The previously rumored Leica THAMBAR-M 90mm f/2.2 lens is now officially announced. Pre-orders are now open, the US price is $6,495:
The design of the original Thambar lens has been almost completely preserved in the new Thambar-M 90 mm f/2.2. The black paint finish, the proportions of the lens and its aperture engravings in red and white are nearly identical, while slight modifications align with the design of modern M-Lenses. The most pronounced difference between this lens and the original is the single-coating to protect the glass against environmental influences and surface corrosion. Additional information on the old THAMBAR lens can be found here.
Leica THAMBAR-M 90mm f/2.2 lens features:
- Dedicated to producing soft focus imagery, this unique lens can be used in conjunction with the included center spot filter to increase the drama of the dreamy effect for striking, ethereal image quality.
- Based on the original Thambar from the 1930s, this updated version uses the same optical layout but features a single protective coating on the glass elements to guard against corrosion.
- Deliberate under-correction of spherical aberration, along with a 20-blade diaphragm, produce a circular rendition of out-of-focus highlights along with an overall diffuse quality that becomes more exaggerated towards the edge of the frame.
- Short telephoto focal length and bright f/2.2 maximum aperture are ideal for portraiture and isolating subject matter using shallow depth of field techniques.
- Dual aperture scales, in red and white, represent working with and without the center spot filter in place. Additionally, the aperture ring is stepless for smooth, precise adjustment that is not limited by click-stops.
- Manual focus design provides a minimum focusing distance of 3.3′.
- Included vintage brown hard leather case further reinforces the classic look and nostalgia of this lens, and contains a storage pocket for the included center spot filter in the lid. Additionally, the included specially designed metal lens hood and metal front lens cap are felt lined to protect the metal body of the lens from scratches.
Additional information on the lens can be found here and here. Sample photos from the lens can be found on this page.
Leica THAMBAR-M 90mm f/2.2 lens technical specs and full pres release:
| Angles of view (diagonal, horizontal, vertical) |
approx. 27°, 23°, 15° (for 35 mm: 24×36 mm)1 |
| Optical design
Number of lenses/groups Position of entrance pupil (at infinity) |
4/3 49.6 mm |
| Focusing
Focusing range Scale Smallest object field / Biggest scale |
1 m to ∞ Meter divisions approx. 215×322 mm/1:9.0 (for 35 mm: 24×36 mm)1 |
| Aperture
Setting/Function Setting range |
No detent positions 2.2 – 2.6 or 9 – 25 (values in white: for use with the associated center spot filter)/2.3 – 6.3 (values in red: for use without the associated center spot filter) |
| Bayonet fitting | Leica M quick-change bayonet with 6 bit lens identification bar code for digital M models2 |
| Filter mount / lens hood | Internal thread for screw-on filter E49, center spot filter and push-on lens hood in the scope of delivery |
| Viewfinder | Camera viewfinder3 |
| Finish | Black lacquered (Distance scale: silver) |
| Dimensions and weight
Length to bayonet flange Largest diameter Weight |
approx. 90/110 mm
approx. 57 mm
approx. 500 g |
| Compatible cameras | All Leica M cameras1, 3 |
1 Use with the Leica M8 models is not recommended since the optical properties do not suit for smaller formats than 35 mm (24×36 mm).
2 The 6 bit lens identification bar code (8) situated on the bayonet flange enables the digital Leica M models to identify the attached type of lens. This information is utilized by the camera to optimize exposure and image data.
3 The Leica M1 does not have a 90 mm bright-line frame.
LEICA CAMERA AG PRESENTS A MODERN RENAISSANCE OF THE CLASSIC LENS – THE LEICA THAMBAR-M 1:2.2/90
A legend reborn: following the Leica Summaron-M 1:5.6/28, Leica Camera AG has further expanded its lens portfolio with the Thambar-M 1:2.2/90, the modern renaissance of another classic lens. Just like its namesake from 1935, the contemporary incarnation of the lens is distinguished by its characteristic soft-focus effect and unmistakeable bokeh. Its focal length of 90 mm is suitable for photography in a multitude of scenarios and is as good as predestined for capturing portraits with a uniquely aesthetic atmosphere that cannot be reproduced in digital postprocessing. The new Thambar-M is thus an exciting addition to the existing Leica M lens portfolio and brings photographers entirely new possibilities for creative composition.
A legend reborn: following the Leica Summaron-M 1:5.6/28, Leica Camera AG has further expanded its lens portfolio with the Thambar-M 1:2.2/90, the modern renaissance of another classic lens. Just like its namesake from 1935, the contemporary incarnation of the lens is distinguished by its characteristic soft-focus effect and unmistakeable bokeh. Its focal length of 90 mm is suitable for photography in a multitude of scenarios and is as good as predestined for capturing portraits with a uniquely aesthetic atmosphere that cannot be reproduced in digital postprocessing. The new Thambar-M is thus an exciting addition to the existing Leica M lens portfolio and brings photographers entirely new possibilities for creative composition.
The optical design of its ancestor remains almost unchanged in the new Thambar-M 1:2.2/90. It has therefore also inherited the characteristic properties of its predecessor. The only difference is that the four elements in three groups that make up the design have now been single-coated to protect the glass against environmental influences and surface corrosion. The 20 blades of its iris deliver a unique bokeh with perfectly round rendition of point light sources.
The soft look of the Thambar is the result of intentionally accepted under-correction of spherical aberration. This under-correction increases towards the edges of the optical system with the consequence that not only the depth of focus, but also the degree of softening can be precisely controlled by means of the stepless aperture setting. The effect is more pronounced as apertures increase, and is continually reduced as the lens is stopped down to smaller apertures.
The design of the original lens has been almost completely preserved in today’s Thambar-M 1:2.2/90. The black paint finish, the proportions of the lens and its aperture engravings in red and white correspond to the appearance of the original. In addition to this, slight modifications have been made that bring the lens into line with the current, minimalist design of modern M-Lenses. These include the knurling, the lettering and scales and the specific use of sharp edges and bevelling that underline the precision of the lens design.
‘The name Thambar has always been preceded by the adjective ‘legendary’ – rightly so. It portrays people with a wonderful aura, in a romantic way – but landscapes too are raised to a higher, incomparably aesthetic plane. The addition of a new incarnation of this classic lens to our selection of vintage lenses was one of our greatest wishes – to my great delight, this wish has now been fulfilled.’ emphasises Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, majority shareholder and chairman of the supervisory board of Leica Camera AG.
As is the case with all Leica lenses, the Leica Thambar-M 1:2.2/90 is also manufactured in strict compliance with the most stringent quality criteria. The use of only the best materials in its construction guarantee the familiar long working life of all Leica lenses. As was the case with the original lens, the lens hood, the ring of the centre-spot filter and both front and rear lens caps are made of metal. Even smallest details, like the felt lining of the lens hood and the front cap, contribute to the exceptional perceived quality of this lens. The design of the rigid lens keeper in ‘Vintage Brown’ leather is identical to that of the original from 80 years ago in almost every respect and, as in the past, the centre-spot filter can be safely and conveniently stowed away in its lid.
The Leica Thambar-M 1:2.2/90 will be on sale from mid-November 2017.
Additional pictures:
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