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Abbreviations

Model history (11)

Specification

Sources of data

• Leica lenses booklet (PUB. 11-34d) (January 1963).
• Interchangeable lenses are giving your LEICA new perspective booklet (PUB. 11-34) (April 1960).
• Leica lenses booklet (PUB. 11-34b) (October 1961).
• Leitz General Catalogue (October 1961).
• LEITZ General Catalogue for the LEICA system (June 1966).

Manufacturer description #1

From the LEICA photography magazine (Winter 1956, Vol. 9, No. 4):

Summicron in rigid mount

A rigid-mount version of the 50mm Summicron f/2 will soon be available for those who prefer it to the familiar lens in collapsible mount. It has the same focusing range (from infinity to 3 1/2 feet) as the collapsible-mount lens, and does not replace the other. The Focoslide-M, BOOWU-M, and SOOKY-M accept its removable lens unit.

Manufacturer description #2

From the LEICA photography magazine (1959, No. 2):

Summicron image quality is now available in 3 focal lengths

ALL WITH MAXIMUM APERTURE OF f/2

The remarkable characteristics of the 50mrn Summicron f/2 lens are now also available in 35mm and 90mm focal lengths. That such image quality could be retained in f/2 lenses - and in 3 focal lengths - is a tribute to progress and perseverance. The more you expect from a lens, the greater will be your appreciation of these new f/2 Summicrons. All three make full use of newly designed rare earth (lanthanum) elements. Over-all sharpness and resolution border on the fantastic. At full aperture, there is not a trace of vignetting, nor any sacrifice in image contrast. All three lenses deliver optimum resolution at least one full f stop faster than lenses of comparable focal length. The degree of correction is equally noteworthy. More important than specifications, is the use to which you can put these Summicrons. To stalk darkness? Of course! But more practically, to gain wider use of the high-resolution, fine-grain emulsions - to retain image quality in poor lighting conditions. And with color films, the added advantages of Summicron image quality with f/2 speed, opens limitless new opportunities. Whether you seek new versatility in a 50, 35, or 90mm lens - or all three - see your franchised Leica dealer.

50mm Summicron f/2

7 element Gauss-type formula, in rigid bayonet mount for the Leica M-3 and M-2 or in collapsible thread mount for previous models, $129; also in dual-range bayonet mount with focusing and parallax compensation from infinity to 19", $168.

90mm Summicron f/2

features lightweight mount for steadier hand-held shooting at slow speeds and built-in telescoping lens hood; 6 element Gauss-type formula, in bayonet or thread mount, $199.50; in short mount for reflex housing, $192 (basic lens can be adapted to short mount for dual-use).

35mm Summicron f/2

virtually eliminates wide-angle distortion. Features oversize front and rear elements to increase "full-aperture" performance, and unique finger-tip focus lever; 8 element Gauss-type formula; focuses down to 2'4". In bayonet (M-2) or thread mount, $174; for Leica M-3 (with RF Attachment), $207.

Manufacturer description #3

From the LEICA photography magazine (1959, No. 3):

THE MOST REMARKABLE OPTICS YET CRAFTED BY MAN

SUMMICRON f/2 LENSES

COMBINE HIGH SPEED WITH GAINS IN IMAGE QUALITY

You can now make sharper pictures, and in virtually every picture situation. Summicron f/2 lenses - in 35mm, 50mm and 90mm focal lengths - deliver gains in image quality at all apertures, at all camera-to-subject distances, and over every millimeter of the 35mm frame!

Summicron f/2 optical characteristics approach theoretical ideals. Their in-use advantages are very real, and readily apparent. Over-all performance surpasses not only the high-speed lenses, but of even more significance, the "slower" lenses long revered for superior image quality.

THE MORE YOU EXPECT FROM A LENS, THE GREATER WILL BE YOUR APPRECIATION OF THE SUMMICRON f/2's

1/2 setting commands confidence

There has always been a justifiable hesitancy to use any lens wide open, for maximum aperture is never optimum aperture. Yet a Summicron at f/2 delivers resolution, corner-to-corner sharpness and image contrast that command confidence. And with a Summicron, you enjoy this wide-open performance throughout the focusing range - from infinity to closest working distances.

optimum aperture clicks in at f/4

Exciting as the wide-open performance is, the advantages of Summicron image quality over other lenses are even more dramatic at smaller apertures. The Summicron, at f/4, reaches a level of resolution, image contrast and freedom from aberrations never before approached in camera optics. The Summicron hits a higher optimum - reaches it faster - and holds it longer. At any aperture smaller than f/4, all you gain is depth of field. And unlike other high-speed lenses, when the picture situation calls for f/11 or f/16, a Summicron continues to deliver with no shift in focus, no loss in picture quality.

