The Lens details of a series of images taken by Steve Cushing on mirrorless camera.

Lens History

Leitz Wetzlar Colorplan 90mm f2.5 35mm Slide Projector lens.

The remarkable Leica Ernst Leitz Wetzlar Colorplan 90mm f/2,5 projection lens was released in 1960 and was a true benchmark for the time, improving by far the performances of previous Elmarons and Hektors. The lens I used was manufactured in Germany by Ernst Leitz and produced sometime between 1959 and 1975. The Elmarit was designed by the ingenious Leica optical designer Walter Mandler. It is a Leica.

Lens In Use

No filter mount, no aperture and no helicoid. It was used in 35mm slide projectors with 42,5mm mount.

It is very similar to the Leitz/Leica Wetzlar Elmarit-R 90 mm f/ 2.8 just without an aperture and a focusing helicoid.

There were many versions over the years. The first one likeI used has a 46mm mount, all later versions the 42,5mm mount. Over time, the lens was further developed. Later versions have "CF" (for curved field), "P" or "P2" in lettering. Also some later lenses were produced in Portugal, but with lower build quality.

There are two generation of Colorplans in terms of optical design. The one that I am describing here is an Elmarit-R clone. All metal finish, short rear register distance, 5 elements in 4 groups.

The newer versions had black top finish, shorter lens diameter and barrel diameter and longer register distance (from the rear lens) and a different optical formula with 6 elements in 4 groups.

Summary

I can only say that I am astonished at the results from this cheap lens. So on this site is some test shots with the Leitz Wezlar Colorplan 90mm f2.5 (probably the closest I'll ever get to owning a Leica). Instead of dreamy, mostly out of focus shots, the lens produces crystal clear, beautifully rendered images, easily rivalling a conventional macro lenses.


For images using this lens click HERE

For general information on lens design and lens elements go to the homepage HERE