{"overview":"The Leitz 100mm f\/4 Macro-Elmar-R is a short telephoto macro lens in Leica's R bayonet mount, intended for SLR Reflex bodies such as the R3 through R9. The moderate f\/4 maximum aperture reflects its close-up design brief, where optical correction at near distances takes priority over outright speed.","market_narrative":"UK auction hammer results for this lens are thin on the ground, but the two recorded sales span £175 to £300, giving a midpoint around £237. The £300 figure dates back to 2006, while a clean copy sold for £175 at UK auction in 2024, suggesting that in today's saleroom climate a tidy example typically sells for somewhere in the lower-to-middle of that range before commission is added. Condition, glass clarity and the presence of the original hood and caps are the main value levers at this price point in 2026.","buying_guide":"Inspect the front and rear groups under a strong light for fungus, haze and cleaning marks, as R-mount optics of this age commonly develop internal bloom. Work the aperture ring through every click and check the blades for oil migration, which dulls stop-down response, and run the focus helicoid from infinity to minimum to confirm smooth, even travel without stiffness or grease separation. Also check the coatings for scratches and look between cemented elements for any rainbow-edged separation.","specs":"Key specifications confirmed from the supplied data are limited to a 100mm focal length, f\/4 maximum aperture and the Leica R bayonet mount; further optical details are not documented here and are therefore omitted.","faq":[{"q":"What is a Leitz 100mm f\/4 Macro-Elmar-R worth at UK auction today?","a":"Recorded UK hammer prices run from £175 to £300, so a clean user-grade copy is typically worth somewhere in that band before buyer's premium."},{"q":"How much does a 100mm f\/4 Macro-Elmar-R sell for in clean condition?","a":"The most recent UK auction sale was £175 in April 2024, while an earlier 2006 result reached £300, indicating that price is heavily dependent on cosmetic and optical condition."},{"q":"Will the Macro-Elmar-R fit a Leica M camera?","a":"No — the -R suffix denotes the Leica R SLR bayonet, which is physically incompatible with M rangefinder bodies."},{"q":"What should I check before buying one?","a":"Prioritise glass clarity (no fungus, haze or separation), clean dry aperture blades and a smooth focus helicoid, as these are the typical weak points on R-mount lenses of this era."}],"confidence":40,"reasoning":"Only two sales records are available and no detailed SPECS or variant data were provided, so confidence is capped below 50 per rule 8."}