Evaluation:  
Conclusion: Macro lens for Leica M Rangefinder Cameras
Review: I have no doubt that the 90mm f4 Macro Elmar-M telephoto lens is a superb optic in its own right, owing its origins to the venerable 90mm f4 Elmar-C lens which Leica had made for its Leica CL cameras back in the early 1970s (I own a 90mm f4 Leitz Rokkor - the same lens as the 90mm f4 Elmar-C - and I am constantly amazed by its superb optical quality, even wide open at f4.) . Furthermore, I have seen superb pictures taken with this lens. However, I believe Leica erred in introducing this telephoto lens, since the rangefinder camera is not superior to the SLR camera for macrophotography (Instead, I know that it is much easier to focus closely with a 35mm SLR camera than a 35mm rangefinder camera for macrophotography, since you will see exactly what you'll photograph through a 35mm SLR pentaprism, having spent many years photographing with 35mm SLR macro lenses made by Nikon and Carl Zeiss.). And I might add that you will need a very expensive Leica macro extension tube in combination with the 90mm f4 Macro Elmar-M to obtain a reproduction ratio of 1:3 (That's approximately one third life-size, which is not nearly as impressive as 35mm SLR macro lenses which yield reproduction ratios of 1:1.). Instead of designing this lens, I would have been more impressed if Leica re-introduced the 90mm f4 Elmar-C as a budget version 90mm telephoto, costing as much as the 50mm f2.8 Elmar-M, hoping to interest those customers who have opted to purchase instead the Voigtlander 90mm f3.5 Apo-Lanthar lens. If you really need a macro lens, then you should buy one for your 35mm SLR, not acquire this expensive jewel of a lens which will not have the close focusing range of your 35mm SLR macro lens.
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