50mm Lenses

The Light Lens Lab 50mm f/1.9 "Rigid-ZS6" is a compact six-element M-mount rangefinder lens, a recent collector-oriented release from the Chinese maker.

The Lailens 50mm f/1.1 is a fast manual-focus standard lens in Leica M mount, a recent uncoupled fifty for rangefinder bodies and mirrorless adapting.

The MS-Optics LUMITAR 3.5/50 is a featherweight 50mm f/3.5 collapsible Leica M lens reviving Max Berek's ELMAX design for modern rangefinder collectors.

The Omnar Bertele 5cm f/2 MC FLB is a UK-built M-mount recreation of the 1934 Sonnar formula, prized by collectors for solving its classic focus shift.

The Thypoch Eureka 50mm f/2 is a modern manual focus lens introduced in 2024, designed as a mechanical and aesthetic tribute to the classic collapsible lenses of the 1950s. Available in both lightweight aluminum and solid brass finishes, it incorporates a retractable barrel mechanism that reduces the lens profile for storage. Internally, it utilizes a modernized six-element optical formula with Extra-Low Dispersion glass, offering a balance between vintage rendering characteristics and modern contrast, while its 12-blade aperture ensures circular bokeh highlights at all settings.

The Light Lens Lab 50mm f/2 "Rigid" is a chrome M-mount homage to Leica's 1950s rigid Summicron, prized by collectors for faithful build at a fraction of the cost.

The Artralab 50mm f/1.1 Lunaelumen-M V3 is a fast manual M-mount prime, a low-cost large-aperture fifty drawing interest from Leica and mirrorless shooters.

The Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. II is a refreshed M-mount fast standard prime with close focus to 0.45 m and 11 aperture blades.

The Light Lens Lab 50mm f/2 "SP II" is an M-mount rangefinder lens that recreates the Cooke Speed Panchro cine look at a fraction of the original's cost.

The Mr. Ding Noxlux DG 50mm f/1.1 is a fast double-Gauss 50mm M-mount lens from China, prized by collectors for creamy bokeh at a low price.

The MS-Optics Xenomax 50mm f/3.5 is a Leica M-mount standard lens by Miyazaki Sadayasu, a compact Xenotar-type prized by collectors of his work.

The Light Lens Lab 50mm f/2 ELCAN is an LTM-mount replica of Leica's rare military KE-7A lens, prized by collectors for its tiny size and distinct rendering.

The TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95 ASPH is an ultra-fast manual M-mount lens, a budget Noctilux alternative drawing collector and Leica-user interest.

The Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.5 II is a compact NOKTON Vintage Line M-mount lens, redesigned with eight elements and offered in MC and SC coatings.

The 7artisans 50mm f/1.1 is a Sonnar-derived Leica M-mount lens whose ultra-fast aperture and budget price made it a popular entry into M-mount fast fifties.

The MS-Optics ISM 50mm f/1 is a handmade Leica M lens that packs a full-stop f/1 aperture into one of the smallest, lightest fast-fifty bodies made.

