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Leica Camera Introduces Thambar-M 90mm f2.2 Share This on LinkedIn   Share This on Google   Tweet This   Forward This

17 October 2017

Leica Camera has announced the revival of it legendary Thambar lens with the Thambar-M 90mm f2.2. The Thambar was renowned for its soft focus, particularly prized in portraiture.

The Modern Thambar. A soft focus lens for portraiture.

Leica said the design of the original Thambar lens has been almost completely preserved in the Thambar-M 90mm f2.2. The black paint finish, the proportions of the lens and its aperture engravings in red and white are nearly identical, while slight modifications align with the minimalist design of modern M-Lenses.

The most pronounced difference between this lens and the original? Its single-coating to protect the glass against environmental influences and surface corrosion, ensuring this new incarnation can live a long life under heavy usage.

The Original. Mounted on a Leica III.

More importantly, the new Thambar lens with its 90mm focal length and optical design together give you the perfect tool to compose images with the romantic look of optical soft focus.

That look is the result of intentional under-correction from the Thambar's spherical lens elements. This under-correction increases toward the edges of the frame, allowing both the degree of softening and the depth of field to be precisely controlled by the smoothly-turning stepless aperture ring. The effect is most pronounced at wider apertures and is progressively reduced as the lens is stopped down.

In Dream Sequence on the Leica blog, Chinese photographer Jolie Luo discusses the new Thambar and presents a number of photos taken with it.

SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications for the Thambar include:

THAMBAR 90mm LENS SPECIFICATIONS
Mount Leica M quick-change bayonet
6-bit lens identification bar code for digital M models
Focal Length 90mm
Aperture f2.3 to f6.3 without center spot filter
f2.2 to f25 with center spot filter
Angle of View 27° diagonal
23° horizontal
15° vertical
Minimum Focus 3.28 ft.
Optical Design Four elements in three groups
Autofocus No
Image Stabilization No
Filter Thread Screw-on filter E49
Dimensions 3.54 x 2.24 in.
Weight 17.50 oz.

PRICE, AVAILABILITY

Leica said the Thambar-M 1:2,2/90 will be on sale at Leica boutiques, stores and dealers beginning mid-November. B&H is now accepting pre-orders at $6,495.

Leica Camera Presents the Leica Thambar-M 90mm f2.2

A modern renaissance of the classic lens, Thambar gives photographers an unparalleled soft-focus aesthetic

A legend reborn: Leica Camera has expanded its lens portfolio with the Thambar-M 90mm f2.2, a revival of its legendary lens that has, for years, intrigued collectors and photographers alike. Originally produced in 1935, the Thambar is available once again and distinguished by its characteristic soft-focus effect and unmistakable bokeh.

The Thambar Look

While modern lenses typically strive to achieve the highest levels of sharpness and clarity, the Thambar-M 90mm f2.2 is all about 'the look.' The Thambar lens is known for its ability to capture portraits with a signature aesthetic that cannot be reproduced in basic digital post processing. Its focal length of 90mm and optical design together give photographers the perfect tool to compose images with a romantic look and narrative in mind.

The soft look of the Thambar is the result of intentional under-correction from its spherical lens elements. This under-correction increases toward the edges of the frame, allowing both the degree of softening and the depth of field to be precisely controlled by the smoothly-turning 'stepless' aperture ring. The effect is most pronounced at wider apertures and is progressively reduced as the lens is stopped down.

Signature Thambar Design

The design of the original Thambar lens has been almost completely preserved in today's Thambar-M 90mm f2.2. The black paint finish, the proportions of the lens and its aperture engravings in red and white are nearly identical, while slight modifications align with the minimalist design of modern M-Lenses. The knurling, lettering and scales and the specific use of sharp edges and bevelling underline the precision of the Thambar-M's industrial design. The most pronounced difference between this lens and the original is the single-coating to protect the glass against environmental influences and surface corrosion, ensuring this new incarnation can live a long life under heavy usage.

"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." emphasized Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, majority shareholder and chairman of the supervisory board of Leica Camera.

As is the case with all Leica lenses, the Leica Thambar-M 90mm f2.2 is manufactured in strict compliance with Leica's stringent quality criteria to ensure a long working life. The lens hood, the ring of the center-spot filter and both front and rear lens caps are made of metal and even smallest details, like the felt lining of the lens hood and the front cap, contribute to the exceptional quality of this lens. The design of the rigid leather lens case, finished in a 'Vintage Brown' is identical to that of the original from 80 years ago in almost every respect. As in the past, the center-spot filter can be safely and conveniently stowed away in its lid.

The Leica Thambar-M 1:2,2/90 will be on sale at Leica boutiques, stores and dealers beginning mid-November.


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