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Leica 50mm Summicron-M f/2 35mm Primes

4.84/5 (19 Reviews)

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  • Camera Format35 mm SLR
    Lens TypeFixed Focal Length Lens
    Focal Length50mm
    Lens Max Aperturef/2
    Min Aperturef/16
    Focus TypeManual Focus
    Macro LensWithout Macro Lens
    Closest Focusing Distance27.56 in
    Picture Angle45 degrees
    Attachment / Filter Size39 mm
    Groups / Elements6 Elements in 4 Groups
    Diameter2.1 in
    Length1.7 in
    Weight8.47 oz
    MPN11826
    Product ID20946417

Product Description

The tried and well-proven optical design of this lens provides for a perfection of picture quality extending all the way to the extreme corners of the image field even at full aperture, as well as outstanding contrast throughout, at all apertures, even at close distances. Stopping down to f/2.8 or f/4 brings only a minimal increase in contrast. Distortion is extremely low and practically invisible. Its well-balanced design makes this ideal standard lens an outstanding choice in terms of all criteria, including image quality, speed, size, weight and price. It is also available in combination with the LEICA M7 as part of the entry-level set.


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Reviews 1 - 5 (19 Reviews Total) | Next 15

User Reviews

Overall Rating:4
Value Rating:3
Submitted by Ramray a Intermediate

Date Reviewed: June 12, 2009

Strengths:    Excellend lens, good bokeh, sharp

Weaknesses:    A touch flat when compared to Zeiss glass,
Not legenday sharp as some claim

Bottom Line:   
I had used this lens when I had a M6. I have to say while a great lens, better than any Japanese SLR lens, it did not offer the magical "Glow" I have read so much about. I have an old 40/2 Summicron for a CL that I liked better. While many here have given high scores, some have not given high remarks that match the scores and I find that strange. I also note some stating they have used a Contax G and do not reference their fine Zeiss lenses, so doubt the veracity of those statements; Leicaphies are true zielots!
In honesty, while the 50/2 is an excellent lens, I find the 45/2 Panar for the Contax G to be sharper, crisper with better colors and Bokoh; heresy in Leicaland, but true for many who have used both systems.

Expand full review >>

Duration Product Used:   21+ years

Price Paid:    $600.00

Purchased At:   tmarkian

Similar Products Used:   40/2 Summicron, 35/2 Summicron, 45/2 Zeiss Planar

Bike Setup:   Outdoor

Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by Christian Nagel a Expert

Date Reviewed: July 15, 2004

Strengths:    Performance, build-quality

Weaknesses:    None so far

Bottom Line:   
Outstanding lens and the best 50 mm lens in the Leica stable concerning the aperture/performance-ratio. Also one of those Leica M lenses with the best price/performance-ratio. Sharness is best, crisp rendition of details, small and convenient, built like a swiss chronograph.
I use the previous version with the same optical formula and the separate lens hood. This lens is cheaper at the same optical performance and is better protected from flare.

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Duration Product Used:   6-10 years

Price Paid:    $450.00

Purchased At:   Ebay

Similar Products Used:   R 4/35-70, M 2/90 Apo, R 2,8/100 Apo, R 2,8/70-180 Apo

Bike Setup:   Outdoor

Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by FSolaresLarrave a Casual from DeKalb, IL

Date Reviewed: January 16, 2004

Strengths:    Superb DOF. Haven't experienced the famed Leica "glow" with mine, but it's a very confortable thing to work with.

Weaknesses:    Can't find any.

Bottom Line:   
Nice, sturdy lens that to me has lived up to its reputation. I got a new one in exchange for an old Summicron, and while the difference are really negligible, the results in DOF are better in the new. It's, in sum, a very handy, workhorse kind of lens.

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Duration Product Used:   0-1 years

Price Paid:    $950.00

Purchased At:   KBCamera.com

Similar Products Used:   Contax G1, Canonet, Konica Auto S2 and other cameras.

Bike Setup:   Outdoor

Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:4
Submitted by Fred a Expert from Oak Hill, VA

Date Reviewed: February 6, 2003

Strengths:    The best build quality. Some other brands such as Contax come close with their pro equipment, but none equals Leica.

Weaknesses:    Very expensive.

Bottom Line:   
The finest quality lens I have ever owned--no play in the mechanism, superb, jewel-like finish. Oh, and it takes great pictures, with fine color rendition and sharpness.

Expand full review >>

Duration Product Used:   21+ years

Price Paid:    $760.00

Purchased At:   ebay

Similar Products Used:   Contax G, Nikon MF/AF

Bike Setup:   Outdoor

Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by chris tremlett a Casual from stavanger norway

Date Reviewed: November 12, 2002

Strengths:    build quality overall performance

Weaknesses:    mine did not live up to expectations and does not outperform my elamar in terms of overall pic quality

Bottom Line:   
Sorry guys (reviewers below) but my 50 summicron - while ok - doesn't provide me with the '3D thrills etc.' mentioned by some of you. It's a v. good lens but mine at least seems not especially better than my nikon (stopped down atleast). Ultimately, I prefer results from my 50mmf2,8 elmar.

Expand full review >>

Duration Product Used:   21+ years

Similar Products Used:   elmar, nikon 50 1,8, OM Zuiko

Bike Setup:   Other


Reviews 1 - 5 (19 Reviews Total) | Next 15

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  • Camera Format35 mm SLR
    Lens TypeFixed Focal Length Lens
    Focal Length50mm
    Lens Max Aperturef/2
    Min Aperturef/16
    Focus TypeManual Focus
    Macro LensWithout Macro Lens
    Closest Focusing Distance27.56 in
    Picture Angle45 degrees
    Attachment / Filter Size39 mm
    Groups / Elements6 Elements in 4 Groups
    Diameter2.1 in
    Length1.7 in
    Weight8.47 oz
    MPN11826
    Product ID20946417
    Release Date5/6/2004


 

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