The Leica Summarit-M 50mm f/2.4 is a compact, lightweight aluminum-barrel M-mount normal lens, the entry point into Leica's 50mm rangefinder lineup.</parameter> <parameter name="long_description">## Leica Summarit-M 50mm f/2.4 The Summarit-M 50mm f/2.4 sits at the affordable end of Leica's 50mm M-mount range, offering the rangefinder look in a smaller, lighter, and less expensive package than the Summicron, Summilux, and Noctilux above it [1][2]. It replaced the earlier f/2.5 Summarit-M, and reviewers report that the optics carried over largely unchanged from that lens, with the main differences being the marginally faster marked aperture and a redesigned, more integrated lens hood [3]. Many photographers value it as a practical everyday normal lens, arguing that modern digital M sensors make a moderate maximum aperture far less of a limitation than it once was [1]. Optically the lens uses six elements in four groups, including high-refraction glass with anomalous partial dispersion, and it stops down with nine aperture blades for a rounded iris [2]. The barrel is built from aluminum rather than the brass used on some pricier silver Leica lenses, which keeps weight to around 190 grams and makes for one of the most compact 50mm options in the system [2][3]. Build quality is generally praised, with a smooth, well-damped focus action and a firm, positive aperture ring that resists accidental movement [1][3]. It is fully rangefinder coupled, focuses to 0.8 m, takes 46 mm filters, and mounts on M cameras; it is not factory six-bit coded [2]. The most useful identification point is the lens hood and the marked aperture. The first-generation Summarit-M was an f/2.5 lens supplied with a square, clip-on hood, while the f/2.4 version that followed it has a heavier screw-in metal hood, a difference reviewers single out as the easiest way to tell the two generations apart [3]. The f/2.4 is offered in black, with model numbers 11680 and 11682 noted for the family. --- ## Optical qualities **Rendering** The Summarit-M 50mm f/2.4 is described as a competent, modern-rendering normal lens rather than a character lens. Close-up performance shows smooth bokeh and a pleasing transition from sharp to out-of-focus areas [1]. Flare resistance is rated as good, helped by the substantial metal hood [1]. Reviewers position its overall look as closer to Leica's contemporary aspherical lenses than to older designs, while noting it gives up a stop or so of speed and a little close-focus reach to the Summicron [1]. **Bokeh and transitions** At its closest distances the lens produces a soft background and a gentle focus falloff that several users single out as one of its strengths [1]. **Flare resistance** The deep, well-made screw-in hood contributes to good control of flare and veiling glare in everyday shooting [1][3]. --- ## History **Development and Launch** The Summarit-M line was created as a more accessible tier within Leica's M lens range, giving buyers of a first M camera a 50mm option below the cost of the Summicron and faster lenses [2][3]. The 50mm f/2.4 reviewed here is the second iteration of that idea, following the original f/2.5 Summarit-M [3]. **Production Evolution** The transition from the f/2.5 to the f/2.4 brought a slightly faster marked maximum aperture and a new hood design, with the optical layout reported to be essentially carried over between the two versions [3]. The aluminum barrel construction and light weight that characterized the line were retained [2][3]. **Special editions** No widely documented factory special editions of the f/2.4 are established in the consulted sources; the lens is principally known in its standard black finish. **Collector Notes** When buying, the clearest check is to match the marked aperture and hood type to the version intended: the f/2.5 came with a square clip-on hood, while the f/2.4 uses a screw-in metal hood [3]. Because the barrel is aluminum rather than brass, it is noticeably lighter than equivalent silver Summicron or Summilux lenses, which can be a quick tactile identifier [3]. As with any used M lens, confirm smooth focus, a positive aperture ring, and clean glass, and verify that the hood and caps are present, since the integrated hood is part of the f/2.4's identity [1][3]. --- ## Sources * [1] Joeri van der Kloet. *The Leica Summarit-M 50/2.4 review*. http://joerivanderkloet.com/leica-summarit-m-502-4-review/ * [2] Camera Decision. *Leica Summarit-M 50mm F2.4 ASPH Lens Review and Specs*. https://cameradecision.com/lenses/review/Leica-Summarit-M-50mm-F2.4-ASPH * [3] Leica Lenses for Normal People. *Leica Summarit-M 50mm f/2.4 Review*. https://www.leicalensesfornormalpeople.com/2020/05/17/leica-summarit-m-50mm-f-2-4-review/

The MS-Optics MS-Mode 50mm f/3.5 Apoqualia is a collapsible screw-mount Heliar-type lens by Sadayasu Miyazaki, scarce and prized by Leica collectors.

The Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH. is an M-mount standard lens and the brand's fastest, a coveted low-light optic prized by collectors.

The Zeiss C Sonnar T* 50mm f/1.5 ZM is a fast standard prime lens manufactured by Cosina in Japan under license from Carl Zeiss AG. Part of the Zeiss ZM family for the Leica M-mount, it is distinguished by its adherence to a historic optical formula from the 1930s rather than modern computer-optimized designs. The "C" in its designation stands for both "Classic" and "Compact," referencing its vintage rendering characteristics and small physical form factor. It is noted for its high contrast, distinct bokeh, and a susceptibility to focus shift, a byproduct of its deliberate optical residue.

The Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.5 LTM is a fast, brass-bodied screw-mount 50mm from Cosina, prized by Leica rangefinder users for its sharp, characterful rendering.

Leica Summicron-M 50mm f/2 V5, introduced in 1994 with classic 6/4 optics, built-in hood, and collectible Safari, silver and titanium M variants.

The Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. I is Peter Karbe's M-mount fast fifty, the first to pair an aspherical surface with a floating element.

The Leica Summicron 50mm f/2 IV is a six-element M-mount standard lens designed by Walter Mandler's team, prized by collectors for its compact form and rendering.

A Sonnar-derived Nippon-Kogaku Nikkor-SC 50mm f/1.4 in Leica screw mount (LTM), a single-coated fast fifty prized by rangefinder collectors for classic rendering.

The Canon 50mm f/2.2 is a rare LTM rangefinder lens, a 1961 economy normal sold only in Japan, prized by collectors for its gentle rendering.

The Tanaka Kogaku Tanar 5cm f/1.8 is a rare LTM rangefinder lens built for the unreleased Tanack VP, sought after by collectors of Japanese Leica copies.

The Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 I, a silver, M and LTM mount fast normal of 1959, is a short-lived first-generation classic prized by collectors.

The Tanaka Kogaku Tanar 50mm f/1.9 is a six-element Sonnar-type LTM standard lens built for the Tanack V3 rangefinder, prized by Japanese-camera collectors.

Canon 50mm f/1.4 I, a compact six-element LTM rangefinder lens of the late 1950s, the "Japanese Summilux" prized by collectors as an affordable fast fifty.

The Zunow 50mm f/1.3 is a rare Sonnar-derived LTM rangefinder lens from Japan's Teikoku Kogaku, a sought-after companion to the famous Zunow 5cm f/1.1.</parameter> <parameter name="long_description">## Zunow 50mm f1.3 Among the small family of fast standard lenses built by Japan's Zunow operation, the 50mm f/1.3 is the lesser known sibling of the celebrated 5cm f/1.1, the lens that in 1953 was the fastest available for any 35mm camera [1]. The f/1.3 belonged to the same ambitious push toward high-speed optics: a 1957 catalogue listing places it alongside the firm's other rangefinder offerings, a 35mm f/1.7, the 50mm f/1.1, a 50mm f/1.9, and a 100mm f/2, all offered in mounts for Leica, Contax, Canon and Nikon bodies [1]. Surviving examples are scarce and trade for high sums, which keeps the f/1.3 firmly in collector territory rather than everyday use [2]. The lens uses a Sonnar-type optical layout and was produced in Leica screw mount [2]. In LeicaLensList's records it is a seven-element design in five groups, with an eight-blade diaphragm and a minimum focusing distance of one metre, and it is not rangefinder coupled, so distance must be set by scale or estimation rather than via the camera's coupled rangefinder. As an LTM (M39) lens it can be adapted to later M-mount bodies and to mirrorless cameras with a screw-mount adapter, though the absence of rangefinder coupling means focusing on a film rangefinder body is approximate. Documented version detail for this particular lens is thin, reflecting how few were made and how rarely