50MM BAYONET MOUNT LENSES

It is important to note that Leica lenses had their focal lengths specified in millimeters from 1925 to 1928, in centimeters from 1928 to 1970, and again in millimeters from 1971 onwards³⁶⁰.

50mm f/1.5 Summarit

Introduced in 1954²²³
production of lens elements was done by Ernst Leitz Canada³¹
A prototype non-folding octagonal hood was developed, featuring two dimples for bayonet attachment to the lens's notched ring, along with a cut-out to avoid obstructing the camera's rangefinder windows. This design also requires precise alignment with the lens for proper function, which led Leitz to favor the XOONS clamping hood while retaining the octagonal shape²²³
Few bayoneting hoods were sold with early lenses with serial numbers 491XXX, making them rare. After the prewar glass was exhausted, a new series with serial number 740XXX was introduced, along with lenses from the 801XXX, 820XXX, and 954XXX batches, all featuring the Taylor, Taylor, and Hobson patent engraving. These markings were discontinued in 1952, with the 999XXX batch being the first without them. Although over 8000 Summarit lenses have these markings, they are sometimes marketed as a rarity²²³
Small Canadian batches recorded include serial numbers 1053XXX, 1246XXX, and 1418XXX. Initially, the Midland plant only assembled lens components that were shipped from Wetzlar. These lenses can be easily identified by the presence of an optical unit marked "Canada," while the focusing mount is engraved with "Germany." This arrangement provided a source of quick cash for the Canadian operations. Eventually, the Midland plant was able to produce all of the required lens components, and these fully Canadian lenses have "Canada" engraved on the focusing mount²²³
As production of the Summarit continued, advancements in lens coating systems resulted in improved optical performance. Batches of Summarit lenses are recorded with serial numbers 1025XXX, 1052XXX, 1119XXX, 1210XXX, 1332XXX, 1392XXX, 1419XXX, 1500XXX, and 1535XXX. Mechanical enhancements to the Summarit were limited to a redesign of the aperture system in 1957, which first appeared in the 1500XXX batch. This new design featured aperture stops engraved on the rotating aperture selection ring, which rotated around a fixed indicator on the stationary lens barrel. The notched front accessory ring was eliminated with the introduction of this new aperture system, making it impossible to use the bayonet-style accessory filters; instead, they were replaced with chrome 41mm screw-in filters²²³
The M bayonet mount version of the Summarit (SOOIA-M) was introduced in 1954, with serial numbers starting at 1210XXX. This lens was specifically designed to attach to the M3 camera and features a small red paint-filled dot machined into the rear at the 10 o’clock position for alignment. By the time of serial number 392XXX, this red dot had been replaced by a small red plastic ball cemented to the rear of the lens²²³
The final batch of SOOIA-M lenses, numbered 1535XXX, included a screwmount lens that was equipped with a permanently affixed 50mm M lens adapter, designated as IRZOO. These adapted screwmount lenses are the only truly uncommon version of the bayonet Summarit²²³
Canadian-manufactured SOOIA-M lenses are relatively rare and can be found in the 1246XXX and 1415XXX series. Production of all Summarit lenses ceased after the introduction of the new 50mm f/1.4 Summilux in 1959. Notably, the prototype 50mm f/1.4 Summilux lenses were marked as "50 / 1.4 Summarit."²²³

50mm f/2 Collapsible Summicron

The 50mm Summicron was first introduced as a collapsible lens with the M3 in 1954³¹⁴
Three of the seven elements in the 50mm f/2 Collapsible Summicron are made from LaK9 glass²¹⁷

