Leica 50/2 Summitar (circa 1952) CLA’d recently Ex++

Leica 50/2 Summitar Circa 1952 Ex+/Ex++ /

Lens Condition: Ex++ cosmetically. The lens was recently CLA’d by DAG; the glass was cleaned, though light haze remains around the front element. No marks or oil on the blades

More info from the web about the Leica 50/2 Summitar lens:

 Optical Design & Construction

7 elements in 4 groups, including a cemented doublet at the front, an upgrade over the earlier Summar’s single front element, resulting in reduced flare and vignetting.

Available as single-coated (pre‑WWII) and post‑1946 coated versions (designated “SOORE‑B”), with around 170,761 coated units 

Aperture diaphragm: early models (1939–1950) featured 10 blades for smoother, rounder bokeh; later versions (post‑1950) switched to 6 blades, giving more hexagonal highlights

Aperture scale uses unusual markings (f/2, 2.2, 3.2, 4.5, 6.3, 9, 12.5), clickless—typical of older Leica lenses

Physical Specs

Mount: Leica M39 (screw) collapsible design

Dimensions: about 47.8 mm diameter × 42.7 mm long (extended), and 42.3 mm when collapsed

Weight: approx. 206 g (7.3 oz) for the 1950 model

Filter thread: ~36–41 mm (slip-on caps require 41.5 mm; traditional 42 mm A42 caps are looser)

Close focus distance: 1 m

Performance & Character

Central sharpness is excellent for its era; edges soften, especially wide open, retro, dreamy character vs. modern lenses

Bokeh: smooth swirly effect at f/2, mellowing around f/4–f/5.6

Collapsing mechanism makes it extremely compact, but caution is advised, some users report near‑touching the camera internals when collapsed on modern bodies.

Build quirks: older coatings are prone to wear; aperture rings may feel stiff or dry, common in vintage lenses

Production & Variants

Produced from 1939 to 1955, with variants:

1939–1950: uncoated + 10-blade aperture

1946: introduction of coated optics

1950: switch to 6-blade diaphragm

Variants include “v-channel”, military issue (“Heer”, “Luftwaffen” marks)

Modern Use & Appeal

Adapter-friendly