Leica Summarit-M 75mm f/2.5

Leica Summarit-M 75mm f/2.5

When Leica introduced the Summarit-M range in 2007, the goal was to offer a lower-cost route into M-system optics using classical spherical designs rather than the more expensive aspherical and apochromatic formulas of the Summicron and Summilux lines. The 75mm f/2.5 was the short telephoto of that family, sitting alongside 35mm, 50mm and 90mm siblings, all sharing a common f/2.5 maximum aperture and a uniform 46mm filter thread [1][2]. It gave newcomers a genuine Leica short tele at a fraction of the price of the 75mm APO-Summicron or the 75mm Summilux [2].

The optical design uses six elements in four groups, and the lens focuses to 0.9 m with a combined meter and feet scale [1]. The aperture runs from f/2.5 to f/16 with click stops and half values, using an eleven-blade diaphragm, and the barrel is built from anodised aluminium and brass with optical glass [1]. It is a compact lens, roughly 61 mm long, about 55 mm in diameter and around 345 g, which makes it easy to carry all day [1]. The mount is the standard Leica M quick-change bayonet with rangefinder coupling, and on the M8 the field of view corresponds to roughly a 100 mm lens on full frame [1]. Filters thread into a non-rotating internal E46 mount, while the screw-on hood (order number 12460) attaches to an external thread and was sold separately rather than included [1][2].

A couple of details set the Summarit-M apart from the pricier M lenses. Reviewers note the engravings appear to use a Leitz-Norm style font recalling 1960s Leitz Wetzlar lenses, and the focusing grip is rubberised rather than the all-metal knurling of higher lines [2]. Build quality is otherwise close to that of its more expensive stablemates, with tight tolerances, a smooth focus action and a secure half-stop aperture click [2]. The 11645 was produced from 2007 to 2014, when it was superseded by the 75mm f/2.4 Summarit-M [1].

Optical qualities

Rendering The Summarit-M 75mm is a classical spherical design, and reviewers describe its output as contrasty, crisp and naturally rendered, with a strong sense of depth and clarity [2].

Sharpness The lens is reported to resolve a high level of detail and is regarded by some users as among the sharpest lenses they have used, sharp enough to make it well suited to detailed work and portraiture [2].

Bokeh and transitions Out-of-focus rendering is generally described as smooth and free of harshness, though at f/2.5 it does not produce the extremely shallow, creamy backgrounds of faster 75mm lenses such as the Summilux [2].

History

Development and Launch Leica positioned the Summarit-M line as an affordable entry point to the M system, built around traditional spherical optics and a shared f/2.5 aperture across four focal lengths [2]. The 75mm version, order number 11645, was introduced in 2007 as the short telephoto of that group [1].

Production Evolution The 11645 remained in the catalogue from 2007 to 2014, after which Leica replaced it with the faster 75mm f/2.4 Summarit-M [1]. Leica Wiki records serial numbers beginning in the 2007 to 2008 period and continuing through 2013 to 2014, with total production figures only partly documented [1].

Special editions No major factory special editions of the 75mm f/2.5 Summarit-M are widely documented; the lens was offered in a black anodised finish [1].

Collector Notes Genuine examples carry the inscription "LEICA SUMMARIT-M 1:2.5/75 E 46" followed by the serial number [1]. Buyers should confirm the lens is the original f/2.5 (11645) rather than the later f/2.4 successor, and the screw-on E46 hood (12460) and metal cap are worth checking since the hood was a separately purchased accessory [1][2]. One point of note: Leica's own technical literature describes the mount as carrying a six-bit identification code for digital M bodies, although LeicaLensList records this example as not six-bit coded; buyers should verify coding on the individual lens [1].

Sources

• [1] Leica Wiki (English). 75mm f/2.5 Summarit-M. https://wiki.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/75mm_f/2.5_Summarit-M
• [2] Finding Range. The Leica 75mm Summarit-M F/2.5 Lens Review. http://findingrange.com/2014/02/28/leica-75mm-summarit-m-f2-5-lens-review/