Together with the new Leica M11 Monochrom digital rangefinder camera for black-and-white photos (reported internally), the «Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 ASPH.» also presented a new normal lens in an improved version. In addition to the usual high image quality for high-contrast and detailed images, the 50mm now offers a shorter close-up limit of 45cm (instead of 70cm as before) and 11 aperture slats (previously 9) for a rounder bokeh. In addition, a sun visor is now integrated.
Leica Camera AG has shaped the world of photography more than once. One of these sensations was the introduction of the Leica M series in 1954, which is still making history today with M cameras and lenses. One of the legendary M lenses has now been further developed and presents itself with the latest high-end technology while remaining compact and lightweight: the Leica Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 ASPH. It is the classic among the high-speed normal lenses and the new, improved edition offers even more flexibility and freedom when taking photos.
The classic has been relaunched and adapted to the times: The fast 50mm normal lens now offers a shorter close-up limit of 45cm and 11 aperture slats for a rounder bokeh as well as an integrated, extendable sun visor.
With its standard focal length of 50 mm, the new Summilux-M is suitable for almost every photographic situation. Like all M lenses, it is characterized by the unmistakably high image quality. The new Summilux-M exploits the full performance potential of new camera image sensors and offers exceptionally high-contrast and detailed image results even in difficult lighting conditions. In addition, 11 instead of the previous 9 aperture blades ensure a visibly rounder bokeh.
The close-up limit has also been extended, from 70 cm to 45 cm. This was only made possible by the double cam gear specially developed by Leica engineers. As a result, the angle of rotation of the distance ring has been greatly expanded compared to the previous model, making focusing even more precise over the entire adjustment range. Neither the size nor the sensitivity of the focusing was changed, which means that the lens is easy to handle even when focusing in the extended close-up range. Focusing takes place up to 70 centimeters as usual via the rangefinder of the digital and analogue M cameras. To focus in the extended close-up range between 70 and 45 centimetres, the live view on the screen, the Visoflex or the mobile app “Leica FOTOS” must be used after a slight resistance.
Instead of just 70cm as before, the new Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 ASPH. now focus up to 45cm. Since the rangefinder does not work at such a short distance, focusing in this extended close-up range is done via the electronic viewfinder image of a digital M camera – i.e. via the LCF, the optional electronic attachable viewfinder or, in remote operation, via a smartphone with the “Leica FOTOS” app installed .
Like the 35mm from the fast Summilux-M series, the Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 ASPH. a technical and optical advancement. The lens hood also has a round design with the 50 mm focal length. Integrated directly in the lens, it can be screwed in or out at any time with just one movement. Like the previous model, the new Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 ASPH. Available in two versions, silver or black anodized.
The focal length classic is suitable for all current and future M cameras. In combination with the M-Adapter L, the Summilux-M also enables photography and filming with the mirrorless cameras of the SL series (Leica SL2 and SL2-S).
price and availability
The Leica Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 ASPH. is now available worldwide in all Leica Stores, in the Leica Online Store and in specialist shops. The recommended retail price including VAT is CHF 4,780 for the black M lens and CHF 4,990 for the silver version.
Further information
Leica Summilux-M 1:1,4/50 ASPH. (product page)
Leica M11 monochrome (product page)
Leica M-System (overview page)
Leica Camera (Switzerland)
CH-2560 Nidau
Tel. 032 332 90 90
| Leica Summilux-M 1:1.4/50 ASPH. – Specifications | |
| Order number | Silver chrome: 11 729 Black anodized: 11 728 |
| angle of view (for 35mm 24 x 36 mm) | Diagonal/horizontal/vertical: 45.4°/38.4°/26.1° |
| optical construction | 8 lenses in 5 groups |
| Number of aspherical surfaces | 1 |
| Position of the entrance pupil in front of the bayonet | 25,4 mm |
| focus workspace | Live View: 0,45 m bis ∞, Messsucher: 0,7 m bis ∞ |
| Distance setting scale | Combined division meter (m)/feet (ft) |
| Smallest Object Field | Small picture: 153 x 229 mm |
| Largest scale | 1:6,4 |
| Aperture setting/function | Locking aperture, adjustable in half steps |
| Smallest Aperture | 16 |
| Number of aperture blades | 11 |
| bayonet | Leica M bayonet with 6-bit coding |
| filter thread | E46 |
| lens hood | Integrated, extendable |
| Long | Ca. 59,3 mm |
| diameter | Ca. 58,6 mm |
| Weight | Ca. 337g |
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