50mm f/2 Summicron Rigid

The rigid version, featuring a revised optical formula, was introduced in 1956³¹⁴
Three of the seven elements in the 50mm f/2 Collapsible Summicron are made from LaK9 glass. To eliminate all "suspect" lens elements, another element was changed to LaK9, resulting in the new design known as the rigid Summicron, introduced in 1956²¹⁷
While the basic lens design of the 50mm f/2 Summicron Rigid resembles that of the 50mm f/2 Collapsible Summicron (LTM), there are significant differences. For instance, the distance between the first and second elements (the well-known 'air glass') is 1.52mm in the 50mm f/2 Summicron Rigid , compared to just 0.28mm in the 50mm f/2 Collapsible Summicron (LTM). Additionally, the radius, thickness, and types of glass used are different. Though both lenses appear similar, the 50mm f/2 Summicron Rigid is noticeably longer²¹⁷
Catalog number 11117 for rare black paint version⁸³

50mm f/1.2 Noctilux

introduced in 1966 at Photokina⁶¹
the first 35mm format lens with aspheric surfaces, two in each lens¹⁴⁶
designed by the Leitz using the Elliott 402F computer¹⁴⁶
the first attempt by Leitz to produce a 35mm format lens with a speed greater that f/1.4¹⁸²
The development of new lens coatings and a special formula for high refractive index glass led to the design of the 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux , which matched the performance of the renowned Summicron at equivalent apertures. This lens achieved extremely high standards of contrast and resolution at its maximum aperture of f/1.2. A particular focus was placed on reducing coma, and the six-element, four-group double Gauss optical formula included two internal aspheric elements. The addition of these aspheric elements allowed the six-element design to minimize aberrations to nearly zero at maximum aperture.¹⁸²
The lens features a robust mount made of brass and anodized aluminum, weighing a substantial 0.52 kg and measuring 52 mm in length, with a maximum diameter of 60 mm. It utilizes Series 8 filters in the lens hood and has a near focus distance of one meter, with an angle of view of 45 degrees. The diaphragm can be stopped down to f/16 in half-click increments. The extremely shallow depth of field at maximum aperture challenges even Leitz’s exacting tolerances to maintain sharp focus at f/1.2.¹⁸²
The 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux lens was assigned catalog number 11820 in the Leitz catalog, where it remained for nine years, from 1966 to 1975. During this period, a limited range of accessories was also available, including a special front cap (catalog number 14102), a rear cap (catalog number 14051), a custom reversible lens hood (catalog number 12503), and a fitted leather case (catalog number 98283).¹⁸²
Producing the 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux was quite costly. Leitz manufactured the special glass in small quantities at their facility in Wetzlar, and the rejection rate for these glass melts was notably high. Additionally, the two aspheric elements required hand polishing through a proprietary process undertaken by highly trained technicians, resulting in a very slow production pace. Consequently, the sales price of the 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux was three times that of the 50mm f/1.4 Summilux , leading to lower sales volumes. This lens was primarily regarded as a prestige product, appealing to both specialists and discerning amateurs¹⁸²
The designers were Prof. Dr. H. Marx and Dr. P. Sindel., according to Walter Mandler¹⁸⁵
The serial numbers reserved for the 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux are¹⁸⁵:
1. 2176701 - 2176900¹⁸⁵
2. 2247651 - 2247900¹⁸⁵
3. 2254401 - 2255400¹⁸⁵
4. 2556551 – 2557550¹⁸⁵
Leitz has not disclosed specific production figures¹⁸²
50mm f/1.2 Noctilux was a state-of-the-art lens designed for low-light shooting. It was very expensive to produce and technically challenging to make. Estimates of how many units were produced vary between 500 and 2,500, but it is understood that the actual number was 1757.³²⁷
Work on the development of aspherical elements began at Leica in 1957. The first prototypes were created in April 1964, designed by Helmut Marx and Paul Sindel. Helmut Marx succeeded Professor Max Berek as head of photographic lens design in Wetzlar. He utilized an Elliott 402F computer for ray tracing during the design process, which significantly saved time³²⁷
The 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux features two aspherical elements (located at the front and rear), which were manufactured on a specially constructed grinding machine that required manual operation. There was only one of these machines, and it could only be operated by one person, Gerd Bergmann. Many elements produced during this process had to be discarded as defects³²⁷
Notably, the 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux did not include a filter thread on the front element; instead, this feature was part of the clip-on lens hood³²⁷
An internal memo from E. Leitz, Inc. New York, dated October 1966, indicated that the 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux would first be available in November/December 1966 in very limited quantities, with subsequent deliveries planned for mid-1967. The 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux catalog number appeared in the December 1966 consumer price list priced at 678 USD. The E. Leitz, Inc. New York product catalog #40 from June 1967 included the 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux , and by July 1968, Leitz Wetzlar had prepared an informative pamphlet (110-79) detailing the characteristics of the Noctilux³²⁹

