Leica Summilux-M 90mm f/1.5 ASPH.

Leica Summilux-M 90mm f/1.5 ASPH.

When Leica introduced this lens in December 2019, it was the first time the Summilux name had been applied to a 90mm M-mount optic, and it arrived as the fastest 90mm lens Leica had ever produced [1][2]. Conceived as a portrait lens rather than a low-light specialist, it pairs a moderate telephoto focal length with an unusually wide f/1.5 aperture to deliver an extremely shallow plane of focus. Leica positioned it as a close relation of the Noctilux-M 75mm f/1.25 ASPH., and the two lenses share much of their design philosophy and exterior dimensions [1][3]. The depth of field at full aperture is roughly half that of the 50mm Noctilux-M f/0.95 ASPH., which gives the 90mm its pronounced subject-isolation character [2][3].

The optical design is complex for an M lens, with eight elements in six groups, two of them aspherical and made from special glass types, plus a floating element group that keeps performance consistent across the focusing range [1][3]. The aperture uses 11 blades for rounded out-of-focus highlights, and the lens focuses to one metre for a reproduction ratio of about 1:8.8 [2][3]. Build quality follows Leica's usual standard, with a precision-machined black aluminium barrel and a built-in lens hood that pulls out and locks with a twist [1][3]. It is a substantial lens, sharing the 67mm filter thread and overall length of the 75mm Noctilux and weighing just over a kilogram, which makes it one of the largest and heaviest lenses in the M range [1]. The lens is rangefinder coupled for use on M bodies and also pairs well with Leica SL bodies through the M-to-L adapter, where live view and image stabilisation help with focus precision at such a thin depth of field [1].

The lens carries the order number 11678 and was offered in black anodised finish [2]. Because it is a current-production lens with a single documented configuration, there are no major variant or coating differences to track.

Optical qualities

Rendering Reviewers and Leica's own technical material describe a lens that performs strongly at full aperture, with high sharpness at the plane of focus and a smooth, gradual transition into the out-of-focus background [1][3]. The 11-blade rounded diaphragm contributes to soft, even bokeh without harsh artefacts [1]. Leica states that vignetting and distortion, common in fast lenses, are very well controlled in this design [3]. The overall character is one of strong central sharpness combined with pronounced three-dimensional subject separation, which is the trait most often singled out by users [1][4].

Digital use The lens was designed with digital M bodies such as the M10 in mind, and it adapts to the SL system, where electronic viewfinding and in-body stabilisation assist accurate focusing wide open [1].

History

Development and Launch Leica announced the Summilux-M 90 mm f/1.5 ASPH. in December 2019, presenting it as a new benchmark for portrait photography within the M system and as the fastest lens of its focal length the company had made [1][2][3]. It followed shortly after the Noctilux-M 75mm f/1.25 ASPH. and shared that lens's emphasis on extreme aperture speed and shallow depth of field rather than compactness [1]. At launch it carried a high list price, reported around 12,995 US dollars [1].

Special editions No major factory special editions or alternative finishes of this lens are widely documented; it has been catalogued in black anodised finish under order number 11678 [2].

Collector Notes The lens is identified by the engraved Summilux-M 90 mm 1:1.5 ASPH. markings and the order number 11678 [2]. Buyers should confirm the presence and smooth operation of the built-in, twist-lock lens hood, since it is integral to the barrel rather than a removable accessory [1][3]. Its considerable size and weight, comparable to the 75mm Noctilux, are worth noting for handling expectations on a compact M body [1]. As a current and relatively recent lens, condition and accessory completeness (caps and original packaging) are the main points to verify rather than version or coating differences.

Sources

• [1] Red Dot Forum. Leica Summilux-M 90mm f/1.5 ASPH. https://www.reddotforum.com/content/2019/12/leica-summilux-m-90mm-f-1-5-asph/
• [2] Leica Camera USA. Leica Summilux-M 90mm f/1.5 ASPH. Black Anodized. https://leicacamerausa.com/leica-summilux-m-90mm-f-1-5-asph-black-anodized.html
• [3] Leica Camera AG. Press Release: Leica Summilux-M 90 mm f/1.5 ASPH., the new benchmark standard for portrait photography. https://leica-camera.com/en-int/Company/Press-Centre/Press-Releases/2019-not-urgent-translatable/Press-Release-Leica-Summilux-M-90-mm-f-1.5-ASPH.-the-new-benchmark-standard-for-portrait-photography
• [4] Thorsten Overgaard. Leica 90mm Summilux-M ASPH f/1.5 (Type 11678) Review and Sample Photos. https://www.overgaard.dk/Leica-90mm-Summilux-f-1-5-review-and-sample-photographs-Page-1.html