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Lloyd’s Hand-Picked Gear Lists

For Leica

Hand-picked gear at low prices from our trusted vendor: B&H Photo/Video.

Thank you for buying equipment through these links— anything; just click through. We DO NOT GET CREDIT if you already have things in your cart or wishlist. Please click through, then add things to your shopping cart directly.

Leica M

Most of these bodies, lenses and accessories are examined in detail in the Guide to Leica.

Price/stock info as of
Jun 20 02:07 GMT
Click through for most recentM body

Most Leica shooters have a preference for silver vs black. Think ahead because the black lenses are generally lighter (weight) and fewer focal lengths have silver variants.

Leica M SERIES 24MP (black) NEW! $6,950 RENT
Best Leica rangefinder choice by far, with Live View and optional EVF and high-res screen and 24MP.
Leica M SERIES 24MP (silver) NEW! $6,950 RENT
Best Leica rangefinder choice by far, with Live View and optional EVF and high-res screen and 24MP.
Leica M-E $5,450
Basically a Leica M9. Lacks Live View, lacks EVF, 18-megapixel CCD. Choose the M240 instead, much more versatile.
Olympus VF-4 Electronic Viewfinder for Select Olympus PEN Cameras. To be confirmed if it works with M Typ 240. $279
2,360k-Pixel LCD Resolution, 1.48X magnification, 100% field of view, eye sensor.
Leica BP-SCL2 Lithium-Ion Battery Pack $190
Extra battery for Leica M Typ 240.
Leica EVF2 Electronic Viewfinder $499
For X2 or M Typ 240. 1.4 megapixel display, swings up 90° for flexibility. Push button activation.
Leica Handgrip M for Leica M240 $300
No integrated electronic functions, simple mechanical grip.
Leica M Monochrom Digital Camera $7,950 RENT
18 megapixels MONOCHROME sensor for lovely black and with images with unparalleled sharpness.
Leica Multifunctional Handgrip M for Leica M240 $895
Handgrip, GPS, USB port, extra battery option.
Leica Novoflex Lens Adapter for Nikon Lens to Leica M $293
Adapts Nikon mount lenses to Leica M camera body.
Leica R-Adapter M $310
Adapts Leica R lens to Leica M body. Really only useful on Leica M Typ 240.

Leica M Lenses

Fantastic lenses for Leica M.

The core lenses one should have with Leica M: 21/3.4, 28/2.8 or 28/2, 35/1.4, 50/1.4. Substitute 18/3.8 and/or 24/3.8 if slightly different coverage desired. Add 75/2 or 90/2 for long end.
The ƒ/2.5 Summarit-M lenses have slower maximum apertures and are most affordable.

Leica 16-18-21mm f/4 Tri-Elmar-M ASPH $6,295 RENT
Versatile range, relatively large for Leica M. Outperforms any DSLR zoom, shoot at ƒ/8 for peak quality.
Leica 18mm f/3.8 Super-Elmar-M ASPH $3,195 RENT
Superlative ultra-wide, though like any 18mm, challenging to shoot and frame and keep level such a wide angle view. Viewfinder for 18mm additional.
Leica 21mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH $7,250 RENT
World’s fastest 21mm. Relatively large/heavy compared to 21/3.4. Viewfinder for 21mm additional.
Leica 21mm f/3.4 Super-Elmar-M ASPH $2,995 RENT
Highly corrected, world’s best 21mm, outperforms the 21mm f/1.4, better corrected for color fringing. Viewfinder for 21mm additional. My #1 choice for wideangle on the M9; not too wide, but wide enough if one owns a 28mm.
Leica 24mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH $6,995 RENT
Fast wide angle lens, but not as well corrected as the 24/3.8 off-center, especially for color aberrations. Viewfinder for 24mm additional.
Leica 24mm f/3.8 Elmar-M ASPH $2,595 RENT
Highly corrected, outperforms the 24mm f/1.4, better corrected for color fringing. Very close to the superlative level of the 21/3.4 SEM. Viewfinder for 24mm additional.
Leica 28mm f/2.0 Summicron-M ASPH $4,295 RENT
Very high performer with gorgeous diffraction stars, but requires stopping down to ƒ/4 - ƒ/5.6 for peak flat-field performance (eg buildings). 28mm is widest lens that uses the camera built-in frame lines.
Leica 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH $2,195 RENT
Ultra low distortion, lightest/smallest M lens, relatively low price for Leica, *exceptionally uniform and pleasing background blur*. More desirable in some ways than the 28/2.
Leica 35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH $5,150 RENT
#1 choice for all-around most useful lens on Leica M9. The 35/1.4 delivers stunning results, albeit with some field curvature, especially at infinity focus.
Leica 35mm f/2.0 Summicron-M ASPH (Black) $3,195 RENT
Notably lower performer than the Summilux 35/1.4.
Leica 35mm f/2.0 Summicron-M ASPH (Silver) $3,195 RENT
Notably lower performer than the Summilux 35/1.4.
Leica 35mm f/2.5 Summarit-M $1,895 RENT
Modest price for a very good lens.
Leica 50mm f/0.95 Noctilux-M ASPH $10,995 RENT
UNIQUE, and not really duplicative of the 50/1.4 Summilux— see comparisons in Leica Guide showing performance at wide apertures. Large and heavy and requires exacting focus when shot wide open. Stopped down it might even outperform the 50/1.4 Summilux at ƒ4 - ƒ/8.
Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH (Black) $3,995 RENT
Black or silver, the world's best 50/1.4, superb match for M9, a perfect balance and size. Stunning contrast wide open.
Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH (Silver) $3,995 RENT
Black or silver, the world's best 50/1.4, superb match for M9, a perfect balance and size. Stunning contrast wide open.
Leica 50mm f/2.0 Summicron-M $2,295 RENT
Ultra low distortion, reasonable price, very compact. The f/1.4 Summilux is easily superior at ƒ/2 however.
Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2.0 ASPH Lens $7,195 RENT
Sets new standards for performance for 50mm lenses. Near zero distortion, ultra high sharpness and contrast, apochromatic.
Leica 50mm f/2.5 Summarit-M $1,650 RENT
Modest price for a very good lens.
Leica 75mm f/2.0 APO Summicron-M ASPH $3,795 RENT
Gorgeous results, very well corrected lens. Precise focus and framing are more challenging with a 75mm. Be sure to use the 1.4X magnifier.
Leica 75mm f/2.5 Summarit-M $1,895 RENT
Modest price for a very good lens.
Leica 90mm f/2.0 APO Summicron-M ASPH $3,995 RENT
Outstanding performance at every aperture, state of the art 90mm. One reservation: framing accuracy is a challenge. Be sure to use the 1.25X + 1.4X magnifier.
Leica 90mm f/2.5 Summarit-M lens $1,895 RENT
Modest price for a very good lens.
Leica 135mm f/3.4 APO-Telyt-M lens $3,495 RENT
Extremely high performance tele lens. The 1.4X viewfinder magnifier is essential with this lens.

