Leitz Thambar 90mm f/2.2 Lens: Adding Vintage Softness to Your Photography
What is the Leitz Thambar 90mm f/2.2 Lens?
The Leitz Thambar 90mm f/2.2 lens is a vintage lens that was first introduced by Ernst Leitz in the 1930s. It is renowned for its unique soft-focus effect, which adds a dreamy and ethereal look to photographs. The lens was recently reintroduced by Leica, keeping all the charm and character of the original design.
This lens is compatible with Leica M-mount cameras, both film and digital. It is a manual focus lens and has a focal length of 90mm, making it ideal for portrait photography.
Characteristics and Features
The Leitz Thambar 90mm f/2.2 lens is known for its distinct optical characteristics, which make it stand out from modern lenses. Here are some key features:
1. Soft-Focus Effect: The lens has a unique soft-focus effect that adds a vintage and romantic feel to photographs. It creates a halo-like glow around the subjects while retaining sharpness in the center. This effect can be adjusted using the built-in aperture control ring.
2. Maximum Aperture: With a maximum aperture of f/2.2, the Thambar lens is capable of capturing images with beautiful background blur, also known as bokeh. The shallow depth of field obtained at wider apertures helps to isolate the subject and make it stand out.
3. Vintage Design: The lens has a classic and elegant design, featuring a silver-chrome finish and engravings that resemble the original 1930s model. It exudes a sense of nostalgia and craftsmanship that appeals to vintage camera enthusiasts.
Price and Availability
The Leitz Thambar 90mm f/2.2 lens is a premium lens and comes with a corresponding price tag. As of its release in 2016, the lens was priced at around $6,500. However, prices may vary depending on the availability and condition of the lens in the market.
Given its unique characteristics and limited production, the Thambar lens may be harder to find compared to more mainstream lenses. It is worth exploring both new and used camera equipment marketplaces to secure this lens for your photography collection.
Conclusion
The Leitz Thambar 90mm f/2.2 lens is a timeless piece of camera equipment that allows photographers to add a vintage touch to their images. It provides a soft-focus effect and beautiful bokeh, enabling photographers to create dreamy and captivating photographs.
While it may come with a higher price tag and limited availability, the Thambar lens is a prized possession for those who appreciate the unique charm of vintage lenses. So, if you’re looking to explore a new dimension in your photography, the Leitz Thambar 90mm f/2.2 lens could be the perfect choice for you.