50mm f/2 Summicron Dual Range

have "googles."¹⁹⁴
catalog number 11918⁴⁴
codenamed SOOIC-MN and later on SOMNI⁴⁴
the early versions of which had only a single focusing scale (in feet), and reproduction ratios engraved on the focusing mount, and an infrared index. Later version has dual scale in feet/meters, no reproduction ratios and no index. There was a slight different in scalloping between the two¹⁹⁴
The "googles" were given a separate catalog number and codeword (catalog number 14002/code-named SDPOO) since they were removable and could be purchased as a separate replacement item. The lens focused normally to 3'4" but with the RF unit attached could focus to 19". The function of the " googles" was to free the focusing mount for additional forward travel and to optically correct the parallax in the close up range. This seven element lens was discontinued over twenty years ago (earlier than 1975)¹⁹⁴
A distance scale in inches (& metres) is engraved on the focusing mount at 4-inch intervals from 20 - 36 inches.⁴³
The lens head can be unscrewed for use in the UOORF adapter and other accessories⁴³
It is important to remember that before a bayonet can be attached to an M6, it must be set to infinity. Once this is done, it can function within its normal range, focusing down to 1 meter (approximately 40 inches). However, with the M6 TTL, it is not possible to utilize the close-range feature that allows rangefinder focusing down to 0.46 meter (19 inches) when “googles” are fitted²³⁵
The bodies of the M6 TTL are 2mm higher than earlier M models, which means a peg on the rear of the dual-range goggles prevents them from being properly attached to the lens. In some rare cases, there may also be a compatibility issue with "classic" M6 models. This occurs because the top plates—excluding those with a titanium finish or certain special anniversary models—are made from a zinc alloy casting rather than the previous deep-drawn brass. The cast top plate is slightly thicker at certain points, interfering with the peg's placement in the horizontal plane, leading to insufficient clearance²³⁵

50mm f/2 Summicron

made between 1969 and 1979²²²
Catalog Number 11817²²²
6 element²²²

50mm f/2 ELCAN

This uncommon lens from the early 1970s, designed for the specially-prepared military M4 known as the KE-7A, appeared to be an optically interesting item but otherwise seemed relatively insignificant, with questionable performance that would only attract collectors.³³⁰
Dr. Walter Mandler, co-developer of the lens, said: “Around 1970, a competitive bid was requested for a 35 mm rangefinder camera made on the North American continent. The performance specifications did not require the image quality offered by the 5 cm f/2 Summicron. The way competitive bids for the military are evaluated, the surplus quality would not have counted in our favor. Therefore, it was prudent to design a less expensive lens. That this lens happened to be smaller was incidental. In image quality, I would place it between the 5 cm f/2 Summitar and the first Summicron (or Summitar*). The lens type that we have used is overstrained as far as field coverage goes. As you may have recognized, the new Colorplan 2.5/90† is the same type of optical construction. In this combination of aperture and focal length, the performance is flawless.”³³⁰
The author has come across various somewhat contradictory conjectures online regarding the purpose of the 50mm f/2 ELCAN lens for military use. These discussions extend beyond just cost and the minor issue of barrel length, touching on aspects such as ruggedness (temperature and shock resistance due to the use of non-cemented elements), protection against infrared or other forms of radiation, and questions about optical resolution, particularly given the choices of specialized and reportedly costly glass types.³³⁰
Essentially, the 50mm f/2 ELCAN lens was a 'stripped-down' version of the standard 50mm f/2 Summicron, incorporating one fewer lens element (four instead of six), which led to a shorter focusing mount. This reduction was primarily for cost reasons. To my knowledge, there were no additional features such as winterizing, ruggedness, or IR capability incorporated into the lens by Dr. Walter Mandler.³³⁰
Unfortunately, for Leica enthusiasts, much of the documentary information following the transition of Leica lens manufacturing from Midland to Wetzlar/Solms was likely either transferred or purged. During this time, Ernst Leitz Canada shifted its focus entirely to government contracts, entertainment, medical, and industrial markets.³³⁰
The Army manual that accompanied the KE-7A and the 50mm f/2 ELCAN contains no indication of sophisticated military applications, although it does provide extensive maintenance instructions.³³⁰