superior image quality at all distances

All Summicron focal lengths deliver superior image quality from infinity down to closest camera-to-subject distances. This is due to the basic formula, the integrity with which it is manufactured, and to the matched mounts and "custom" rangefinder cams adapted to each assembled Summicron, to assure precise rangefinder focus - on every Leica camera ever manufactured.

soft-coated internal elements

All internal elements in Summicron lenses are soft coated for greater efficiency. A single uncoated surface of a single element reflects 4 to 7% of the light that hits it. Hard coating reduces that figure to 2% - a notable improvement. Soft coating further reduces internal reflections to 1.2%! Soft coating costs more, is more critical to apply - and more efficient. External front and rear elements are hard coated for maximum durability.

optics with mechanical advantages

No detail has been spared in Summicron lenses to help you make better pictures. You sense this from the moment you first work with a Summicron, the ease with which it handles on the camera, the smooth working focus drive, the linear diaphragm settings (equal spacing between all apertures) - even the raised dot index which lets you change lenses in complete darkness. You see the quality in the finish of the lens, in the finely etched numerals and depth-of-field scale, in the click-stops (half-stops on the 90mm). All three Summicron f/2 focal lengths employ parallel focusing mounts for added accuracy. In addition to increasing reliability and focusing ease (even in temperature extremes), parallel mounts are more convenient when setting or reading distance and aperture scales.

Summicron lenses in use

With a maximum aperture of f/2, you can naturally take more "existing light" photographs with high speed black-and-white and color films. Equally important, with f/2 aperture you gain wider use of the high-resolution, fine-grain emulsions - to retain image quality even in poor light conditions. You work with confidence in the knowledge that Summicron image quality is consistent - at all distances - at any aperture - over the entire 35mm frame. And with the Dual-Range 50mm Summicron, you can move in on any subject to a penetrating 19" and get Summicron-sharp close-ups (with range-finder focus and automatic parallax compensation). What's more, this provision is always with you and your Leica.

the Summicron Team

Summicron image quality has given rise to a new outfit being used by more and more Leica owners. They call it the Summicron Team: the 3 most often-used focal lengths, all with top optical performance and matched apertures from f/2 to f/16. With "the Team," you can interplay the 64° coverage of a wide angle, the 45° coverage of the 50mm and the selective 27° coverage of the long focus to any subject matter.

did you know these Summicron facts?

Leitz Summicron lenses employ the latest rare earth Lanthanum optical glasses with higher refractive indexes (greater light-bending power) lower dispersion (higher color fidelity) and high ultra-violet absorption • Summicron lenses are neither "warm" nor "cold" in their color rendition. They do not filter out any of the visible spectrum by intent or by accident • The 50mm and 90mm "lens heads" can be separated from their focusing mounts, for dual use on Leitz enlargers, copying and repro accessories • A share of the credit for Summicron performance must go to the modified-Gauss formula which uses critically computed internal air-spaces to do the work of additional lens elements.

Manufacturer description #4

From the LEICA photography magazine (1959, No. 3):

THE LEITZ LENS HERITAGE

UNCOMPROMISED IMAGE QUALITY

It is no coincidence that these new Summicron f/2 lenses were developed by Ernst Leitz. For they are but the latest in a series of lens developments in which the guiding rule has been uncompromised image quality. The lens designer has at his disposal an infinite combination of variables - more than 300 different types of optical glass - in any variety of thicknesses and curvatures. He can work with any number of elements and many differences in air spacing. In short, from the combinations and permutations, there must come order, and optical quality. And there must be facilities for converting that masterly design into a lens to take pictures - and into thousands of lenses for thousands of cameras. Any break in the link, from design to end use, and all other steps are wasted. That the results are so consistently noteworthy with Leitz lenses is due to a rare level of optical experience - with microscopes, lenses and cameras - and a traditional devotion to quality that has been nurtured for over 110 years. This is the Leitz Lens Heritage.

50mm SUMMICRON f/2

The 50mm focal length is the traditional "normal" lens for 35mm cameras. Its 45° angle of view and favorable depth-of-field are two reasons why most photographers use the 50mm for most of their pictures. The Dual-Range Summicron - with focus and automatic parallax compensation to 19" - is probably the most useful 50min focal length in photography. The 7-element 50mm Summicron is available in rigid bayonet mount for Leica M-Series cameras, or in collapsible thread mount at $129; and in the Dual-Range model for M-Series Leicas at $168.

