Lens · prime
Leica Summicron-M 50mm f/2
Leica · 1979-present
Standard 50mm for the M system. The current 6-element, 4-group design dates from 1979; since 1994 it has had a built-in extendable hood.
- Focal length
- 50mm
- Max aperture
- f/2
- Mount
- Leica M
- Format
- 35mm
- Elements / groups
- 6 / 4
Known for
- Street photography
- Portraits
- Documentary
- Travel
Considerations
- Manual rangefinder focus only
- 0.7m minimum focus
Optical characteristics
Silverlog's editorial rating: our own judgement, not measured data.
Bokeh: Smooth, 10-blade circular
Rendering: The 'Leica look' - micro-contrast, 3D pop
Colour: Neutral, accurate
Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.
Versions
Collapsible
1953-1960
Collapsible barrel; 7-element design
Screw and M-bayonet versions
Rigid (incl. Dual Range)
1956-1968
Rigid barrel, revised 7-element design; Dual Range variant focuses closer with detachable goggles
See the separate Dual Range entry
Third version
1969-1979
New 6-element design
Fourth version (11819)
1979-1994
Current 6-element/4-group optical design; separate hood
Same optics as the current lens
Fifth version (11826)
1994-present
Built-in extendable hood; 6-bit coded on later production
Current production; optics unchanged since 1979
The current (fifth) version, introduced in 1994, uses the same 6-element, 4-group optical design as the 1979 lens, with a built-in extendable hood and a revised barrel.
Common issues
- Haze or cleaning marks on older examples
- Rangefinder coupling wear
Buying guide
Check rangefinder coupling accuracy and the condition of the glass. Buy from a dealer with a return policy.
Specifications
| Mount | Leica M |
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2 |
| Min Aperture | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 10 |
| Min Focus | 0.7m |
| Filter Size | 39mm |
| Weight | 240g |
Optical design
| Formula | Double Gauss |
| Elements | 6 |
| Groups | 4 |
| Coating | Multi-Coated |
Pricing
- Typical used price
- £1500 - £2500
- Mint
- ~£3000
Indicative, no dated source.