[dropcap]A[/dropcap]fter reproducing the Summaron-M 28 f/5.6, another legend is reborn. Leica introduces the Thambar-M 90 mm f/2.2, a remake of a legendary lens that has fascinated collectors and photographers all over the world. The name comes from “thambo“, a Greek word that means “vague“, and it is used in a sentence that is perfect for the photos that this lens creates: “me thambose me teen omorfia tis“, which means “to be blinded by beauty“.
The Thambar is now available again and it is distinguished by its characteristic soft-focus effect and unmistakable bokeh. Perfect for your romantic-like photos in the country. While the outside-aesthetic is new and fresh, the internal structure is the same.
Originally produced in 1935, this lens didn’t reach a high producing level with only about 3000 units, making collectors curious about the new remake of this product. The soft look is the result of intentional under-correction from its spherical lens elements. This under-correction increases towards the edges of the frame, allowing both the level of softening and the depth of field to be precisely controlled by the smoothly-turning ‘stepless’ aperture ring. The effect is most pronounced at wider apertures, and is progressively reduced as the lens is stopped down.
We are used to modern lenses, which typically strive to achieve the highest levels of sharpness and clarity, but the Thambar-M 90 mm f/2.2 is all about the looks. The Thambar lens is known for its ability to capture portraits with a signature style that cannot be reproduced in digital post processing. Its focal length of 90 mm and optical design together give photographers the perfect tool to compose images with a romantic look and narrative in mind. All those YouTube tutorials for perfect bokehs will be useless against the perfection of this lens.
Photographer Jolie Luo uses her Leica with the Thambar lens for her Instagram photos to recreate what she sees in her trips and the people she meets. She is part of the Chinese Photographers Association and the British Royal Photographic Association. Her photos are dreamy and with a glossy appearance, resembling a romantic dream.
