Leica Elmarit-P2 120/2.8

Reviews

1. 

   16:9 – June 14, 2023

   The legacy of the Leica 120mm projector lens stretches back to the original Hektor. It is likely that this Elmarit-P2 version is unchanged from the P-mount version. It was certainly redesigned for the metal-barrel Elmarit-Pro. A distinct trio of reflections confirms this is a three-group lens – perhaps no more exotic than a stock air-spaced triplet – a conjecture supported by its notably bubbly bokeh, quite unlike the Colorplans or its 150mm sibling, which are (respectively) clearly, and slightly, sharper. The vagueness around its construction signals not only Leica’s close-fisted stance on releasing production information about their projector lenses, but the equally locked-down construction of these plastic ‘monocoque’ optics that have no visible threads, tool notches, or otherwise apparent means of disassembly. It feels like you’d really have to break one to repair one. On the plus side, sealing the cells like this ensures that you rarely come across an Elmarit-P2 with internal dust or fungus.
   Rendition is smooth, with rather more glow, or spherical aberration, than you might expect from Leica glass of the 1990’s. It’s understandable why Leica were keen to completely redesign this lens for the release of the Ektapro-compatible RT and RT-m series.