Leica’s Classic 50mm Summilux-M f/1.4 Has Been Reimagined

Vintage rangefinder camera with chrome lens and leather strap, shot against dark background.

Leica first made their Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 in 1959. It’s a classic focal length, arguably an essential lens for most genres of photography. This recent rebirth is based on the optical calculations of the second Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4, produced from 1962 to 2004.

The new Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 maintains its classic styling and is combined with state-of-the-art technology. M cameras have been enjoying a renaissance of late. Leica does a fantastic job of combining the vintage charm of their lenses and maintaining classical good looks with unrivaled image characteristics and quality when paired with Leica’s latest high-resolution 60 MP cameras.

Close-up of a vintage rangefinder lens showing aperture, distance, and depth-of-field scales.

Top-down view of a Leica rangefinder camera with mounted lens, showing aperture and shutter speed dials.

When used wide open, a 12-bladed diaphragm produces silky-soft bokeh, ideal for portrait photography requiring that unique look. Stopped down, this new Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 produces sharper and higher-contrast images than its historical predecessor. Its minimal focus distance is 0.7 m.

Leica Camera Wetzlar lens with matching lens hood shown separately against white background.

The lens is handmade in Germany from solid brass with chrome plating and comes with a round vintage-style hood. It’s the perfect travel lens: small, weighs 417 g, and offers excellent low-light performance and unrivaled image quality. Equally important for many is that it looks stunningly beautiful. Its no-compromise craftsmanship oozes quality and feels great to use.

It’s available for pre-order now at $3,895.

Simon is a professional photographer and video producer, with over 35 years experience. He spends his time between Canada and the UK. He has worked for major brands, organizations and publications; shooting travel, tourism, food, and lifestyle. For fun he enjoys black and white photography, with a penchant for street and landscapes.

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