Leica 50mm f2 ASPH APO-Summicron-M Lens

The new Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH. lens is yet more clear proof of Leica's leading role in optical excellence. With this new lens, Leica engineers have successfully expanded the limits of the technically possible to set new standards in imaging performance. It is the first lens ever to fully exploit the capabilities of modern high-resolution camera systems without any compromises.

This lens is a new milestone in the history of optical design that achieves previously unattainable values in all technical performance characteristics. For instance, there is practically no fall-off at the edges - even at full aperture - in the MTF curves for image sharpness. Even the finest details are rendered with more than 50% contrast - a previously unheard of value that confirms the exceptional properties of this lens.

This enormous contrast enables extremely sharp images with superb corner-to-corner detail rendition in all photographic situations. At the same time, the apochromatic correction of the lens minimises chromatic aberration on sharp edges to ensure natural rendition of every detail. This results in outstanding pictures - even in large-format prints. The Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH. provides discerning photographers with a new high-performance lens in the portfolio of standard focal lengths.

Peter Karbe, head of Leica optical systems development, and photographer Peter Ferreira have tested the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH. for us in advance. Take a look here and compare the personal opinions, formed independently of one another, of a developer and a photographer on the new M-Lens.

Specifications

Mount Type: Leica M quick-change bayonet
Focal Length: 50 mm
Aperture :f/2.0 - f/16
Filter Size:  E39 
Angle of View
Diagonal: 47°
Horizontal: 40°
Vertical: 27°
Elements/Groups: 8 elements in 5 groups
Focus Range: 2.3' (0.7 m) - infinity
Iris Blades: 11
Reproduction Ratio Max.: Approx. 1:11.3
Lens Hood: Built-in, extendable by rotating
Dimensions (Diam. x L): Approx. 2.1 x 1.9" (53 x 47 mm)
Weight: Approx. 0.66 lb (0.30 kg)

Leica's lens manufacturing is designed to deliver high performance lenses that ensure the best possible picture in any given situation. To achieve this goal, in-depth knowledge of the properties of hundreds of types of glass, the effectiveness of complex coatings, precision manufacturing, and customised fine-tuning, is imperative.



It takes decades of experience to produce perfect image quality. This however is nothing less than the basic requirement when our objective is to supply photographers with equipment capable of achieving pictures of unsurpassed crisp quality, colour brilliance, fullness of detail and richness of contrast.