How Much Is a Used Leica Tele-Elmarit-M 90mm Worth? (2026 Price Guide)

The Thin version is the famous one for its tiny size and light weight, but many Canadian-made Thin samples have developed internal haze that cannot be repaired. The Fat version is larger and heavier but tends to be less haze-prone. If you want the most pocketable lens, buy a Thin only after inspecting the glass carefully, and prefer a German-made example. If reliability matters more than size, the Fat is a sound alternative.

It is well documented: haze typically forms on the element behind the front group, and on many Canadian-made Thin lenses it is permanent because the construction cannot be cleaned. The haze rarely affects images at f/5.6 or smaller but can soften contrast wide open. German-made Thin examples have largely resisted it, so check both the serial era and the glass under a strong light before buying.

Yes, it mounts and focuses on digital M cameras, but it predates 6-bit coding, so the body will not auto-detect it unless you have it coded or select a profile manually. Its small size makes it a discreet 90 for travel, though the f/2.8 aperture and longer focal length still demand careful rangefinder focusing. Any internal haze will be more visible on a digital sensor, so condition is doubly important.

Both are f/2.8 90mm lenses, but the modern <a href="/price-guide/elmarit-m-90/">Elmarit-M</a> is sharper, has modern coatings and a built-in hood, and does not share the Tele-Elmarit Thin's haze tendency. The Tele-Elmarit wins only on compactness and weight. For a dependable user lens choose the Elmarit-M, and choose the Tele-Elmarit if a genuinely tiny 90 is the priority and you can verify clean glass.