50mm f/1 Noctilux Version 1

50mm f/1 Noctilux features a highly refractive optical glass developed by Leitz, which was first used in the original 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux of 1966. This unique glass, with a refractive index greater than 1.9, is exclusively produced by Ernst Leitz GmbH in Wetzlar. According to designer Walter Mandler from Ernst Leitz, Canada, this glass is "indispensable for maintaining optimum contrast throughout the entire image area." The new 50mm f/1 Noctilux will be manufactured in Midland, Ontario⁶¹
The 50mm f/1 Noctilux has a more complex design, utilizing seven glass elements arranged in six components, including a thin "air-lens" positioned between the second and third elements. This advancement allowed the designers to eliminate the costly aspheric surfaces found in the original 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux of 1966. The modified Gauss construction retains the high contrast characteristic of its predecessor, particularly at apertures between f/1 and f/2. This makes the 50mm f/1 Noctilux particularly advantageous for use in low-light conditions with both color and black-and-white high-speed films.⁶¹
did not include any aspherical elements.³²⁷
This model was launched in 1976 and achieved great success, remaining in production until 2008.³²⁷
Angle of view --- 45°⁶¹
Number of elements --- 7⁶¹
Number of components --- 6⁶¹
Filter size --- E58⁶¹
External mount diameter --- A61⁶¹
Smallest aperture --- f/16⁶¹
Click-stops (incl. half values)⁶¹
Combined feet/meter scale⁶¹
Focusing range --- Infinity to 1 m⁶¹
Nonrotating focusing mount⁶¹
Weight --- Approximately 600g⁶¹
Black finish ⁶¹
Total mechanical length (from bayonet flange) --- Approximately 62mm⁶¹
Maximum outer diameter --- 69mm⁶¹
Smallest object field --- 420 x 630mm (16. 5" x 24 .8")⁶¹

50mm f/2 Summicron-M

Introduced in 1979⁸⁸
The minimum focusing distance is 0.7 m⁸⁸
the smallest object area is therefore 41.6 x 27.7 cm^⁸⁸
A new computation has made it possible to reduce the size and the weight⁸⁸
It weighs no more than 195g⁸⁸
Catalog number 11819⁸⁸

50mm f/2.8 Collapsible Elmar

introduced in the set with Leica M6J¹⁸⁶
Introduced in 1994¹⁸⁶
This lens has undergone a complete mechanical and optical redesign from the original model created in the 1950s. Notably, it features a non-rotating focusing mount. Additionally, the use of modern optical glass types has enabled an enhancement in imaging performance while maintaining the same number of elements as the original version¹⁸⁶

50mm f/1 Noctilux Version 2

The 50mm f/1 Noctilux Version 2 features a permanently integrated telescopic lens hood, unlike its predecessor, the 50mm f/1 Noctilux Version 1 . This design maximizes protection against stray light, reflections, and external influences, while minimally obstructing the Leica M camera's viewfinder image. The retail price for this lens is 2895 USD. ¹⁹⁰