Voigtlander Lenses

Voigtlander lens build is very similar to Zeiss ZM. Voigtlander lenses can also be excellent choices for the right purposes, and the prices are very friendly. The main issue is whether any particular lens can benefit from the built-in lens corrections of the M9/M9P by “coding” it (of no real consequence for black and white photography).

Voigtlander 35mm ƒ/1.2 $1,199 RENT
Outstanding performer. See review in Leica Guide
Voigtlander 50mm ƒ/1.1 $999 RENT
Aspherical design, excellent bokeh and sharpness. 1/10 the price of the Leica Noctilux-M. Sharp but with low contrast until ƒ/2, very sharp thereafter. See review in Leica Guide

Zeiss ZM Lenses

Zeiss ZM lenses are for Leica M or Zeiss IKON cameras (or Sony NEX or others with an adapter). NOT FOR Canon or Nikon DSLRs. They can be excellent choices, and the prices are very friendly relative to Leica M lenses. Some Zeiss ZM designs are exceptionally sharp, such as the 35mm f/2 Biogon, which also has exceptionally low distortion.

Please note that ZM lenses are available in black or silver finish (same weight, unlike Leica), but that black lenses are listed here; click the Search button to see all variants.

Zeiss ZM lenses for Zeiss Ikon or Leica M SEARCH
Search for all focal lengths and silver/black Zeiss ZM lenses.
Zeiss ZM 15mm ƒ/2.8 Distagon $4,600 RENT
Ultra high performance fast 15mm lens with exotic glass types. Not rangefinder coupled, so focus by estimate or scale on lens.
Zeiss ZM 18mm ƒ/4 Distagon $1,428 RENT
Compact 18mm lens. Very high performer.
Zeiss ZM 21mm ƒ/2.8 Biogon $1,428 RENT
Compact 21mm lens with a faster aperture. Distortion well-controlled, but more than the ƒ/4.5 option.
Zeiss ZM 21mm ƒ/4.5 Biogon $1,201 RENT
Very compact 21mm lens with essentially zero distortion. Steep ray angle means a color cast in corners— best for black and white photography.
Zeiss ZM 25mm ƒ/2.8 Biogon $1,201 RENT
Outstanding sharpness.
Zeiss ZM 28mm ƒ/2.8 Biogon $1,087 RENT
Classic 28mm lens.
Zeiss ZM 35mm ƒ/2 Biogon $1,087 RENT
Outstanding sharpness with ultra-low distortion.
Zeiss ZM 35mm ƒ/2.8 C-Biogon $860 RENT
Very high sharpness with ultra-low distortion. Very compact, hence the C-Biogon designation.
Zeiss ZM 50mm ƒ/1.5 Sonnar $1,200 RENT
Class soft-focus portrait lens (“dreamy”) with some focus shift, but very sharp when stopped down.
Zeiss ZM 50mm ƒ/2 Planar $859 RENT
Outstanding sharpness.
Zeiss ZM 85mm ƒ/4 Tele-Tessar $940 RENT
Very compact 85mm with high performance.

