9cm f/4 Elmar "Thin ELANG" is a classic screw mount lens from Leica's vintage catalog, designed for M39 rangefinder cameras. This particular unit is a used bargain grade example available through KEH, featuring the compact "thin" barrel design and a 36mm clamp-on filter mount. At 90mm, it occupies the short telephoto range favored for portraiture and selective framing on film rangefinders.

As a legacy optic, the Elmar delivers the rendering characteristics typical of mid-century Leica glass: modest speed at f/4, mechanical focusing, and a build that prioritizes portability over modern conveniences like autofocus or coatings optimized for digital sensors. It's strictly manual and best suited to shooters comfortable with rangefinder focusing and zone techniques. The bargain condition grade suggests cosmetic wear or operational quirks, so expect this to be a user lens rather than a collector piece. For analog purists shooting film on Leica screwmount bodies or adapting to mirrorless with patience, it offers access to Leica optics at an entry price point.