Reimagining Vintage: Light Lens Lab 28mm ƒ2.8 Lens Review

By Keith Wee on December 13, 2024

Introduction

For those familiar with the history of the 1965 Leica Elmarit 28mm ƒ2.8 9-elements, the lens was a breakthrough moment for Leica then, presenting photographers with a maximum aperture of ƒ2.8 versus the previous maximum aperture of ƒ5.6.

The Leica Elmarit 28mm ƒ2.8 9 elements presented moderate optical performance with an underwhelming bokeh and could not be used on the Leica M5 and film CL camera due to the protruding rear element. However, as with some Leica collectables, this lens has become a collector's item, with 2024 prices crossing the USD 8,000 mark.

More commonly known as the Leica Elmarit 28mm 9 elements due to the 9 spherical elements in 6 groups optical design, the sky-high prices and wear and tear associated issues for a 60-year-old lens with only around 3000 pieces produced have gate-kept this lens out of reach for the masses.

Enter Light Lens Lab (LLL) with their unique business model in recreating legendary optics, allowing more interested users access to these otherwise generally out-of-reach lenses.

Today, we will touch on the Light Lens Lab 28mm ƒ2.8 9-elements, which I will refer to as the Light Lens Lab 28mm 9E from this point onwards.

Light Lens Lab 28mm ƒ2.8 9 elements on Leica M10-R

Almost the Same, but improved in what matters most

As shared on their development blog, Light Lens Lab made improvements to their reinterpretation of the Leica 28mm ƒ2.8 9-elements, as the original was designed for analogue cameras and presented significant distortion and colour fringing issues on digital sensors.

The exterior look and 9 elements in the 6-group optical formula were retained in homage to the original, and the use of fluoride and extra-low dispersion (ED) elements was introduced to reduce chromatic aberrations and optimise the original character of the lens for modern digital sensors.

These differences translated to real-world improvements with the Light Lens Lab 28mm ƒ2.8 9-elements, which I will touch on later. The Light Lens Lab version's body is constructed out of brass versus aluminium, which was used in the original Leica lens body.

For a limited time, use code KEITHWEE for a 5% discount for all Light Lens Lab lenses at their official shop here.

Technicalities

For Leica M-mount full frame at a focal length of 28mm
Nine elements in six groups with propriety fluorite-like and ED elements
Focus Range: 0.7 meters to infinity
Diaphragm: Uniform alf-stop aperture, manual control from ƒ2.8 to ƒ22
10 aperture blades
L x D at 56.8mm x 52.4mm with a filter size of 49mm
12501 Style Clip-On Hood included
Weight approximately 300 grams (excluding lens hood)
Available in black paint and chrome finishes

Source: included manual with the Light Lens Lab 28mm 9 Elements lens.

Build and Handling

The unit I reviewed was number 644 out of 998 copies and on loan from Light Lens Lab through Robbie Sumantri (check out his work here). Build quality is excellent with a nice heft to it, despite the small size of the lens

I do find the hood design oversized, but who am I to question both Leica's and Light Lens Lab's design decisions.

The Light Lens Lab 28mm 9E balances very well on the Leica M10-R and is actually quite petite if one skips the hood.

Given how important the viewfinder is on the Leica M, it is important to share that there is a small amount of blockage with the hood on. Without it, there is zero blockage.

Focusing is smooth, with an aperture ring having nearly perfect resistance between ƒ2.8 to ƒ22 in half stops. I have always preferred using a focusing tab; thus, I see this as a plus for the Light Lens Lab 28mm 9E. The infinity lock is a love-hate relationship for some of us, but it is one element users will get used to over time.

Like the Leica original, note that one needs to align with a small metal pin on the barrel of the lens when affixing the hood. Upon testing it, I realised that the hood significantly reduces flare on the Light Lens Lab 28mm 9E.

Light Lens Lab 28mm ƒ2.8 9 elements on Leica M10-R

Call me old-time, but I prefer the brass barrel construction over aluminium anytime. All in all, one can appreciate that Light Lens Lab has taken pains to ensure a close to the original in terms of aesthetics and handling while making the necessary improvements to bring this 60-year-old lens design to modern sensors.

