Leica Summarit-M 90mm f/2.5

Leica Summarit-M 90mm f/2.5

When Leica introduced the Summarit-M line in 2007, it created a more affordable tier of M lenses positioned below the Summicron and Summilux ranges, and the 90mm f/2.5 was the longest of the original quartet that also included 35mm, 50mm and 75mm focal lengths, all sharing the same f/2.5 aperture [1][2]. The lens was conceived as a lighter, less expensive alternative to the 90mm Summicron, trading a stop of speed for a smaller and more practical short telephoto, and Leica's own description framed it as the lens that rounded out the new speed class [3]. It carries the order number 11646 and was offered in black anodized finish [1].

Optically the lens uses a modest five-element, four-group design, which keeps the barrel compact and the weight to roughly 360 g [1]. The aperture runs from f/2.5 to f/16 with click stops and half-value settings, operating through an eleven-blade diaphragm, and focusing extends from 1 m to infinity with a combined meter and feet scale [1]. The lens is rangefinder coupled and mounts on the standard Leica M bayonet; it carries a six-bit barcode at the mount so digital M bodies can identify it, with the code 101110, although it is not factory six-bit coded in the firmware sense [1]. It accepts E46 screw-in filters through a non-rotating front, ships with a protection ring on the external thread, and uses the separately available bayonet hood 12460 [1]. Some reviewers noted that the Summarit-M build departed from Leica's traditional standards, citing a rubberized focus grip and a rounded typeface rather than the engraved metal ribbing and font of the costlier M lenses [2].

The 90mm f/2.5 was produced from 2007 until around 2014, when it was superseded by the redesigned 90mm f/2.4 Summarit-M [1]. Because the line was short-lived and overshadowed by Leica's faster glass, the f/2.5 version is relatively unremarkable to identify: it is engraved LEICA SUMMARIT-M 1:2.5/90 E 46 followed by its serial number [1]. Buyers should confirm they are looking at the f/2.5 first generation rather than the later f/2.4 model, which shares the Summarit-M name and a similar appearance [1].

Optical qualities

Rendering Documented impressions of the 90mm f/2.5 are consistently positive on image quality despite its budget positioning within the M range. One reviewer rated its optics as superb and considered them effectively on par with the discontinued 90mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M and the 90mm f/2 APO-ASPH in practical use [2]. Another found it produced rich, sharp results with good texture, pleasing color and agreeable out-of-focus rendering, and reported it focused accurately and easily on the M 240 [3]. Reviewers also noted that the Summarit lenses, while a stop or more slower than their Summicron and Summilux counterparts, deliver comparable sharpness and color and differ mainly in their bokeh and overall look [3].

Sharpness The lens is regarded as very sharp, with users describing crisp detail wide open and across the frame on digital M bodies [2][3].

Collector and user notes Opinions on the Summarit-M build diverge. One reviewer praised the lens highly as a shooter and a value, while another judged its mechanical construction inferior to Leica's traditional standards and questioned its long-term resale, even while conceding its optics were excellent [2][3].

History

Development and Launch The Summarit-M family debuted in 2007 as Leica's response to demand for less costly M lenses, with four focal lengths sharing an f/2.5 maximum aperture [1][2]. The 90mm was the telephoto of the set, intended as a handier and lighter option than the 90mm Summicron while remaining within the Leica M system [3]. At launch it sold for roughly US $1,595 in 2008, well below the price of Leica's faster 90mm lenses [1].

Production Evolution The lens remained in production from 2007 to about 2014, after which Leica replaced it with the 90mm f/2.4 Summarit-M, a marginally faster successor that continued the line [1].

Special editions No major factory special editions of the 90mm f/2.5 Summarit-M are widely documented; it was offered as a standard black anodized lens under order number 11646 [1].

Collector Notes The most important point of confusion is distinguishing the original f/2.5 model from the later f/2.4 Summarit-M, since both carry the same name and focal length [1]. The lens takes E46 filters and uses the bayonet hood 12460, both worth verifying when buying secondhand, and the inscription LEICA SUMMARIT-M 1:2.5/90 E 46 with the serial number confirms the first-generation version [1]. The six-bit barcode at the mount allows digital M bodies to identify the lens [1].

Sources

• [1] Leica Wiki (English). 90mm f/2.5 Summarit-M. https://wiki.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/90mm_f/2.5_Summarit-M
• [2] Ken Rockwell. LEICA 90mm f/2.5 SUMMARIT-M. https://www.kenrockwell.com/leica/90mm-f25.htm
• [3] Steve Huff. The Leica 90 Summarit f/2.5 M Lens Review. https://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2014/02/13/the-leica-90-summarit-f2-5-m-lens-review/