Thambar 90mm f2.2 New version

[Leicoholic]

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Hi there.

I have been trying to get a 90mm lens especiallly for Portrait photography. After a few discussions with some of you on the forum, I have now researched and decided to get Thambar 90mm f2.2  but the new version which I believe has been released in 2017. 

There have been only 3000 pieces worldwide if I am correct. Does anyone know any sources where I can purchase a second hand one ?

Checked on E bay which have a few but they are all vintage 1930s ones. 

Thank you for your help.

 

[Jean-Michel]

Maybe let your local, and not so local, Leica dealers know of your interest in this lens. Be prepared to pay a fair bit for it. I do not own this lens so I am not able to comment much on it, but it was and remains a specialized lens. The uniqueness of Images made with it may be great for some long term projects, but may not be that useful for day to day portraiture. 

[fil-m]

Some Thambar Reissue units appear from time to time on eBay, you have to keep watching. The last one in the EU was sold for almost 8K in November 2024...

A used unit in good condition could be a nice alternative, they generally have slightly less contrast due to the older and degraded coatings. They can be bought and sold with little loss. I recently bought a Summarex 85, it is a slightly newer generation than the Thambar (1940's vs 30's), yet it works like magic, except for the dust which has little effect on these kind of soft rendering lenses at least when used wide open - which is mostly their purpose. 

[Leicoholic]

Thanks Phil. Will keep an eye on e bay.

 Cheers