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| Photo: Leica |
Leica has announced an updated version of one of its iconic lenses, expanding the Leica Classic Line in the process. The Summilux-M 50mm F1.4 (I) was launched in 1959 as the first offering under the Summilux umbrella. Thus, the lens has 65 years of history under its belt. This marks the fifth lens in the Leica Classic Line, joining the ranks of the Summaron-M 28mm F5.6, Thambar-M 90mm F2.2, Noctilux-M 50mm F1.2 ASPH and the Summilux-M 35mm F1.4.
The Summilux name is derived from the Latin “summa lux,” which means “maximum light,” in reference to its wide F1.4 aperture. The new lens stays true to its roots in form and function. In fact, Leica says that the Summilux-M 50mm F1.4 (II) is “an almost unchanged version” of the lens that was produced from 1962 to 2004. Indeed, like the original, it features seven lens elements in five groups. It also keeps the 12-blade aperture diaphragm of the historic model.
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| Photo: Leica |
Like the first iteration, the updated Summulux-M 50mm promises “impressive image quality” with soft bokeh at wide apertures. It isn’t all original, though. Leica says that it will be sharper and have higher contrast than its historical predecessor due to modern production techniques. Leica didn’t offer any more details about how that improved quality is achieved, though. “The new edition of this classic lens fulfils all the requirements of modern M-Cameras with a high-resolution sensor,” says Leica. Another benefit of the second edition is a shorter close focusing distance of 0.7m (2.3ft), down from the original version’s 1m (3.3ft).
The Summilux-M 50mm F1.4 (II) features the “Made in Germany” label. It is made by hand from solid brass and comes with a round vintage lens hood. Leica also says it will be the first Leica lens in the newly designed packaging, which does away with all plastic.
The Leica Summilux-M 50mm F1.4 (II) is now available for purchase through Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store and specialist retailers for $3895.
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Manufacturer sample images:
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| Photo: Leica |
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| Photo: Leica |
Press release:
Leica Summilux-M 50 f/1.4
Wetzlar, 20 February 2025
Lenses from Leica boast a tradition that spans over 150 years. During this time, many handcrafted masterpieces have been created and have gone on to reach numerous milestones while defining trend-setting standards. The history of the legendary M-Lenses began over 70 years ago. Each of them tells a success story, with some of these legends now enjoying a renaissance decades later. This is the case for the new Leica Summilux-M 50 f/1.4.
The Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 (I) was launched onto the market in 1959 as the first lens released under the name Summilux. This is derived from the Latin “summa lux”, meaning “maximum light”. Since then, Summilux has become synonymous for particularly fast Leica lenses featuring an aperture of f/1.4 to f/1.7. The new interpretation combines the classic vintage look with state-of-the-art technology and is the fifth member of the Leica Classic Line. Just like the Summaron-M 28 f/5.6, the Thambar-M 90 f/2.2, the Noctilux-M 50 f/1.2 ASPH. and the Summilux-M 35 f/1.4, its timeless aesthetics are reminiscent of its historical predecessor.
The optical calculation is based on the second Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 (II), an almost unchanged version of which was produced from 1962 to 2004. It is noted for its impressive image quality and unmatched image characteristics at a wide aperture. The new Summilux-M also captures the moment in this unique look with particularly soft bokeh when a wide aperture is used, making it ideal for portrait photography. When stopped down, the new lens produces sharper and higher-contrast images than its historical predecessor. This is ensured by modern production techniques and the use of special types of glass. The new edition of this classic lens fulfils all the requirements of modern M-Cameras with a high-resolution sensor. Compared to its historical predecessor, it offers even more creative freedom thanks to its extended close focusing distance of 0.7 m.
Like all M-System lenses, the new Summilux-M proudly bears the “Made in Germany” label and is testament to the quality for which Leica lenses are known all around the world. The new lens is made by hand from solid brass and fitted with a high-quality, round vintage lens hood. As the new standard lens in the Leica Classic Line, it combines a charming vintage design with technical precision par excellence.
The Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 is the first Leica lens to come in the newly designed packaging. The high-quality boxes do not contain any plastic at all and are also produced in Germany.
The Leica Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 is now available worldwide from all Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store and specialist retailers. The recommended retail price is EUR 3,850.00 incl. VAT.
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This article comes from DP Review and can be read on the original site.