Accessories

A 1.25X or 1.4X viewfinder magnifier is strongly recommended for focusing accuracy. Viewfinder magnifiers can be used for any focal length, including the wide angle lenses. For 28mm and 35mm lenses the convenience of composing with the frame lines while focusing generally means you won’t want magnifier, but for tripod-based work, a magnifier is still useful (compose, then focus).

Leica 1.25x Viewfinder Magnifier for M Cameras $300
Highly recommended for focusing accuracy, but pushes frame lines too far out on 28mm or 35mm lenses. Can be stacked with 1.4X.
Leica 1.4x Viewfinder Magnifier for M Cameras $300
Mandatory for 75mm or 90mm lens (focus accuracy), strongly recommended for precise focus for all lenses. Not suitable for 28mm or 35mm lenses (frame lines too far out).
Leica Angle Viewfinder M $320
Shows a large, round, upright, and un-reversed central section of the viewfinder image.
Leica Battery for Leica M9 & M8. $115
Two batteries are almost always enough for even a long day’s shooting.
Leica Handgrip M (Black) $219
Much better ergonomics than standard baseplate for handheld shooting, but for tripod use, the Really Right Stuff grip is better.
Leica Universal Wide-Angle Viewfinder for M System $900
Shoe-mounted viewfinder for M-system rangefinder cameras, with spirit level.
Voigtlander Multi Format Viewfinder for 15 to 35mm Lenses $529
Externally attached optical viewfinder is for Voigtlander, Leica M8, and Epson RD1 cameras.

Viewfinders

A viewfinder can mount in the hot shoe on any camera for a great way to previsualize without the need for any electronics.

Leica Brightline Finder M-18 for 18mm M Lenses (Black) $749 RENT
Mandatory for the 18mm f/3.8.
Leica Brightline Finder M-21 for 21mm M Lenses (Black) $760 RENT
Mandatory for 21mm lenses, but consider Zeiss alternative.
Leica Brightline Finder M-21 for 21mm M Lenses (Silver) $760 RENT
Mandatory for 21mm lenses, but consider Zeiss alternative.
Leica Brightline Finder M-24 for 24mm M Lenses (Black) $760 RENT
For 24mm lenses, but consider Zeiss ZI 25/28mm alternative
Leica Brightline Finder M-24 for 24mm M Lenses (Silver) $760 RENT
For 24mm lenses, but consider Zeiss ZI 25/28mm alternative
Zeiss Viewfinder ZI for 18mm Lens $399
Good with any brand 18mm lens.
Zeiss Viewfinder ZI for 21mm Lens $375
Good with any brand 21mm lens.
Zeiss Viewfinder ZI for 25mm or 28mm lens $400
Good with any brand 24/25mm lens, and I prefer it over the Leica M-24 viewfinder. Also has 28mm frame lines.

Leica S

All these bodies, lenses and accessories are examined in detail in the Guide to Leica.

Price/stock info as of
Jun 20 02:13 GMT
Click through for most recentLenses for S2

Leica 30mm f/2.8 Elmarit-S ASPH lens $7,495
Oustanding wide angle!
Leica 35mm f/2.5 Summarit-S ASPH CS lens $7,950
Syncs at 1/500 with in-lens shutter.
Leica 35mm f/2.5 Summarit-S ASPH lens $6,750
Oustanding wide angle!
Leica 70mm f/2.5 Summarit-S ASPH CS lens $5,995
Syncs at 1/500 with in-lens shutter.
Leica 70mm f/2.5 Summarit-S ASPH lens $4,995
Incredible sharpness & contrast!
Leica 120mm f/2.5 APO-Macro-Summarit-S CS lens $8,495
Fast world-class performer.
Leica 120mm f/2.5 APO-Macro-Summarit-S lens $6,995
Best lens of the S line. Truly world class!
Leica 180mm f/3.5 APO-Tele-Elmar-S CS lens $8,495
Syncs at 1/500 with in-lens shutter.
Leica 180mm f/3.5 APO-Tele-Elmar-S lens $6,995
Apochromatic ultra-high performer.

other

Leica 14429 Lithium-Ion Battery for Leica S System Digital Cameras $230
Great battery life, but one spare mandatory.
Leica Camera Remote Release Cable for Leica S2 Camera $150
ESSENTIAL for sharp images on a tripod!
Leica Leica S Medium Format DSLR Camera $21,950
Available early 2012. Improved ergonomics and sensor over S2/S2P.
Leica Microprism Focusing Screen for Leica S2 Camera) $400
For precise focus when autofocus has difficulty.
Leica Multi-Function Handgrip for the S-Camera (Black) $1,295
Extra battery + useful handheld ergonomics.