Leica Summarit-M 50mm f/2.5

Leica Summarit-M 50mm f/2.5

When Leica launched the Summarit-M line in 2007, it revived the Summarit name to mark a more accessible tier of M-mount glass, and the 50mm f/2.5 sat at the heart of that range as the system's compact standard lens [1][2]. Built around a classic double-Gauss layout of six elements in four groups, it was presented by Leica as an updated take on a long-proven optical design, intended for everyday photography rather than as a speed or character showcase [1][4]. On the digital M8 of the period its field of view corresponded to roughly a short telephoto, which Leica positioned as useful for portraits and detail work, while on film bodies it served as a conventional 47-degree normal lens [1][4].

The lens uses an all-metal barrel and is offered in black, with a 39mm filter thread and a nine-bladed diaphragm intended to keep out-of-focus areas smooth [2][3]. It is rangefinder coupled and focuses to 0.8 m, slightly longer than the 0.7 m of the contemporary 50mm Summicron, a difference reviewers generally found inconsequential in use [3]. The mount carries six-bit coding so that Leica digital bodies from the M8 onward can identify the lens automatically and apply the appropriate corrections and frame lines [2][3]. Its small size and modest weight make it balance well on compact film bodies such as the M3, which is part of its appeal as a lightweight travel or street option [3].

The f/2.5 version is the original Summarit-M 50, distinguished by a square clip-on hood. It was later succeeded by an f/2.4 revision that adopted a heavier screw-in hood and revised cosmetics; the optics are widely reported to be essentially unchanged between the two, with the differences concentrated in build and presentation [5]. The f/2.5 lens carries model number 11644.

Optical qualities

Rendering Reviewers consistently describe the lens as optically neutral, imposing little character of its own and rendering in a clean, modern way rather than with the glow associated with older Leica 50mm designs [3][4]. The symmetrical double-Gauss construction is credited with a flat field and good chromatic correction [4].

Sharpness Users report the lens is usable wide open and sharp across common apertures, in line with its everyday-standard-lens role [3].

Flare resistance One repeatedly noted weakness is a tendency to produce large blue or green flare blobs in certain backlit situations, a trait raised in hands-on reviews [3].

Distortion and vignetting Leica's own materials mention some vignetting at full aperture, though at least one reviewer reported seeing only the slightest trace of it in practice [3].

History

Development and Launch The Summarit-M family debuted in 2007 as a set of four lenses, 35mm, 50mm, 75mm and 90mm, all sharing a maximum aperture in the f/2.4 to f/2.5 class and a common 39mm filter size, aimed at offering a comparatively lower-cost entry into M-system optics [1][2]. The 50mm f/2.5 was the smallest of the group and was marketed as a versatile general-purpose lens for both film and the digital M8 [1][4].

Production Evolution The original f/2.5 lenses were later replaced by an f/2.4 generation that revised the external design, most visibly the lens hood, while reportedly retaining the same optical formula [5].

Collector Notes The modern Summarit-M 50mm f/2.5 should not be confused with the much older Leica Summarit 50mm f/1.5 screw and bayonet lens, which is an entirely different and far older optical design with the classic vintage rendering [4]. Buyers comparing it against the 50mm Summicron should note the close focus difference of 0.8 m versus 0.7 m and the relatively small price gap that historically prompted some shoppers to step up to the Summicron [3]. Worthwhile points to verify on a used example include the presence of the original square clip-on hood and front and rear caps, since these are easy to lose, and confirmation that the lens is the f/2.5 model rather than the later f/2.4 revision [3][5].

Sources

• [1] Leica / Digital Photography Review. Leica Summarit-M 50mm f/2.5 Overview. https://www.dpreview.com/products/leica/lenses/leica_m_50_2p5
• [2] KEH Camera. Leica 50mm f/2.5 Summarit-M M-Mount Lens, 6-Bit, 11644. https://www.keh.com/shop/50-f2-5-summarit-m-blk-6-bit-39-lens.html
• [3] 35mmc. Leica 50mm f/2.5 Summarit-M Review. https://www.35mmc.com/12/05/2015/leica-50mm-f2-5-summarit-m-review/
• [4] Leica Store Miami. Leica Summarit-M 50mm f/2.5. https://leicastoremiami.com/products/leica-summarit-m-50mm-f-2-5
• [5] 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/