Rendering and Character

Wide open, the Light Lens Lab 28mm 9E delivers surprising sharpness and contrast at the centre and mid-field. The corners, however, leave much to be desired, a characteristic shared with many vintage-inspired designs. In all fairness, stopping down to ƒ4 onwards achieves excellent performance across the frame.

Light Lens Lab 28mm ƒ2.8 9 elements on Leica M10-R

The Light Lens Lab 28mm 9E exhibits a slight outward field curvature, creating a distinct style that draws attention to subjects at mid-distances while softening the background.

Light Lens Lab 28mm ƒ2.8 9 elements on Leica M10-R

Noticeably, the Light Lens Lab 28mm 9E leans towards a cooler rendition, adding a tinge of nostalgia to images.

Light Lens Lab 28mm ƒ2.8 9 elements on Leica M10-R

The Light Lens Lab 28mm 9E flares quite easily without the hood. This is likely due to its bulbose front element. While some will say that this brings character to the images, others will wish to take note of this.

Light Lens Lab 28mm ƒ2.8 9 elements on Leica M10-R

While the quality of 'bokeh' is likely not the priority of anyone using an ƒ2.8 maximum aperture lens, Light Lens Lab has made significant improvements to the 'bokeh' rendering of the lens, with the Light Lens Lab 28mm 9E outputting circular bokeh spots, bringing it to what most photographers will find 'pleasant'.

Light Lens Lab 28mm ƒ2.8 9 elements on Leica M10-R

Close-focus performance was a pleasant surprise given the lack of a floating element design, giving sharp results with good contrast and definitely not an issue on the Light Lens Lab 28mm 9E.

Conclusions: A lens in a unique position

The Light Lens Lab 28mm ƒ2.8 9-elements occupies a unique position.

Given its modest optical performance, purist collectors likely purchase the Leica Elmarit 28mm 9 elements not to use. While the Light Lens Lab reinterpretation brings practical usability to the 9 elements, the Light Lens Lab 28mm 9 elements has some quirks that makes it attractive to a slice of potential users.

The size (with hood) and quirks like the propensity to flare may not make the Light Lens Lab 28mm 9 elements suitable for the casual user seeking an easy-to-manage lens. However, for photographers who value character, excellent build quality, and the nostalgic charm of a reinterpreted classic, the Light Lens Lab 28mm 9 elements presents a very attractive and interesting choice.

Light Lens Lab 28mm ƒ2.8 9 elements on Leica M10-R

The Light Lens Lab 28mm ƒ2.8 9 elements blend vintage aesthetics with modern optical enhancements, offering a practical and affordable homage to the iconic Leica Elmarit 28mm ƒ2.8 9 elements. Light Lens Lab has retained the retro character of its predecessor and improved the lens to deliver impressive performance from close focus to infinity, giving new life to a piece of optics.

Light Lens Lab 28mm ƒ2.8 9 elements on Leica M10-R

For those willing to embrace the lens, the Light Lens Lab's 28mm ƒ2.8 9 elements is a tribute to photographic history, redesigned for our generation.

Light Lens Lab 28mm ƒ2.8 9 elements on Leica M10-R

My other Light Lens Labs lenses reviews

For a limited time, use code KEITHWEE for a 5% discount for all Light Lens Lab lenses at their official shop here.

Light Lens Lab 50mm ƒ1.2 APSH 1966

Light Lens Lab 35mm ƒ2 8 elements

Light Lens Lab 50mm ƒ2 Speed Panchro II

Light Lens Lab 35mm F2 Collapsible

Thank you for reading.

Disclaimers:

I photographed all the product photos here. I believe any reviewer with pride should produce their own product photos.

2. All images were shot with the Light Lens Lab 28mm Light Lens Lab's 28mm ƒ2.8 9 elements on the Leica M10-R, and the lens returned after the review.

3. This review is not sponsored.

4. I do not do affiliate purchase links to keep myself neutral. I write as a passion and a hobby, and I appreciate that photography brands are kind enough to respect and work with me.

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