Leica APO-Summicron-M 75mm f/2 ASPH.

Leica APO-Summicron-M 75mm f/2 ASPH.

Among Leica's modern M telephotos, the APO-Summicron-M 75mm f/2 ASPH. is often cited as a benchmark for optical correction, combining an apochromatic design with an aspherical surface to suppress the chromatic aberration that affects many fast portrait lenses. Introduced in 2005, it pairs a moderate telephoto angle of view with a maximum aperture of f/2, sitting between the 50mm and 90mm focal lengths in the M lineup and giving photographers a slightly tighter, more intimate alternative to a standard lens [3]. Reviewers routinely place it among the most thoroughly corrected lenses available for the M system, with one describing it as one of the top performing lenses tested [1].

The optical formula uses seven elements in five groups, including special glass with partial anomalous dispersion, an aspherical surface, and floating elements that maintain correction across the focusing range [3]. The lens focuses to 0.7 m and is rangefinder coupled, and its 75mm frame lines appear on M bodies that support them. Construction follows Leica's usual all-metal approach, with a smooth, well-damped focusing ring and firm aperture detents, and a built-in retractable hood that slides out rather than locking with a twist [1][2]. The 49mm filter thread is shared with several other M lenses. As a manual-focus lens it suits a deliberate working style, and on digital M bodies it can also be used with the electronic finder or live view for critical focus [2].

The lens carries model number 11637, and the related number 11701 is also recorded. It has been offered in a black finish and is not factory-fitted with six-bit coding, although the corresponding code 100100 exists for users who add it. Published sources sometimes describe the lens with minor variation in wording around its glass types and element layout, but the core seven-element, five-group apochromatic design is consistent across references [3].

Optical qualities

Rendering The lens is widely characterized as extremely transparent, delivering crisp, neutral results that add little visible signature of their own. It is regarded as exceptionally sharp from f/2, smooth in its out-of-focus rendering, and notably free of chromatic aberration. Some users find this technical perfection leaves the lens with little of the optical character that draws photographers to other M glass, which is a matter of taste rather than a flaw [1].

Sharpness Reviewers report that the lens is already razor-sharp wide open at f/2, to the point that stopping down for resolution is generally unnecessary [1].

Bokeh and transitions Out-of-focus areas are described as smooth and pleasing, with at least one reviewer finding the background rendering smoother than that of the well-regarded 50mm Summilux ASPH [1].

Aberrations As an apochromatic design, the lens shows essentially no chromatic aberration; one reviewer noted being unable to find any purple fringing even wide open in backlit situations [1].

Distortion and vignetting The lens exhibits little vignetting at f/2, and reviewers describe it as effectively distortion-free [1].

Digital use On digital M cameras the lens performs well and benefits from focus aids such as live view or an electronic finder, which help confirm focus given its shallow depth of field at close distances [2].

History

Development and Launch The APO-Summicron-M 75mm f/2 ASPH. was introduced in 2005 as a high-correction telephoto for the M rangefinder system [3]. It applies the apochromatic and aspherical design philosophy Leica had pursued in other M lenses to the 75mm focal length, a length Leica had earlier served with the faster Summilux-M 75mm f/1.4. The f/2 APO-Summicron is smaller and more highly corrected than that earlier lens, and it became the reference 75mm option for photographers prioritizing optical accuracy [1][3].

Collector Notes The lens has remained in production for an extended period, so condition rather than rarity tends to drive value on the used market. Buyers should confirm smooth focusing action and intact aperture detents, check the retractable hood for proper operation, and verify that the front element and internal glass are clear, since the all-metal barrel can show paint wear with use [1][2]. The 49mm filter thread and built-in hood mean fewer loose accessories to track down, though a matching front cap is worth confirming. Because the lens is not factory six-bit coded, some examples may have been coded later for digital bodies, which is worth noting when assessing originality [2].

Sources

• [1] Børge Indergaard. Leica APO-Summicron 75mm f/2 ASPH Review. https://indergaard.net/2017/07/07/leica-apo-summicron-75mm-f2-asph-review/
• [2] The Phoblographer. Beautiful, Sharp, and Modern! Leica 75mm f2 APO ASPH Lens Review. https://www.thephoblographer.com/2021/07/06/beautiful-sharp-modern-leica-apo-summicron-m-75mm-f2-lens-review/
• [3] Kamerastore. Leica 75mm f2 APO-Summicron-M ASPH. (Black, 11637). https://kamerastore.com/en-us/products/leica-75mm-f2-apo-summicron-m-asph