they surface. It is marked under the Zunow name, the brand used by Teikoku Kogaku and later Zunow Optical, and is sometimes catalogued as "Zunow Teikoku Kogaku" by dealers [2]. Because the f/1.1 dominates almost all discussion of the marque, buyers should not assume that notes written about the f/1.1 apply to the f/1.3. --- ## Optical qualities **Rendering** Reliable, detailed rendering reports for the 50mm f/1.3 specifically are limited, in keeping with its rarity, so firm performance claims cannot be made with confidence. What is established is the design pedigree: a Sonnar-type formula and a fast f/1.3 maximum aperture from the era of Zunow's high-speed standard lenses [2]. As with other fast Sonnar-derived lenses of the 1950s, the wide-open character would be expected to favour an older drawing style over modern clinical correction, but this should be treated as design context rather than a tested result. --- ## History **Development and Launch** The lens traces to Teikoku Kogaku, founded around 1930 by Suzuki Sakuta as the Imperial Optical Research Institute, a firm that initially ground lenses for other companies [1]. It was renamed Teikoku Kogaku Kogyo in 1954 and became Zunow Optical Industry in 1956 [1]. Zunow's reputation rests on its high-speed standard lenses: the 5cm f/1.1 of 1953 was unmatched for speed until Nippon Kogaku's Nikkor 50mm f/1.1 of 1956 [1]. The 50mm f/1.3 appears among the company's rangefinder lenses in a 1957 listing, offered for Leica, Contax, Canon and Nikon cameras [1]. **Production Evolution** The company's lenses were generally well regarded, and after the early ultrafast designs Zunow also supplied optics to other camera makers [1]. Zunow's fortunes declined after the failure of its SLR in 1959 and the collapse of customers Arco and Neoca around 1960; rather than be absorbed by another firm, the company closed in 1961, with its work continuing in a new venture, Ace Optical, founded the same year in partnership with Elmo [1]. Detailed production-change records specific to the 50mm f/1.3, such as coating or barrel revisions, are not well documented in available sources. **Collector Notes** This is a rare lens that surfaces mainly on the Japanese market, and asking prices for surviving examples are very high [2]. One dealer listing describes it as a Sonnar-type design and dates the firm's underlying high-speed lens work to wartime aviation optics, but the same listing quotes a nine-element, five-group construction, which conflicts with the seven-element, five-group figure recorded by LeicaLensList; the verified specification should be treated as authoritative [2]. Because the Zunow name is overwhelmingly associated with the f/1.1, verify that any lens offered as an f/1.3 is correctly identified by its engraved maximum aperture, and confirm mount, glass condition and originality given the scarcity and value involved. --- ## Sources * [1] Crafting Pixels. *Vintage lens makers – Zunow (Japan)*. https://pixelcraft.photo.blog/2025/03/06/vintage-lens-makers-zunow-japan/ * [2] LSKamera. *Zunow Teikoku Kogaku 50mm f/1.3 LTM*. https://lskamera.com/zunow-teikoku-kogaku-50mm-f13-ltm