35mm SUMMICRON f/2

The 35mm focal length with a wider angle of view (64°) is used for relating the subject to its background, for covering a large picture area from close quarters. It is indispensable to the photo journalists, who use its added depth-of-field for zone focusing, when the assignment calls for fast, off-the-cuff shooting. The 35mm Summicron f/2 is free of distortion; features oversize front and rear elements for peak performance at full aperture; and includes a convenient finger-tip focusing lever. The 8-element lens focuses to 2'4" and is available in bayonet mount for the Leica M-2 or in thread mount at $174; in bayonet mount for Leica M-3, with RF Attachment - that couples the rangefinder and viewfinder to the 35mm focal length- $207.

90mm SUMMICRON f/2

The 90mm long-focus lens provides 1.8x magnification compared to the 50mm focal length. It is most useful for head-and-shoulder portraits, candids from afar, news, theater and sports photography. The 90mm Summicron f/2 features a lightweight mount for steady, hand-held shooting (even at slow speeds); a built-in telescoping lens hood; click stops and half stops. The 6-element lens is available in bayonet or thread mount (rangefinder coupled) at $199.50; also available in short mount for use on the Visofiex II at $192.00. A short focusing mount is available for the rangefinder model permitting dual-use on your Leica and with the Visoflex II.

Manufacturer description #5

From the Message to Leica dealers:

NEW RIGID 50mm SUMMICRON f/2 LENS FOR THE M 3

The new rigid 50mm Summicron for the M 3 was announced at Photokina and reference has been made to it in some of our literature. Starting at about the time of the New York Show it will become the standard f/2 lens for the Leica M 3 Camera. The lens unit of this rigid Summicron can be removed from its focusing mount and used with a number of new close-up accessories in the same manner as the dual range Summicron.

It was originally contemplated that the production of the collapsible 50mm Summicron for the M 3 would be continued. However, as a result of problems arising from placing the new dual range Summicron and the rigid Summicron into production, Wetzlar has discontinued the production of the collapsible Summicron for the M 3 camera but is continuing the production of the collapsible Summicron with screw mount.

Our supply of collapsible Summicrons with bayonet mount is practically exhausted. However, if anyone prefers a collapsible Summicron we can supply a screw mounting Summicron with a bayonet adapter firmly affixed at the same price as the regular Summicron M.

Manufacturer description #6

From the "New Leica Equipment Supplement to the 13th Edition LEICA MANUAL AND DATA BOOK":

The new 50mm Summicron f/2, in rigid, noncollapsible mount, is now the standard f/2 lens for the Leica M 3 camera. The lens unit of this rigid Summicron can be removed from its focusing mount and used with a number of new close-up accessories in the same manner as the lens unit of the Dual Range Summicron. Lens unit and mount are matched to one another and bear identical serial numbers.

The collapsible mount 50mm f/2 Summicron is no longer available in bayonet style but is still being made with the screw mount for the IIIg and earlier Leicas. However, M 3 owners who prefer a collapsible Summicron, can use the screw-mounting collapsible Summicron with the 50mm bayonet adapter.

Manufacturer description #7

This universal lens is a masterpiece of modern optics and regarded the world over as a model of perfection. Even at full aperture its image quality is outstanding. This is the lens for all work demanding wide aperture combined with absolutely first rate definition. A special model has a close-up focusing range with automatic parallax compensation, and rangefinder coupling for both ranges, INFINITY - 1 metre and 88 cm - 48 cm.

Manufacturer description #8

The 50mm SUMMICRON is a masterpiece of optical engineering, delivering high speed with actual gains in image quality. Even at f/2 its corner-to-corner sharpness, contrast and resolving power are outstanding. The lens for exacting photographer who demand high speed plus critical definition, the 50mm Summicron was offered in two rigid mountings with removable lens-heads for use in various LEITZ close-focusing and copying devices. In addition to the standard model, with focusing range from infinity to 40 inches, the special "dual-range" model has an additional close-focusing range bringing LEICA rangefinder accuracy and automatic parallax compensation down to 19 inches from the film plane.

From the editor

Non-collapsible version of the predecessor. The optical design was revised: different glass was used for the front element, and the rear element is recessed about 4mm deeper than that of the collapsible lens.

The lens accepts both 39mm screw-type and 42mm slip-on filters.

Leitz Wetzlar Summicron 50mm F/2 [II] special editions (2)

• Leitz Wetzlar Summicron 50mm F/2 for M3 Gold (1 unit) - 1957
• Leitz Wetzlar Summicron 50mm F/2 [II] [SOSTA / 11018, 11518] [LSM] - 1960

Other standard prime lenses in the Leica M system

Lenses with similar focal length