The 50mm f/1 Noctilux Version 2 performs exceptionally well in both near and far focusing ranges, making it suitable for various normal light conditions, including landscape photography. Leica Camera has developed a high-refractive glass specifically for this ultra-high-speed lens, which renders colors slightly "warmer" than other lenses in the Leica M range. This effectively corrects the often-unwelcome bluish tint of distant backgrounds caused by haze. ¹⁹⁰

50mm f/2 Summicron-M

Introduced in 1994 ¹⁸⁶

New design¹⁸⁶
features a built-in telescopic lens hood¹⁸⁶
The outside dimensions are only slightly changed from the previous model and the weight is almost identical¹⁸⁶
The lens has not been changed optically since its performance is already optimized¹⁸⁶
The lens will be supplied in both black adonized and silver chrome finishes¹⁸⁶
price for the black lens is 945 USD¹⁸⁶
price for the silver chrome version is 1095 USD¹⁸⁶
E39¹⁸⁶
Has a new lens cap due to the new built-in telescopic lens hood¹⁸⁶

50mm f/1.4 Summilux

Introduced in 1996 at Photokina ²⁰³
Focus down to 0.7m^²⁸⁵

50mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH

The lens was introduced in 2004, and it was highly anticipated as it incorporated numerous new optical technologies, significantly improving upon the previous legendary "speed king," the Summilux. The goal of the optical designers at Leica was to create a reference lens that would push the boundaries of imaging performance and set a new benchmark for the standard 50mm focal length.^{^²⁶⁵}
This lens builds upon the principles of optical design and philosophy established by Lothar Kolsch's groundbreaking 35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M AA (Double Aspherical) lens in 1989. It represents the first major redesign since the original Summilux lens was introduced in 1962. Notably, the original 50mm f/1.4 Summilux lens was extensively based on the earlier 50mm f/1.5 Summarit design, which itself drew from the 50mm f/1.5 Xenon lens developed in the early 1930s.^{^{^²⁶⁵}}
For many years, conventional wisdom suggested that the Double Gauss lens formula had reached a design plateau in the late 1970s, with no further advancements expected from this configuration. As recently as 2000, Leica’s optical designers believed it was impossible to incorporate the design benefits of the 35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH into a standard 50mm M lens. The resulting lens would have been too large and would have surpassed even Leica's manufacturing tolerance levels.^{^{^²⁶⁵}}
The challenges were met by utilizing the latest innovations in lens technology, including aspherical lenses, glass with anomalous partial dispersion (APO), high refractive index glass, and a floating element design. ^{^²⁶⁵}
The lens comprises eight elements arranged in five groups. Elements 2 and 3 are made from glass with partial anomalous dispersion, with element 2 being a fluorite-type glass and element 3 crafted from material originating in the former Leitz glass laboratory. Element 4 features an aspherical surface, while elements 1, 6, and 7 are composed of high refractive index glass. This lens also introduces "floating elements" (elements 7 and 8), which move independently of the other optical components to enhance close-focusing performance.^{^²⁶⁵}
Initially, the lens will only be available in a black anodized finish, catalog number 11891. It includes a built-in locking lens hood, and aside from the familiar knurled focusing ring, it is designed with a finger tab to facilitate one-handed focusing. The focusing range extends from 0.7 meters to infinity, with an aperture range of f/1.4 to f/16 featuring half-stop settings. The smallest object field is 11 x 16 inches, and the reproduction ratio is 1:11.3. The filter size is E 46, mounted in a non-rotating fashion. ^{^²⁶⁵}
The external dimensions of the lens are 52.5 mm in length and 53.5 mm in maximum width, with a weight of 335 grams. It is expected to be available in July 2004 at a minimum advertised price of 2495.00 USD.^{^{^²⁶⁵}}

50mm f/2.5 Summarit-M

The lens was introduced in 2007²⁸⁵

50mm f/0.95 Noctilux

Introduced at Photokina 2008 ²⁸³
In 2009 Leica introduced Peter Karbe's 50mm f/0.95 Noctilux ³²⁸
a double Gauss design with two aspherical elements³²⁸