The Tanaka Kogaku Tanar 50mm f/1.5 H.C. is a scarce LTM screw-mount Japanese fast fifty made for the Tanack SD rangefinder, prized by collectors.

The Canon 50mm f/1.2 is a fast LTM rangefinder lens from the 1950s, prized by collectors for its compact build and distinctive vintage rendering.

The Leica Summicron 50mm f/2 II Dual Range is a chrome M-mount near-focusing lens (1956 to 1968), prized by collectors for its build and rendering.

The Canon 50mm f/2.8 I is a compact four-element LTM rangefinder lens from 1955, a less common slower-aperture normal that interests Leica screw-mount collectors.</parameter> <parameter name="long_description">## Canon 50mm f/2.8 I Among Canon's screw-mount normal lenses of the mid-1950s, the 50mm f/2.8 I stands out for being one of the slower and less common members of the line, made at a time when the company was pushing toward faster f/1.8 and f/1.5 optics for its rangefinder bodies. Canon's own museum records list it as marketed in January 1955 at an original price of 16,000 yen, positioning it as a more modest companion to the higher-speed fifties that dominated the catalogue [1]. The lens uses a simple optical layout of four elements in three groups, a classic compact normal-lens arrangement, and it focuses to one meter [1]. Built in the Leica thread mount (LTM / M39), the lens is rangefinder coupled and works on Canon's own screw-mount bodies as well as Leica screw-mount cameras and, with an adapter, on Leica M and mirrorless cameras. It is a small and light optic, weighing 128 grams in a barrel measuring roughly 48 mm in diameter by 37 mm long, which keeps the package modest on a compact rangefinder body [1]. The aperture closes to a minimum of f/16 [1]. As recorded by LeicaLensList, the lens was offered in a two-tone finish, the chrome-and-satin styling typical of Canon screw-mount lenses of the era. Documentation specific to this exact f/2.8 variant is limited compared with Canon's faster fifties, and some published figures vary between sources. The Canon Camera Museum, for example, lists a filter diameter of 34 mm and a length of 37.7 mm, while LeicaLensList records a 41 mm filter thread and a 37 mm length; where sources disagree, the verified LeicaLensList values take precedence [1]. A later 50mm f/2.8 II followed in the Canon line, so buyers should confirm which version they are handling. --- ## Optical qualities **Rendering** Detailed, independent test data for this specific lens is scarce, so its rendering is best described from its design type rather than measured performance. The four-element, three-group construction is a compact normal-lens formula of a kind that typically delivers good central sharpness with a restrained, neutral character at moderate apertures [1]. Because the maximum aperture is f/2.8 rather than f/1.5 or f/1.8, the lens is less suited to extreme shallow-depth-of-field work than Canon's faster fifties, and claims about its bokeh, flare, or contrast beyond this cannot be reliably supported from available sources. --- ## History **Development and Launch** The 50mm f/2.8 I appeared in January 1955 during the most active period of Canon's rangefinder development, when the company was expanding its screw-mount lens range to accompany a growing line of Leica-compatible cameras [1]. At 16,000 yen it slotted in as a comparatively affordable standard lens alongside Canon's brighter and more expensive f/1.8 and f/1.5 normals [1]. **Collector Notes** Buyers should distinguish this first f/2.8 from the later 50mm f/2.8 II in the same family, as the two share the same focal length and aperture but are separate products. Because the lens is uncommon and lightly documented, confirming the engraving, mount thread, and overall originality is worthwhile before purchase. As with most chrome screw-mount lenses of this age, internal haze, cleaning marks, and stiff or dried-out focus helicoids are the usual condition concerns to check. --- ## Sources * [1] Canon Camera Museum. *CANON 50mm f/2.8 I*. https://global.canon/en/c-museum/product/s50.html

The Zunow 50mm f/1.9 is a scarce 1950s Japanese standard lens in Leica screw mount, a modest companion to Zunow's famous ultra-fast 50/1.1.

The Tanaka Kogaku Tanar 50mm f/2.8 H.C. Close Focus is a Tessar-type LTM standard lens for the Tanack IV-S, prized by Japanese rangefinder collectors.

The Fujinon 50mm f/1.2 is a rare 1954 Sonnar-derived ultra-fast LTM rangefinder lens, one of Japan's "Big Four" speed lenses and a prized collector piece.

The Leica Summicron 50mm f/2 Version 1 (Collapsible) is the lens that defined the modern "Leica look." Produced between 1953 and 1960, it features a classic 7-element optical design housed in a dense, satin-chrome brass barrel that retracts for portability. Famed for its "radioactive" thorium glass elements that often warm with age, the V1 offers a unique, lower-contrast vintage rendering with a signature glow at f/2, sharpening significantly when stopped down.

The Tanaka Kogaku Tanar 50mm f/2.8 is a scarce Tessar-type LTM rangefinder lens for Tanack cameras, prized by Japanese vintage collectors.

The Steinheil Quinon 50mm f/2 is a chrome LTM normal lens from Munich maker C. A. Steinheil, an uncommon screw-mount alternative for vintage rangefinder collectors.

A Sonnar-derived Canon 50mm f/1.5 in Leica thread mount, a 1952 large-aperture standard lens prized by collectors for its classic rendering.

Leica Summarit 50mm (5cm) f/1.5, 1949 fast LTM and M lens with 7/5 optics, Xenon roots, vintage glow, and collectible SOOIA variants.

The KMZ Jupiter-8 50mm f/2 is a Soviet Sonnar-derived M39 rangefinder lens, prized by collectors for classic rendering and very low cost.

Wollensak Velostigmat 50mm f/3.5 LTM is a rare E. Leitz New York Leica screw-mount standard lens for collectors.

The Leica Summitar 5cm f/2 is a collapsible LTM-mount normal lens of 1939, a seven-element Leitz design prized by screw-mount collectors and film shooters.

The Nippon-Kogaku Nikkor-HC 5cm f/2 Collapsible is a rare LTM Sonnar-derived 50mm rangefinder lens prized by Nikon and Leica-mount collectors.