The famous Carl Zeiss 15mm Hologon f/8 for Leica M, in near-mint condition with clean optics (minimal marks on the rear element). Complete with the dedicated 15mm finder, original center filter, both caps, German brochure and the extremely rare original maker’s box with matching serial number.Oskar Barnack himself moved from Carl Zeiss to Leitz Wetzlar in 1911, where he began the Leica story. Two decades later, in 1932, Zeiss introduced the Contax camera, entering the 35mm market as a direct competitor to Leica. Despite this rivalry, the relationship between the two companies remained respectful, with a few remarkable instances of cooperation.The Hologon was first introduced by Zeiss as a fixed lens on a modified Contarex camera. From 1972 onwards, it was also produced in Leica M mount and listed in the Leitz catalogue as the “Carl Zeiss Hologon for Leica M” until 1975.The Hologon provides a dramatic 110° angle of coverage with virtually no distortion. Its slight vignetting was compensated by a special center filter, while a large bright-line finder completed the outfit.Produced only in very small numbers, the Hologon M set has always been one of the rarest Leica-compatible ultra-wide-angle lenses. Complete examples with all accessories and original box are exceedingly difficult to find today, especially in such outstanding condition.

near mint Carl Zeiss 15mm Hologon f/8 lens for Leica M, with clean optics (only minimal coating flaws on the rear element), with special finder and original center filter (cond. B+) Oskar Barnack himself moved from Carl Zeiss to Leitz Wetzlar in 1911, where he began the Leica Story. 20 years later, Zeiss announced their own 35 mm camera and became a direct competitor in the photo market with the introduction of the CONTAX in 1932. Nevertheless, the relation of both companies was always respectful. As a particular example for that, the few cases of a direct cooperation can be considered. Zeiss first announced the 15mm Hologon f/8 as a lens fixed to the body of a modified Contarex camera. From 1972 Zeiss also manufactured it for Leitz in Leica M mount. In the Leitz catalogue it was offered as “Carl Zeiss Hologon for Leica M” until 1975. The Hologon is a lens with 110° angle of coverage, and almost without distortion, it did show slight vignetation, compensated with a special center filter. A large bright line finder with waist-level controls was part of the Hologon outfit as well. The lens was produced in very small numbers only; it is a rarity to find a complete set in good condition today.

mint Carl Zeiss Hologon for M with perfectly clean lenses, 15mm finder, spot filter, caps, original instructions, maker's box

Hologon f/8 15mm. no. 5735901
M-fit; Carl Zeiss; with back cap, Hologon neutral density filter, Leitz 15mm. optical viewfinder and service card, in maker's box

Hologon Ultrawide no. P76035
with handgrip and a Carl Zeiss Hologon f/8 15mm. lens no. 4851201 and cap, in maker's fitted case