50mm f/1.2 Noctilux Reissue

Reissue of 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux of 1966³²⁷
introduced in 2020³²⁷
This lens is the third reissue by Leica, following the reissues of the 28mm f/5.6 Summaron, and the 90mm f/2.2 Thambar³²⁷
The 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux Reissue lens does have a filter thread ands that's the only obvious difference between the 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux Reissue and the original 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux of 1966. Even the lens hood is superficially identical. (Although it says "LEICA CAMERA WETZLAR" and misses out the 'GERMANY' on the original 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux of 1966. Otherwise, the size, handling and appearance of the 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux Reissue is just the same as the original 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux of 1966³²⁷
It focuses down to 1m ³²⁷
50mm f/1.2 Noctilux Reissue is coming in two versions: black with aluminum body for 7000 euros and silver chrome version with a brass body in a strictly limited edition of 100 copies for 15000 euros ³²⁷

50mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH 'Close-Focus'

The lens was introduced in 2023 and features a new close-focus helicoid that allows it to be focused down to 0.45 meters. This enhancement increases the maximum magnification from 1:11.3 to 1:6.4.³⁴⁵
It has 11 aperture blades, providing better control over depth of field. There is a noticeable detent at the point where the lens focuses closer than 70 cm, after which you will need to use Live View on the LCD or the electronic viewfinder (EVF) for focusing.³⁴⁵
Leica has made modifications to the edges of the lens elements to improve definition from the center to the edges. The lens is optimized for use with the M11 sensor, and as a result, it should showcase even more improvements when paired with the M11 and M11M models.³⁴⁵
It is available in silver chrome-plated or black anodized finishes³⁴⁵

50mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M ASPH

In 2012, Leica Camera AG in Solms introduced the APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH lens. The lens's MTF (Modulation Transfer Function) curves demonstrate its outstanding performance, showcasing the contrast of fine details and the resulting image sharpness. The lens resolves even the finest details with over 50% contrast across the entire image field, an achievement that highlights its exceptional quality.²⁹⁶
As a result, images taken with the 50 mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M ASPH exhibit extreme sharpness and detailed resolution from corner to corner, regardless of the shooting situation. Additionally, the apochromatic correction minimizes chromatic aberration on sharp edges, ensuring a natural representation of every detail.²⁹⁶
The design of the 50 mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M ASPH is based on the optical design of its predecessor, which has been part of the Leica M portfolio since 1979, making it the oldest lens in the lineup. This lens incorporates a floating element; the lens group behind the diaphragm adjusts its position relative to the front group during focusing²⁹⁶
The black finish of the 50 mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M ASPH became available from authorized Leica dealers at the end of July 2012²⁹⁶
It was acknowledged that using very expensive types of glass and maintaining exceptionally precise engineering tolerances meant that this lens could never be cheap.³⁰⁰

50mm f/2.4 Summarit-M

Redesigned and reintroduced in 2014³⁰²

50mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M ASPH LHSA 50th Anniversary Edition

Redesigned and reintroduced in 2014³⁰²
Introduced in 2018³¹⁴
The 50mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M ASPH LHSA 50th Anniversary Edition lens was created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Leica Historical Society of America (LHSA).³¹⁴
resembles "wide-knurled focus ring" version of 50mm f/2 Summicron Rigid from 1956 externally³¹⁴
optically, similar to 50mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M ASPH³¹⁴
available in both Black Paint and Silver Chrome, crafted from brass³¹⁴
Unlike the 50mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M ASPH, this special edition model features a separate, detachable lens hood, also made of solid brass, along with a specially engraved Leica lens cap³¹⁴
With the new LHSA Special Edition lens, you can enjoy the classic look and feel of the renowned "wide-knurled focus ring" version of 50mm f/2 Summicron Rigid from 1956, combined with the cutting-edge performance for which the 50mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M ASPH is known.³¹⁴