Leica Introduces Three New Limited Edition Lenses to Their Lineup

Leica is known for their occasional gear releases that have cosmetic features different from their normal offerings. They are often limited runs and some sell out fast. These three lenses are the latest edition to that small-run lineup.

First up is the much revered Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH which is now in a black-chrome edition. It comes with an all brass hood and cap in matching color and the design aesthetics resemble the classic Type 2 lens from the 1950s with the scalloped focus ring. This lens is in an edition of 700 and comes with a bit of a price bump at $1,600 dollars more at retail. I've always loved the early lenses and their look and can see how this would be appealing to the discerning collector.

Up next is the recently re-released cult classic Leica Summaron-M 28mm f/5.6 now in matte black paint. It too comes with a matching hood. The price isn't that much more than the silver version and costs an additional $400 over that one. It's limited to 500. This lens has always intrigued me and I looked at getting it when I was putting together my Leica kit but opted for the 28mm Summarit ASPH as the speed seemed more important for my needs and what amounts to an all around lens for my Leica.

Finally, the newest lens to the Leica limited edition family is the Leica Summilux-M 28mm f/1.4 ASPH. in silver anodized coloring. It too is an extra $400 over the price of the stock black version. I've never found the 28mm Summilux to be that wonderful in its rendering but that's probably because I can't afford it either. It's in an edition of 300.

Overall, these lenses look pretty good with the APO Summicron being the niftiest looker to me. And, as we know: the better your gear looks, the better your photos look. These will be releasing sometime in March so keep an eye out at retailers for your chance to get them.