Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH.

Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH

The Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH is a modern high-performance normal lens for Leica M-mount rangefinder cameras. It was introduced in 2012 and became one of Leica’s benchmark 50mm lenses, combining apochromatic correction, one aspherical element and a floating element system in a compact M-lens body. Leica USA lists the lens with 8 elements in 5 groups, 0.7m closest focusing distance, 39mm filter thread, 47mm length and 300g weight [1].

The main black anodised production version uses product code 11141. The silver anodised version is product code 11142, while the silver chrome LHSA special edition is commonly listed under product code 11187 [2] [3]. These should be grouped as model numbers or finish variants of the same APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH lens family, not split into unrelated optical entries unless the database separates special editions as standalone items.

This lens should be kept separate from the older Summicron-M 50mm f/2 non-APO versions, including product code 11811. It should also be kept separate from the Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH, Noctilux-M lenses and collapsible screw-mount Summicron special editions. The APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH is a distinct apochromatic aspherical Leica M lens.

Optical qualities

Rendering

The APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH is known for a highly corrected, modern rendering style. Leica describes it as a lens designed to deliver extremely high image performance across the frame, with outstanding sharpness and correction for chromatic aberrations. Its rendering is cleaner and more clinical than many older spherical Summicron or Summilux lenses.

Sharpness

Sharpness is one of the defining characteristics of the lens. Leica USA lists apochromatic design, one aspherical element and a floating element system as core features. These design choices support high resolution at full aperture and across focusing distances.

Contrast and color

The lens is designed for high contrast and neutral color transmission. Apochromatic correction reduces color fringing compared with older 50mm lenses, especially in high-contrast detail. It should be described as a modern technical reference lens rather than a vintage character lens.

Aberrations

The APO designation is central to the lens identity. Leica positions it as a highly corrected optic with apochromatic correction and aspherical design. It should not be confused with older non-APO Summicron 50mm lenses, which have a different optical design and correction profile.

Bokeh and transitions

Despite its highly corrected optical design, the lens can still produce smooth subject separation at f/2. However, its identity is more about precision, contrast and aberration control than dreamy or vintage rendering. Users seeking classic spherical glow may prefer older Summicron or Summilux lenses.

Handling

The lens is compact for its performance class. Leica USA lists a 39mm filter thread, 47mm length and 300g weight. The 0.7m minimum focusing distance is standard for traditional Leica M rangefinder lenses.

Digital use

The APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH is especially well suited to high-resolution Leica M digital bodies. It is six-bit coded and rangefinder-coupled. As with all high-resolution M lenses, rangefinder calibration should be accurate, because small focus errors are visible at high pixel densities.

History

Development and Launch

The APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH was introduced in 2012 as Leica’s flagship compact 50mm f/2 M lens. It marked a major step beyond the long-running non-APO Summicron-M 50mm f/2 design by adding apochromatic correction, an aspherical element and floating elements in a compact rangefinder lens.

Production Evolution

The black anodised production version is product code 11141. Leica also released a silver anodised version, product code 11142. A silver chrome LHSA special edition is associated with product code 11187. These are finish and collector variants of the same optical family.

Special Editions/Variants

The main special version is the LHSA silver chrome edition, model number 11187. This should be treated as a collector variant of the APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH unless the database separates special editions into individual entries. Product code 11811 should not be added here, because it belongs to older non-APO Summicron-M 50mm f/2 lenses.

Collector Notes

Collectors should verify the model number, finish, six-bit coding, serial number, original box, caps, hood, pouch and papers. For database matching, 11141 identifies the black anodised version, 11142 the silver anodised version, and 11187 the LHSA silver chrome version. Avoid merging this lens with older Summicron 50mm f/2 variants simply because they share the Summicron name.

Special editions

Known collector-relevant variants include:

• Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH, black anodised, product code 11141.
• Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH, silver anodised, product code 11142.
• Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH LHSA, silver chrome, product code 11187.
• Complete boxed sets with original hood, caps, pouch and documents.
• Older Leica Summicron-M 50mm f/2 product code 11811, not part of this APO entry.