The Leica Elmar 50mm Is a Backlight Beast


Only a Leica Elmar deserves the name Elmar. It’s the OG of 135mm format, the pioneer of 135mm lenses, and forever the gold standard for 50mm. Take its backlight sharpness—even today, it’s pure artistic magic. No other 50mm can nail that mix of dreamy flare, misty glow, sharpness, and detail all at once. It’s like how your eyes feel in backlit moments. The most legendary 50mm lens? Yup, it’s the Elmar, hands down!