Leica Thambar, November 2017 50640002 (Leica M4P, Thambar 90 f 2,2 (Old model 1938) Kodak Color plus 200)

            In the mid-1930s, Leitz designed a legendary soft-focus lens, the Thambar 90mm f2.2, for the Leica rangefinder cameras. It was made in small numbers, no more than 3000 units. It is a rare collector's item today. 

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.

Taken in: Italia / Emilia Romagna / Castel San Pietro Terme (show map)

Taken on: November 3, 2017

Tags:

leica

thambar

leica thambar « less

Sets appears in: • Analog potpourri (Leica M3)

Groups appears in: • expired film • Grain is Good more » • Tributes to Film Cameras • Portra [Kodak Portra Film] • The Film Group • I Love Film • They Shoot Film, Don't They? • FILM* Club • I Shoot Kodak Film • Film-friendly folks. • Film is not Dead!! • FOTOGRAFIA DE FILME • Film Photography • FILMISM • 銀鹽同學會 Film Club • ALL ABOUT FILM • This is why I love Film • Film & Slides Scanning • the resurrection of film: film is back • Can't Stop Shooting Film! • Film Lovers • Film Only • Film is Awesome! • Analogic Film Group • film shooter • ♦♦♦ BELLE INQUADRATURE ♦♦♦ • FILM. • I LOVE FILM! • 菲林不死 film is NOT dead • ♦♦♦ TUTTI I FOTOGRAFI DEL MONDO ♦♦♦ • 35mm color film • Kodak Expired Film • Classic Film Shooters • "SPARTACUS" Eyes without chains • .film.forever. • film will never die • ♦♦♦ TAGLIO FOTOGRAFICO ♦♦♦ • the Film Lounge Weekly • ♦♦♦ OCCHIO FOTOGRAFICO ♦♦♦ • . film first • FilmPhoto • Film_Freaks Δ • ℑ ♡ This Sℌℴt • FILM FRENZY • the film diary • ♥ ♥ ♥ IMMAGINI - FOTO - SENTIMENTI ♥ ♥ ♥ • Film Photography on Leica Lenses • ♦♦♦ PHOTO VERY NICE ♦♦♦ • BUY FILM NOT MEGAPIXELS • We Use Film • Film Wins • Film Vision • I (still) shoot FILM • Film Is Your Friend • Good photo,good details--Film preferred • † film • No Rules & No Limit! • Film Explosion • Fanatical About Film • The film shots • Film is God Official Flickr Group. • Film Addicts • Shooting Film • 35 MM FILM • I Shoot Expired Film • ㋡ flickr ○● DEPOT ㋡ • !*ALL ARE WELCOME*! • The Film is Eternity • !*Flickr All Stars*! • Show All Your Photos From Around The World. NO SL/AI • Group for all users of FLICKR - No 30/60 Groups Limit • Papierkorb / Mistkübel / Trash • The essence of beauty • One rule : WOMEN • !*Only Your Best*! « less

Camera: NORITSU KOKI EZ Controller (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	NORITSU KOKI EZ Controller
Color Space:	sRGB
Software:	EZ Controller 6.20.027 (141211)
Show full info

Stats: 11,667 views / 9 comments

Link to this photo view:
Link to this photo large view: