50MM BAYONET MOUNT LENSES

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The reader is advised to read the "5cm f/2 Collapsible Summicron" section of the "Screw Mount Lenses 50mm" prior to reading about bayonet mount collapsible 50mm f/2 Summicron.

The collapsible 50mm f/2 Summicron in bayonet mount (SOOIC-M³⁶¹/11116⁵⁴²) was first introduced with the Leica M3 in 1954³¹⁴.

The collapsible 50mm f/2 Summicron was completed in 1949 and utilized a new type of lanthanum ('rare earth') glass provided by the British firm Chance Brothers Glass³⁶¹. In 1952, a new design computation became necessary when Schott glass had to be incorporated³⁶¹. This Summicron design was initially 'tested' in a disguise as a 5cm f/2 Summitar* lens, which was widely considered to be its prototype³⁶¹. Two small batches of 5cm f/2 Summitar* lens were produced in September 1950³⁶¹.

The design of 50mm f/2 Summicron was created by Gustav Kleineberg and Otto Zimmermann³⁶¹. Several³⁶¹ of seven elements⁵⁴² of the lens contained thorium oxide, which emits radioactive radiation³⁶¹. To prevent this radiation from fogging the film emulsion, the last element of the lens was made of flint glass containing lead, which blocked the radiation from reaching the film³⁶¹. 

The original Leitz documentation praised this lens highly, stating, "With the Summicron, we have created a small-format (35-mm) lens of the highest possible performance, uniting the advances in glass research with the latest insights from the optical design department."³⁶¹ A more measured assessment might be that, while the lens performed better than its predecessor at maximum aperture, it still exhibited low overall contrast despite good definition of finer details³⁶¹. It offered excellent colour correction and effectively captured subtle nuances³⁶¹.

Some collapsible 50mm f/2 Summicron lenses had their lens changing index engraved, while others had red plastic hemisphere to indicate the same⁵⁴².

The minimum focusing distance was 100cm³⁶¹. The lens weighted 220 grams and the filter size was E39³⁶¹. 

Suitable lens hoods for this lens included ITDOO/12570, IROOA/12571 and 12585⁵⁴².

Less than 10 lenses were made in black paint, and among them were:

• collapsible 50mm f/2 Summicron in bayonet mount numbered 1167851 with feet scale was auctioned off at the 13th WestLicht Photographica auction⁴¹¹. This lens was delivered to delivered to retailer Wykeham, London⁵⁸⁵.
• collapsible 50mm f/2 Summicron in bayonet mount numbered 1253318* with feet scale was sold for 33600 Euros including buyer's premium at the 48th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 13, 2026⁵⁸⁵. This lens was delivered to delivered on July 22, 1955 to retailer Wykeham, London⁵⁸⁵.
• collapsible 50mm f/2 Summicron in bayonet mount numbered 1379602 was illustrated in James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 2 - Lenses - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴².
• collapsible 50mm f/2 Summicron in bayonet mount numbered 1379603 with feet scale was part of a prominent Chinese collection in May 2026. According to the owner, this lens was shipped with the original Leica MP-44 (personal correspondence).

The 1379604 had gold finish and came in the outfit with gold finished Leica M3 number 834000. Accprdomg to the 13th Westlicht Photographica Auction catalog, this Leica M3 was "One of only two known M3 cameras originally gold plated by Leitz with gold plated collapsible Summicron 2/5cm no.1379604, gold plated cap, gold plated Leica Meter MC no.51310. According to delivery records the camera was shipped to Ernst Leitz New York on July 28th, 1956".

Some of the known prototypes were: 

• An unnumbered prototype, was illustrated on the page 203 of Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck's "The Leica: A History Illustrating every Model and Accessory" book³⁶⁰ . The prototype was engraved "Summikron f=5cm 1:2 Nr"³⁶⁰ . This lens (or a very similar one) was part of a prominent Hong Kongese collection in August of 2026.  
•  An interesting black finished prototype number 0001060, illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014⁵⁹⁴.
• Another very similar one, 0001061, dated 1980s, was auctioned off at the 34th Leitz Photographica auction with the following description: "Summicron collapsible 2/50mm C241 prototype * unique prototype of a collapsible Summicron in M-Mount, construction formula C241, in typical Leica finish, total height 39mm, front element diameter 25mm, hand-engraved on barrel C241, in near mint condition, with special rear cap and front cap"³⁸⁹.
• Another very similar black finished prototype number 0001168 was illustrated on page 233 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 2 - Lenses - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴². Photograph was credited to "Bozzano photo"⁵⁴². This lens, engraved C276, was also illustrated on the Page 0 of the "Classic Camera" magazine Issue 10 from May 1999 and described as "The prototype with its simplified optics was designed especially for the US military but eventually went public as the Elcan 50mmf/2, a name derivedfrom that of the factory, Ernst Leitz Canada, where it was manufactured in 1970. (Private collection)".
• Prototype number 920084 was illustrated on page 6 of Viewfinder 14(1). It was a was a collapsible lens with dual focusing knobs. The lens in the illustration was mounted on an early Leica M3 camera with gray leather.
• Prototype number 1480824 was a collapsible lens with dual focusing knobs⁵⁴². The prototype was illustrated on page 231 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 2 - Lenses - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴². I t was also illustrated on the page 196 of Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck's "The Leica: A History Illustrating every Model and Accessory" book³⁶⁰ .  This lens belonged to Charles Messer in 1981 (see Viewfinder 14(1)). 

While not a Summicron, but a prototype bayonet mount 5cm f/1.5 Summitar number 763431 with 2 infinity locks was illustrated on page 6 of Viewfinder 14(1).

The collapsible 50mm f/2 Summicron was available in screw mount and bayonet mount from the beginning³⁶¹. In 1957, the rigid version replaced the collapsible M-mount lens, but the collapsible version remained in production until 1960 with the screw mount lens³⁶¹. The serial numbers ranged from 920000 through approximately 1481700 in both screw mount and bayonet mount lenses³⁶¹. 

50mm f/2 Summicron - Version 2 Rigid and Dual Range

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Prototype

Lens number 937471 was a rigid bayonet mount 5cm f/2 Summitar*⁵⁴². The prototype was illustrated on page 235 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 2 - Lenses - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴². The said prototype had "Betriebsk - WA" engraving, that stood for "Werbeabteilung" (advertising department)⁵⁴².The photograph was credited to "Bozzano photo"⁵⁴². The lens was auctioned off together with Leica M3 Nr. 0041 on June 11, 1998 at the Christie's. It was described as "chrome, prototype, the top-plate with external frame-counter and knurled shutter release button, the back-plate with built-in film punch, the inside shutter crate marked B.G.C. 41 M3, and with a Leitz prototype Summitar * (sic) 5cm. f/2 lens no. 937471 with knurled focusing ring and barrel engraved".

Prototype number 0000022 was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014⁵⁹⁴.

Prototype number 0000746, resembling a black rigid version of this lens, was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014⁵⁹⁴. 

Production

Three of the seven elements in the 50mm f/2 Summicron - Version 1 Collapsible were made from LaK9 glass²¹⁷. To eliminate all "suspect" lens elements, another element was changed to LaK9, resulting in the new design known as the rigid 50mm f/2 Summicron, introduced in 1956²¹⁷ (on the market since 1957³⁶¹). The rigid 50mm f/2 Summicron therefore comprised seven elements, four of which were LaK9-type elements³⁶¹. The distance between the first and second lens elements (the air lens) was increased from 0.28 mm to 1.52 mm, and the shape of the second element was altered as well³⁶¹. Changes were also made to the air lens between the third and fourth elements³⁶¹. There were rumours that Walther Mandler personally influenced these changes³⁶¹. 

Leitz designers also aimed to eliminate the inherent instability associated with the sliding tube of collapsible types, as the necessary mechanical clearance limited the precision of the mount³⁶¹.

Suitable lens hoods for this lens included ITDOO/12570, IROOA/12571 and 12585⁵⁴². 

The filter size was E39³⁶¹.

Variations

The variations of rigid mount 50mm f/2 Summicron - Version 2 included:

Lenses without near focusing: 

• Chrome finished rigid mount 11118 SOOIC-MS was introduced in 1956⁵⁴² (on the market since 1957³⁶¹). It was considered to be early variant and had distance scale in feet³⁶¹. The variant had a narrow, fine focusing ring⁵⁸⁸.
• Chrome finished rigid mount SOSIC / 11518³⁶¹. It was considered to be early variant and had distance scale in meters³⁶¹. The variant had a narrow, fine focusing ring⁵⁸⁸.
• Chrome finished rigid mount 11618³⁶¹. It was considered to be late variant and had distance scale in feet³⁶¹. The variant had a wide focusing ring⁵⁸⁸.
• Chrome finished rigid mount 11818³⁶¹. It was considered to be late variant and had distance scale in meters³⁶¹. The variant had a wide focusing ring⁵⁸⁸.
• According to James L. Lager there existed late versions of chrome finished rigid mount 11118 SOOIC-MS with dual feet/meters distance scale⁵⁴². One such lens was illustrated on page 62 of Camera Review No. 71 (Leica-Book '04). The variant had a wide focusing ring⁵⁸⁸.
• Black finished 11117 - from early 1961⁵⁴² (or March of 1963⁴⁷⁹). This was a rare variant, mostly found with matching black Leica M2, Leica M3, and original Leica MP of 1956 cameras³⁶⁰. Early black lenses were painted and later ones were anodized⁵⁴². The first batch of such lenses was 1468XXX (1957) and the last one was 2229XXX (1966) (author's note). The 11117 lens existed in the following batches: 1468XXX dated 1957-1958, 1474XXX dated 1957, 1582XXX dated 1958, 1587XXX dated 1957-1961 and 1963, 1623XXX dated 1958, 1836XXX dated 1961 and 1963, 1926XXX dated 1962 and 1964, 1954XXX dated 1962 and 1964, 1987XXX dated 1963, 2031XXX dated 1964, 2142XXX dated 1966, 2159XXX dated 1966, 2229XXX dated 1966 (author's note). The author of this website identified the following variations of the black finished 11117 lenses:
  • with brass mount (in the 1468XXX, 1474XXX, 1582XXX, 1587XXX, 1623XXX batches)
  • with black paint mount (in the 1474XXX, 1587XXX, 1597XXX batches)
  • with black anodized focusing ring and chrome lens mount (in the 1926XXX, 1954XXX, 2229XXX batches)
  • with feet engraved in red and meters in white (in the 1836XXX, 1926XXX, 1954XXX, 1987XXX, 2031XXX, 2142XXX, 2159XXX batches). According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
  • with feet engraved in yellow and meters in white (in the 1468XXX, 1474XXX, 2229XXX batches). According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
  • with feet engraved in white (in the 1468XXX, 1474XXX, 1587XXX, 1623XXX batches)
  • with meters engraved in white (in the 1474XXX, 1582XXX, 1587XXX, 1597XXX batches)
  • with wide focusing ring (in the 1468XXX, 1474XXX, 1836XXX, 1926XXX, 1954XXX, 1987XXX, 2031XXX, 2142XXX, 2159XXX, 2229XXX batches)
  • with narrow, fine focusing ring (in the 1468XXX, 1474XXX, 1582XXX, 1587XXX, 1597XXX, 1623XXX batches)

According to Masahiko Kurokawa, the early model of the black paint variant, which featured a narrow and finely textured focusing ring, achieved its black finish through a painting process⁵⁸⁸. The knurling on the focusing ring was made from aluminum alloy⁵⁸⁸. Additionally, the white barrel was painted in silver and black, while the lens barrel itself was finished entirely in black⁵⁸⁸. In the later model, which featured a wide focusing ring, the knurling on the focusing ring and the distance scale were finished in black anodized aluminum⁵⁸⁸.

Some known examples of the black finished 11117 lenses included:

• Lens number 1468274 was auctioned off on 16 WestLicht Protographica Auction. The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in yellow) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1468952 was auctioned off on 100 years of Leica Camera WestLicht Protographica Auction. The distance scale was in feet (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1468954 was auctioned off on 100 years of Leica Camera WestLicht Protographica Auction with the following description: "early with black mount". The distance scale was in feet (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1468956, dated 1957, was auctioned off on 35 Leitz Protographica Auction with the following description: "early black paint / brass mount". The distance scale was in feet (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1468976 was auctioned off on 22 WestLicht Protographica Auction with the following description: "early black painted and black mount". The distance scale was in feet (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1468986, dated 1958, was auctioned off on 47 Leitz Protographica Auction with the following description: "black paint / brass mount". The distance scale was in feet (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1468997, dated 1957, was auctioned off on 40 Leitz Protographica Auction with the following description: "The 6th Summicron 5cm black paint ever made!". The distance scale was in feet (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1468999, dated 1957, was auctioned off on 35 Leitz Protographica Auction with the following description: "early black paint / brass mount". The distance scale was in feet (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. It was illustrated on page 168 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 2 - Lenses - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴².
• Lens number 1474803 was auctioned off on 32 Leitz Protographica Auction with the following description: "with black mount". The distance scale was in feet (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1474805, dated 1957, was auctioned off on 37 Leitz Protographica Auction with the following description: "early black paint / brass mount". The distance scale was in feet (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1474808 was auctioned off on 37 Leitz Protographica Auction with the following description: "brass mount". The distance scale was in feet (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1474838 was auctioned off on 41 Leitz Protographica Auction with the following description: "very early black paint / brass mount". The distance scale was in feet (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1474844, dated 1957, was illustrated on page 167 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 2 - Lenses - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴². The distance scale was in feet (engraved in white)⁵⁴². The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring⁵⁴². The lens had black paint applied directly to brass lens mounting flange⁵⁴².
• Lens number 1474855, dated 1957, was auctioned off on 40 Leitz Protographica Auction with the following description: "early black paint / brass mount". The distance scale was in meters (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1474857 was auctioned off on 22 WestLicht Protographica Auction. The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in yellow) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1474865 was auctioned off on 19 WestLicht Protographica Auction with the following description: "black lens mount". The distance scale was in meters (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1474888, dated 1957, was auctioned off on 42 Leitz Protographica Auction with the following description: "black paint / brass mount". The distance scale was in meters (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1582116, dated 1958, was auctioned off on 39 Leitz Protographica Auction with the following description: "early black paint / brass mount". The distance scale was in meters (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1582155, dated 1958, was auctioned off on 45 Leitz Protographica Auction. The distance scale was in meters (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1587213, dated 1958, was auctioned off on 25 WestLicht Protographica Auction. The distance scale was in feet (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1587260, dated 1958, was auctioned off on 40 Leitz Protographica Auction with the following description: "early black paint / brass mount". The distance scale was in meters (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1587262 was auctioned off on 34 Leitz Protographica Auction with the following description: "black lens mount". The distance scale was in meters (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1587281 was auctioned off at the 48th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 13, 2026 with the following description: "black paint / brass mount".⁵⁸⁵.
• Lens number 1587295, dated 1961, was auctioned off on 46 Leitz Protographica Auction with the following description: "black paint / brass mount". The distance scale was in meters (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1587299 was auctioned off on 42 Leitz Protographica Auction with the following description: "black paint / brass mount". The distance scale was in meters (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1587336 was auctioned off on "100 years of Leica Camera" WestLicht Protographica Auction with the following description: "from a batch of 400 black paint lenses nos. 1587201 - 1587600". The distance scale was in feet (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1587365, dated 1959, was auctioned off on 46 Leitz Protographica Auction with the following description: "black paint / brass mount". The distance scale was in meters (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1587369, dated 1959, was auctioned off on 44 Leitz Protographica Auction. The distance scale was in meters (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1587400, dated 1958, was auctioned off on 36 Leitz Protographica Auction with the following description: "early black paint / brass mount". The distance scale was in meters (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1587405 was auctioned off on 8 WestLicht Protographica Auction with the following description: "first version with black bayonet mount". The distance scale was in meters (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1587420, dated 1960, was auctioned off on 40 Leitz Protographica Auction with the following description: "early black paint / brass mount". The distance scale was in meters (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1587449 was auctioned off on 40 Leitz Protographica Auction. The distance scale was in meters (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1587453, dated 1960, was auctioned off on 43 Leitz Protographica Auction with the following description: "black paint / brass mount". The distance scale was in meters (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1587458 was auctioned off on 38 Leitz Protographica Auction. The distance scale was in meters (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1587482 was auctioned off on 40 Leitz Protographica Auction with the following description: "black paint / brass mount". The distance scale was in meters (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1587502, dated 1958, was auctioned off on 43 Leitz Protographica Auction with the following description: "black paint / brass mount". The distance scale was in feet (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1587506, dated 1958, was auctioned off on 9 WestLicht Protographica Auction with the following description: "very early from the first batch". The distance scale was in feet (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1587509, dated 1957, was auctioned off on 37 Leitz Protographica Auction with the following description: "early black paint / brass mount". The distance scale was in feet (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1587523, dated 1958, was auctioned off on 17 WestLicht Protographica Auction. The distance scale was in feet (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1587559, dated 1957, was illustrated on page 167 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 2 - Lenses - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴². The distance scale was in feet (engraved in white)⁵⁴². The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring⁵⁴². 
• Lens number 1587561 was auctioned off on 43 Leitz Protographica Auction with the following description: "black paint / brass mount". The distance scale was in feet (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1587581, dated 1963, was auctioned off on 47 Leitz Protographica Auction with the following description: "black paint / brass mount". The distance scale was in feet (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1597350 was auctioned off on 29 WestLicht Protographica Auction with the following description: "with black mount". The distance scale was in meters (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1623671, dated 1958, was auctioned off on 22 WestLicht Protographica Auction with the following description: "early black painted Summicron with brass lens mount". The distance scale was in feet (engraved in white). The lens had narrow, fine focusing ring. 
• Lens number 1836335 was auctioned off on 9 WestLicht Protographica Auction. The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in red) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
• Lens number 1836376 was auctioned off on 21 WestLicht Protographica Auction. The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in red) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
• Lens number 1836420, dated 1961, was auctioned off on 19 WestLicht Protographica Auction. The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in red) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
• Lens number 1836429 was auctioned off on 37 Leitz Protographica Auction. The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in red) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
• Lens number 1836442, dated 1961, was auctioned off on 25 WestLicht Protographica Auction with the following description: "fully original black painted (focusing mount black anodized)". The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in red) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
• Lens number 1836466, dated 1963, was auctioned off on 43 Leitz Protographica Auction. The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in red) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
• Lens number 1926507, dated 1962, was auctioned off on 17 WestLicht Protographica Auction. The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in red) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
• Lens number 1926534 was auctioned off on 43 Leitz Protographica Auction. The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in red) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
• Lens number 1926548 was auctioned off on 8 WestLicht Protographica Auction. The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in red) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
• Lens number 1926588, dated 1964, was auctioned off on 46 Leitz Protographica Auction. The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in red) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
• Lens number 1926616, dated 1962, was auctioned off on 44 Leitz Protographica Auction. The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in red) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
• Lens number 1926669 was auctioned off on 38 Leitz Protographica Auction. The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in red) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
• Lens number 1926683, dated 1962, was auctioned off on 29 WestLicht Protographica Auction. The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in red) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
• Lens number 1926698, dated 1962, was auctioned off on 34 Leitz Protographica Auction with the following description: "late version, anodized focusing ring and chrome lens mount". The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in red) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
• Lens number 1954505, dated 1962, was auctioned off on 9 WestLicht Protographica Auction. The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in red) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
• Lens number 1954531 was auctioned off on 29 WestLicht Protographica Auction. The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in red) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
• Lens number 1954543, dated 1964, was auctioned off on 47 Leitz Protographica Auction. The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in red) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
• Lens number 1954546, dated 1962, was auctioned off on 14 WestLicht Protographica Auction. The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in red) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
• Lens number 1954607 was auctioned off on 38 Leitz Protographica Auction. The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in red) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
• Lens number 1954611, dated 1964, was auctioned off on 39 Leitz Protographica Auction with the following description: "infinity-locking knob removed". The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in red) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
• Lens number 1954628, dated 1964, was auctioned off on 43 Leitz Protographica Auction. The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in red) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
• Lens number 1954636, dated 1964, was auctioned off on 47 Leitz Protographica Auction. The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in red) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
• Lens number 1954639 was auctioned off on 26 WestLicht Protographica Auction. The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in red) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
• Lens number 1954680, dated 1962, was auctioned off on 33 Leitz Protographica Auction with the following description: "late version, anodized focusing ring and chrome lens mount". The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in red) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
• Lens number 1954688, dated 1962, was auctioned off on 41 Leitz Protographica Auction. The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in red) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
• Lens number 1954700, dated 1962, was auctioned off on 24 WestLicht Protographica Auction. The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in red) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
• Lens number 1954774 was auctioned off on 100 years of Leica Camera WestLicht Protographica Auction. The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in red) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls. 
• Lens number 1954792, dated 1964, was auctioned off on 41 Leitz Protographica Auction. The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in red) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
• Lens number 1987976, dated 1963, was auctioned off on 25 WestLicht Protographica Auction. The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in red) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
• Lens number 2031442 was auctioned off on 29 WestLicht Protographica Auction with the following description: "original '11117 A' ". The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in red) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
• Lens number 2031444, dated 1964, was auctioned off on 13 WestLicht Protographica Auction. The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in red) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
• Lens number 2031488, dated 1964, was auctioned off on 42 Leitz Protographica Auction with the following description: "partially in black/chrome finish". The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in red) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
• Lens number 2142159, dated 1966, was auctioned off on 47 Leitz Protographica Auction. The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in red) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
• Lens number 2159654, dated 1966, was auctioned off on 11 WestLicht Protographica Auction. The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in red) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
• Lens number 2229179, dated 1966, was auctioned off on 35 Leitz Protographica Auction with the following description: "original black paint Summicron (later version with black/chrome focusing ring and chrome mount)". The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in yellow) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
• Lens number 2229216, dated 1966, was auctioned off on 46 Leitz Protographica Auction with the following description: "last production batch (serial numbers 2229XXX)". The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in yellow) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
• Lens number 2229221, dated 1966, was auctioned off on 40 Leitz Protographica Auction with the following description: "infinity-locking knob removed". The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in yellow) and meters (engraved in white). The lens had wide focusing ring. According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.
• Lens number 2229297, dated 1966, was illustrated on page 167 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 2 - Lenses - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴². The distance scale was both in feet (engraved in yellow) and meters (engraved in white)⁵⁴². The lens had wide focusing ring⁵⁴². According to James L. Lager⁵⁴², black dual scale lenses have anodized focusing knurls.

Lens with near focusing also known as "dual range":

Chrome finished rigid mount dual range SOOIC-MN/11318 was introduced in 1956⁵⁴². Later this lens was code-named SOMNI⁵⁴²/11918³⁶¹. Early lenses of this type had a single distance scale and reproduction ratios engraved, while later lenses had both feet and meter on the distance scale and no reproduction ratios⁵⁴² and no index¹⁹⁴. There was a slight different in scalloping between the early and late versions of the lenses of this type¹⁹⁴., with early ones having slimmer focusing rings.

The dual range version was capable of focusing as close as 19 inches up to serial number 2233899; after that, 20 inches³⁶⁰. A complex interlocking mechanism prevented the use of the lens for near-focus operation unless the optical viewing unit ("goggles") was installed by the photographer³⁶⁰.

The dual range version had optical viewing unit ("goggles")¹⁹⁴. The optical viewing unit ("goggles") were given a separate catalog number and codeword (14002/SDPOO) since they were removable and could be purchased as a separate replacement item¹⁹⁴. The lens focused normally to 3'4" but with the optical viewing unit ("goggles") attached could focus to 19"¹⁹⁴. The function of the optical viewing unit ("goggles") was to free the focusing mount for additional forward travel and to optically correct the parallax in the close up range¹⁹⁴. 

In some rare cases, there might have been a compatibility issue with "classic" Leica M6 models²³⁵. This occurred because the top plates—excluding those with a titanium finish or certain special anniversary models—were made from a zinc alloy casting rather than the previous deep-drawn brass²³⁵. The zinc cast top plate was slightly thicker at certain points, interfering with the peg's placement in the horizontal plane, leading to insufficient clearance²³⁵. It was important to remember that before a bayonet could be attached to a Leica M6, it must have been set to infinity²³⁵. Once this was done, it could function within its normal range, focusing down to 1 meter (approximately 40 inches)²³⁵. 

However, with the Leica M6 TTL, it was not possible to utilize the close-range feature that allowed rangefinder focusing down to 0.46 meter (19 inches) when optical viewing unit ("goggles") was fitted²³⁵. The bodies of the M6 TTL are 2mm higher than earlier M models, which meant a peg on the rear of the dual-range goggles prevented them from being properly attached to the lens²³⁵.

The lens head could be unscrewed for use in the UOORF adapter and other accessories⁴³.

This lens was last listed by Ersnt Leitz, Inc. Rockleigh in March 1973⁵⁴².

 Prototype of this variant number 0000001 was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014⁵⁹⁴. Some additional prototypes with sliding "goggles", as well as late experimental model in black, with yellow feet scale and white meter scale, numbered 0000907, were also illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014⁵⁹⁴.

Prototype of this variant number 0000005 was illustrated on page 231 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 2 - Lenses - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴² and on the page 203 of Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck's "The Leica: A History Illustrating every Model and Accessory" book³⁶⁰ . According to the caption, it was a "5cm f2 Summicron with the lowest known 0000 number."³⁶⁰ ., but this was disproven by the existence of 0000001 ⁵⁹⁴.

According to the research conducted by the author of this website, some dual range lenses were finished in black, most likely by special order. Some known examples included:

• Lens number 1474868, dated 1957, was auctioned off on 12 WestLicht Protographica Auction with the following description: "original black paint dual-range Summicron in near mint condition, black paint lens mounting flange, black paint close range attachment SDPOO, caps - only very few of this type lens were produced in black paint finish"⁴¹². The lens featured feet scale in white and fine, narrow focusing ring⁴¹².
• Lens number 1832942, dated 1961, was auctioned off on 47 Leitz Protographica Auction with the following description: "An extremely rare Dual-Range Summicron 50mm lens in original black paint finish. This version was produced in very limited numbers, likely only by special order. The included goggles have been professionally converted from chrome to black paint by Ottmar Michaely."⁵³³. The lens featured meters scale in white and fine, narrow focusing ring⁵³³.
• Lens number 2093333, dated 1965, was auctioned off on 21 WestLicht Protographica Auction with the following description: "extremely rare original dual-range Summicron in black paint finish, brass bayonet mount, matching serial number inside (clean lenses, rear cap), IROOA hood - expertise by Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck"⁴⁰³. The lens featured feet scale in red, meters scale in white, and fine, narrow focusing ring⁴⁰³.

Military

One example of bayonet mount 5cm f/2 Rigid Summicron lens issued to military was known. The lens number 1813383, dated 1960, was auctioned off at the 36th Leitz Photographica Auction with the following description:"a very rare Norwegian military Summicron, engraved with 'LUFTFORSVARET' (Royal Norwegian Air Force) on the focusing ring, in very good condition, optics slightly hazy, delivered to Oslo, Norway on 31.08.1961, this is the first example of this rare military lens we have seen"³⁸⁷.

Conversions

In the late 1960s to early 1970s, Leitz sold screw thread focusing mounts from their repair parts inventory⁵⁴². An owner of a bayonet mount 5cm f/2 Rigid Summicron lens (either SOSIC/11518 or SOMNI/11918) could remove the lens head and install it into the screw thread mount, thus effectively creating screw mount 5cm f/2 Rigid Summicron lens (SOSTA)⁵⁴². This transfer could have been made virtually undetectable by also switching the small, engraved ring with the lens serial number located behind the optical head of the bayonet mount 5cm f/2 Rigid Summicron lens (either SOSIC/11518 or SOMNI/11918)¹³⁸. This ring could be easily be unscrewed from a bayonet mount and transferred to the screw mount¹³⁸. The switched lens head would function well, provided care was taken to ensure the new mount matched the appropriate focal length group of the optical head¹³⁸. Unfortunately, many conversions were performed by unscrupulous individuals for monetary gain without regard for focusing accuracy¹³⁸.

Closing Remarks

The lens production was ceased in 1968³⁶¹. 

50mm f/2.8 Elmar (Version 1)

50mm f/1.4 Summilux - Version 1 

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The 50mm f/1.4 Summilux lens, introduced in 1959, was an ultra-fast seven-element lens that replaced the 50mm f/1.5 Summarit³⁶⁰. In terms of optical design, it was a variation of the 50mm f/1.5 Summarit and incorporated Lanthanum glass, which reduced flare at large apertures compared to the 50mm f/1.5 Summarit³⁶⁰. The masterminds behind the design were Walter Mandler and Erich Wagner⁴³⁸.

The transition from the 50mm f/1.5 Summarit to the 50mm f/1.4 Summilux lens was smooth³⁶¹. The first series, produced in 1957 and designated by the numbers 1546001 to 1546150, was partially engraved "Summarit 1.4/50mm"³⁶¹. Some known M-mount lenses were:

• Number 1546005 was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014⁵⁹⁴.
• Number 1546006 was featured on page 235 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 2 - Lenses - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴². This lens was engraved "Summarit f=5cm 1:1.4"⁵⁴². It was alsoillustrated on page 7 of Viewfinder 14(1). According to the article, this lens with this number was "never assigned to a production lens or at least to a lens delivered to a customer outside of the factory". In July of 2026, the lens was part of a prominent Hong Kongese collection.
• Number 1546029 dated 1957 was sold for 11400 Euros including buyer's premium at the 32nd Leitz Photographica Auction on March 10, 2018, with the following description: "extremely rare M-mount Summilux prototype (SOOIAM) in 100% original condition, engraved 'Summarit 5cm 1:1.4', good optics, only around 20 of these lenses were made..."³⁹¹.
• Number 1546045 was illustrated in van Hasbroeck's 'Leica in Colour', page 115³⁹¹.
• Number 1546051 dated 1957 was sold for 7200 Euros including buyer's premium at the 19th WestLicht Photographica Auction on May 28, 2011, with the following description: "extremely rare prototype M-mount Summilux in 100% original condition, matching prototype hood engraved 'Summarit 5cm 1:1.4', clean lenses, white rear cap, front cap"⁴⁰⁵.
• Number 1546060 dated 1957 was sold for 14400 Euros including buyer's premium at the 44th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 8, 2024, with the following description: "Summarit 1.4/5cm Summilux prototype...extremely rare M-mount Summilux prototype (SOOIAM) in original condition, engraved 'Summarit 5cm 1:1.4', optics with slight cleaning marks, only around 20 of these lenses were made for field testing..."³⁸⁵.

One interesting prototype, with serial number 0000295, was illustrated on the page 203 of Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck's "The Leica: A History Illustrating every Model and Accessory" book³⁶⁰ . This lens was engraved "SUMMILUX 1:1.4/50 LEITZ WETLZAR 0000295"³⁶⁰ .  Another one, with serial number 0000380, was part of Fontenelle Collection, and then later, in July of 2026, was in a prominent Hong Kongese collection. This lens came as head only mounted on pre-series model 1641412. This lens was engraved "SUMMILUX 1:1.4/50 LEITZ WETLZAR 0000380". 

However, the "Summarit 1.4/50mm" was soon changed to "Summilux 1.4/50mm", marking the first time the name "Summilux" was used for a lens³⁶¹. The reasons behind Leitz's decision to switch from "Summarit" to "Summilux" were unclear; it might have been an effort to emphasize the differences between the two lenses or to expand the renowned Summicron family with a high-speed member (since ‘lux’ is Greek for ‘light’)³⁶¹.

The initial version of the 50mm f/1.4 Summilux lens retained the basic design layout of the 50mm f/1.5 Summarit, but featured different radii and new glass types³⁶¹. While the 50mm f/1.5 Summarit used glass with indices of 1.6433, 1.6127, and 1.5814, the 50mm f/1.4 Summilux incorporated glass with much higher indices: 1.7883, 1.7440, 1.6889, 1.6727, and 1.6425³⁶¹. 

The lens design closely followed the original 5cm f/1.5 Xenon/50mm f/1.5 Summarit configuration but utilized modern glass materials³⁶¹. The seven-element double-Gauss design became the foundation for most contemporary high-speed lenses³⁶¹. The lens had 5 groups, with 2nd and 3rd elements cemented together⁴³⁸. 

The 50mm f/1.4 Summilux lens featured a non-rotating mount and a click-stop iris mechanism³⁶⁰. 

The minimum focusing distance was 100cm and the filter size was E43³⁶¹. The lens weighed 325 grams³⁶¹.

Additionally, the optical cell was fitted into one of Leitz's most beautifully designed mounts, featuring a finely milled finish at the base where the depth of field scale was located, as well as a scalloped focusing ring³⁶¹.

Variants

• SOOME³⁶¹/11114³⁶¹ - chrome finish, from 1959, with bayonet mount³⁶⁰. James L. Lager reported that at about 1962-1963 the bayonet mount 50mm f/1.4 Summilux lens⁵⁴² (SOOME/11114³⁶¹) underwent recomputation (although the number of elements remained the same³⁶⁰) at serial number 1844001⁵⁴². The result of this recomputation was better performance⁵⁴². Japanese Leica historian Kazuo Nakagawa asserted that the "air lens design" that originated from 5cm f/2 Summicron was used in 50mm f/1.4 Summilux lens starting at serial number 1844001⁵⁷⁷. An article published in the 2nd issue of 1966 Leica Fotografie magazine confirmed existence of this new variant of bayonet mount 50mm f/1.4 Summilux lens with the following text: "From No. 1844001 onwards the 50mm Summilux will be of completely new design. New high refractive index glasses and new methods of computing have resulted in a lens of great rapidity which should be of particular value to the press photographer. It is notable for extremely fine detail rendering, high contrast and excellent colour rendering and is practically free from coma and internal reflections. At f/2 its performance is equal to that of the 50mm f/2 Summicron at full aperture, and its best performance is given at between f/4 and f/5.6. Technical data: angle of view 45°, seven elements, filter thread E43, Click half stops, smallest aperture f/16, rangefinder coupled from infinity to 1 metre, non-rotat-ing focusing mount, scaled in feet and metres. Weight 360gm. A report from experience with it will follow in a later issue." 
• 11113 - Finished in black paint to match the black Leica M2, Leica M3, and original Leica MP of 1956 models; likely supplied exclusively with these models or available by special order³⁶⁰. While there are lenses made in 1959 (author's note), it was catalogued as early as 1961⁵⁴². There were a few variations of the black finished lens:
  • black paint and brass mount. This variation was considered the very sought-after first version. The author of this website noted that the lenses appeared in the 1644XXX (year 1959) and 1688XXX (year 1959) batches.
  • black paint and chrome mount. The author of this website noted that the lenses appeared in the 1703XXX (year 1962), 1928XXX (year 1965), 2039XXX (year 1967) and 2073XXX (year 1964) batches.
  • partially black paint and black anodized. The author of this website noted that the lenses appeared in the 2028XXX (year 1964), 2039XXX (year 1965), 2072XXX (year 1964) and 2073XXX (year 1964) batches.

The version 1 of bayonet mount 50mm f/1.4 Summilux was produced from 1958 until 1966 (author's note). The serial numbers ranged from 1640601³⁶¹ through 2073XXX (author's note). 

Designed by Leitz Wetzlar, the 50mm f/1.4 Summilux was an improvement over its predecessor 50mm f/1.5 Summarit particularly in terms of higher contrast and better definition of fine details³⁶¹. However, it did not achieve remarkable image quality and was withdrawn from the market shortly after its release, being replaced in 1961 by the significantly improved 50mm f/1.4 Summilux³⁶¹.

50mm f/1.4 Summilux - Version 2 

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The 50mm f/1.4 Summilux (Version 2) was designed in Midland, Canada³⁶¹ by Walter Mandler⁴³⁸ and utilized five different glass types with high refractive indices ranging from 1.7170 to 1.7883³⁶¹. The second group of lenses was split into separate elements, while the last group (elements number 6 and 7⁴³⁸) were cemented together³⁶¹. There were clear design philosophy differences between Midland and Wetzlar: Midland favored contrast, while Wetzlar focused on definition and color correction³⁶¹. In the 1960s, promoting a camera system required a prestigious high-speed lens with specifications of 50mm f/1.4³⁶¹. However, achieving a high-quality lens that could compete with superb standard lenses with more moderate apertures of 1:2 from that era was challenging³⁶¹. The increase in light entering the lens amplified the influence of aberrations by a factor of four to nine³⁶¹.

The earliest serial numbers of the 50mm f/1.4 Summilux (Version 2)  fall into 2220XXX range, made in 1966 (author's note).

The lens was in catalog from 1966-2004³⁶¹. During this 38 year period, there were a number of different variants:

• 11114 was a black anodized with chrome bayonet³⁶¹, from 1966 (author's note). The author of this website noted 2 interesting lenses of 11114 type:
  • Lens number 2220729, dated 1966, was considered to be very rare transitional version - it had black chrome finish with barrel style similar to the 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux of 1966, with black painted screws
  • Lens number 2346928, dated 1971, was an almost unknown lens with the distance scales ring finished in black paint, and the rest of the lens finished in black/chrome.
• Gold plated 50mm f/1.4 Summilux (Version 2) for Leica M4-2 'Oskar Barnack' commemorative edition camera of 1979⁵⁴².
• Platinum plated 50mm f/1.4 Summilux (Version 2) for Leica M6 Classic "150 JAHRE PHOTOGRAPHIE - 1989 - 75 JAHRE LEICA PHOTOGRAPHIE" of 1989⁵⁴².
• 11868 was a black anodized lens, from 1995³⁶¹. Minimum focusing distance was 70cm³⁶¹. Weight was 275 grams³⁶¹. New mount design with finer knurled focusing rings³⁶¹. Had built in lens hood³⁶¹. Also referred to as "Pre-Asph" (author's note).
• 11856 was a silver chrome lens, from 1995³⁶¹. Minimum focusing distance was 70cm³⁶¹. Weight was 275 grams³⁶¹. New mount design with finer knurled focusing rings³⁶¹. Had built in lens hood³⁶¹. Also referred to as "Pre-Asph" (author's note).
• 11869 was a titanium lens³⁶¹. Weight was 380 grams³⁶¹. New mount design with finer knurled focusing rings³⁶¹. Had built in lens hood³⁶¹. Also referred to as "Pre-Asph" (author's note).

50mm f/1.2 Noctilux

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Introduced in 1966 at Photokina⁶¹, with serial number 2176701⁴³⁹, the 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux (catalog number 11820¹⁸²) was the first commercially produced 35mm format lens with aspheric surfaces, two internal aspheric elements in each lens¹⁴⁶. It featured a six-glass design³⁶⁰. It was an extremely expensive to manufacture and functioned more as a prestige product than a commercially viable one³⁶⁰. It was also the first attempt by Leitz to produce a 35mm format lens with a speed greater that f/1.4¹⁸².

Work on the development of aspherical elements began at Leica in 1957³²⁷. "Noctilux" had been a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG since August 5, 1963⁵³⁴. The first prototypes were created in April 1964³²⁷, designed by Helmut Marx and Paul Sindel¹⁸⁵. Helmut Marx succeeded Professor Max Berek as head of photographic lens design in Wetzlar³²⁷. He utilized an Elliott 402F computer for ray tracing during the design process, which significantly saved time³²⁷. 

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 apertures¹⁸². This lens achieved extremely high standards of contrast and resolution at its maximum aperture of f/1.2¹⁸². A particular focus was placed on reducing coma, and the six-element, four-group double Gauss optical formula included two internal aspheric elements¹⁸². The addition of these aspheric elements allowed the six-element design to minimize aberrations to nearly zero at maximum aperture¹⁸².

The lens featured 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 mm¹⁸². It had a near focus distance of one meter, with an angle of view of 45 degrees¹⁸². The diaphragm could be stopped down to f/16 in half-click increments¹⁸². The extremely shallow depth of field at maximum aperture challenged even Leitz’s exacting tolerances to maintain sharp focus at f/1.2¹⁸².

Producing the 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux was quite costly¹⁸². Leitz manufactured the special glass in small quantities at their facility in Wetzlar¹⁸². Additionally, the two aspheric elements required hand polishing through a proprietary process undertaken by highly trained technicians, resulting in a very slow production pace¹⁸². Two aspherical elements (located at the front and rear) were manufactured on a specially constructed grinding machine that required manual operation³²⁷. There was only one of these machines, and it could only be operated by one person, Gerd Bergmann³²⁷. Many elements produced during this process had to be discarded as defects³²⁷. 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 volumes¹⁸². 

Prototypes

Among the prototypes were:

• prototype number 0000565, without a finish, described as "Noctilux with annular lens element, prototype", was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018⁵⁹⁶.
• chrome finished prototype number 0000660, with half-click stops and the name "Noctilux" not engraved³⁶⁰. Engraved was "LEITZ WETZLAR GERMANY 1:1.2/50 B702 0000660". I t was illustrated on the page 197 of Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck's "The Leica: A History Illustrating every Model and Accessory" book³⁶⁰ . It was also illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014⁵⁹⁴.
• chrome finished prototype number 0000662, dated 1964⁵³³, was illustrated on page 235 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 2 - Lenses - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴². In 2026, this lens was part of a private collection in Hong Kong.
• chrome finished prototype number 0000663, dated 1964, was auctioned off with the following description: "A small patch of milimeter paper is taped over the depth-of-field scale – it was used to mark the lens’ test results at the factory. At first glance, the front rim appears not to be engraved, but under a closer look, a small, blackened engraving can be seen: LEITZ WETZLAR GERMANY 1:1.2/50 B702 0000663 The Noctilux name is not engraved yet on this prototype."³⁸².
• black finished prototype number 0000726, with body resembling 50mm f/1.4 Summilux lens, was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018⁵⁹⁶.
  
• black finished prototype number 0000728 existed and was significantly different from that of prototype no. 0000660³⁶⁰. It featured no half-click stops³⁶⁰. I t was illustrated on the page 179 of Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck's "The Leica: A History Illustrating every Model and Accessory" book, alongside a prototype 90mm f/2.8 Tele-Elmarit lens number 0001012 and an unnumbered prototype of Leica M4³⁶⁰. 
• chrome finished prototype number 0000733, dated circa 1964, was auctioned off with the following description: "one of very few original chrome Noctilux lenses produced, prototype serial number, the lens is more heavy (522g) than the standard black Noctilux (458g) as produced in heavy brass, in perfect mint condition, clean lenses, chrome prototype rear cap, front cap"⁴⁰¹.
• black finished prototype number 0000768 was illustrated on page 235 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 2 - Lenses - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴². 
• black finished prototype number 0000769 was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014⁵⁹⁴.

Serial Numbers

The serial numbers reserved for the 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux were¹⁸⁵:

• 2176701 - 2176900¹⁸⁵
• 2247651 - 2247900¹⁸⁵
• 2254401 - 2255400¹⁸⁵
• 2556551 – 2557550¹⁸⁵

Special Lenses in This Series

Some of the known special lenses included:

• a batch of approximately 30 lenses (all from the very first production batch 2176701-2176750) that were delivered to Photokina, Köln in 1966, where the lens was first shown to the public³⁸⁰.
  
• Lens number 2176704 dated 1966 was auctioned off with the following description: "0 series - The lens shows several minor differences to the later models, like red-filled engraving of the feet scale, different style of the front engravings, different (thicker) front rim"³⁸⁹.
• ^{Lens number 2176738 dated 1966 was auctioned off with the following description: "A pre-series ..from a batch of approximately 30 lenses delivered to Photokina, Köln in 1966 where the lens was first shown to the public (all from the very first production batch 2176701-2176750). Note the thicker front rim, typical for the earliest examples of this special lens."380.}
• Lens number 2176795 was illustrated on the page 93 of Gianni Rogliatti's "Leica, the First Fifty Years" book and described as ""Lunar" Leica (NASA Leica)". It came with a specially modified Leica M4, with oversized controls for use with heavily gloved hands. 
• Lens number 2176842 dated 1966 was auctioned off with the following description: "0 series - A special, very early example...shows several minor differences to the later models, like red-filled engraving of the feet scale, different style of the front engravings, different (thicker) front rim"³⁸³.

Production Figures

Leitz did not disclose specific production figures¹⁸². Estimates of how many units were produced vary between 500 and 2,500, with one author's estimates being 1757 lenses³²⁷.

Accessories

A limited range of accessories was available, including a special front cap (14102), a rear cap (14051), and a fitted leather case (98283)¹⁸². Notably, the 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux did not include a filter thread on the front element³²⁷. The lens accepted Series VIII filters held in position by the special open sector custom reversible lens hood (12503)⁵⁴².

Closing Remarks

An internal memo from Ernst Leitz, 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-1967³²⁹. The 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux catalog number appeared in the December 1966 consumer price list priced at 678 USD³²⁹. The Ernst Leitz, 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 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux³²⁹.

It remained in the catalog for nine years, from 1966 to 1975¹⁸². 

50mm f/2 Summicron - Version 3

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Prototypes

There were 6 known prototypes of this lens, numbered 0000909-0000914, made between July 1966 and May 1967⁵⁶⁴. The auctioned prototype, number 0000909, was described as having "Black anodized mount, the lens front element holding ring of different from the serial production finish. Six-element design "C155""⁵⁶⁴. 

Production

The version 3 of the 50mm f/2 Summicron lens (catalogue number 11817³⁶¹) introduced in 1969, was a Midland design that followed the principles established in the Summicron-R, which was also a Midland design³⁶¹. The 50mm f/2 Summicron (version 3) offerred significantly improved performance compared to its predecessor³⁶¹. It achieved medium to high contrast even at maximum aperture and provided excellent definition of fine details when stopped down to medium apertures³⁶¹.

One reason for this improvement was the reduction to six elements in five groups, which included an air lens that separated lens elements 4 and 5 by just 0.07 mm³⁶¹. Although this very small thickness was not evident in the formal drawings of the lens, public diagrams often exaggerated the distance between these elements for illustrative purposes³⁶¹. Another reason for the enhanced performance was the larger diameter of the last element, which allowed designers to reduce certain aberrations³⁶¹.

Overall, the 50mm f/2 Summicron (version 3) lens was an outstanding performer³⁶¹. However, during that time, the rangefinder system was overshadowed by reflex cameras, resulting in relatively low sales of only 40,000 units³⁶¹.

Earlier lenses had heavily scalloped focusing ring⁵⁴² (sometimes referred to as "transitional lenses" (author's note)), while the later ones have a finder, even knurling⁵⁴². The afore-mentioned earlier lenses, featuring heavy scalloped focusing ring, were made between 1968 and 1970 and could be found in the serial number ranges of 2269251 to 2270250 and 2294001 to 2296350⁵⁵⁵. 

Some lenses in the 2434XXX range featured black paint finish⁵⁸⁸. The lenses appeared to have been produced in limited quantities and hadn't received much attention⁵⁸⁸. The reason behind the creation of the painted lens remained unclear⁵⁸⁸. The most likely explanation was that it was intended to match the black paint of the Leica M4, but this reasoning didn't seem very convincing⁵⁸⁸.

The lens had no infinity lock⁵⁴². The minimum focusing distance was 70cm³⁶¹. The lens weighted 260 grams and the filter size was E39³⁶¹.

The lens was listed in the catalog until 1979³⁶¹. The serial numbers ranged from 2269251 through 2887150³⁶¹. The lens was cataloged as late as 1978⁵⁴².

50mm f/2 ELCAN

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50mm f/2 ELCAN was rare lens from the early 1970s, designed for the specially modified military Leica M4 known as the KE-7A, seemed optically interesting but otherwise appeared relatively insignificant, with questionable performance that would likely only attract collectors³³⁰.

Dr. Walter Mandler, co-developer of the 50mm f/2 ELCAN 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

One researcher came across various somewhat contradictory conjectures online regarding the purpose of the 50mm f/2 ELCAN lens for military use³³⁰. These discussions extended 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 types³³⁰.

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 mount³³⁰. This reduction was primarily for cost reasons³³⁰. There were no additional features such as winterizing, ruggedness, or infrared capability incorporated into the lens by Dr. Walter Mandler³³⁰.

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 purged³³⁰. During this time, Ernst Leitz Canada shifted its focus entirely to government contracts, entertainment, medical, and industrial markets³³⁰.

The Army manual that accompanied the Leica KE-7A and the 50mm f/2 ELCAN contained no indication of sophisticated military applications, although it provided extensive maintenance instructions³³⁰.

According to Viewfinder magazine Volume 9, Issue 4, from 1976, "Mr. Walter Moffatt of E. Leitz, Rockleigh and a new member of LHSA described some fascinating Leica equipment that had been specially designed for the U.S. Armed Forces. He also stated that a contract overrun totaling 70 Leica KE-7A bodies and 59 Elcan 50mm lenses were made available for commercial distribution".

Among the known lenses were:

• C0000001, prototype Elcan C29, finished in chrome, dated 1960s, that was auctioned off at the 46th Leitz Photographica Auction
• 132-0003, chrome prototype, dated 1980s,   was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014⁵⁹⁴   
• 132-0004, chrome prototype, dated 1980s, illustrated in James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 2 - Lenses - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition", which was auctioned off at the 43rd Leitz Photographica Auction
• 276-0001, illustrated in James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 2 - Lenses - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition"
  
• 276-0002, that was auctioned off at an American auction on November 12, 2016
• 276-0012, that was auctioned off at the 27th WestLicht Camera Auction
• 276-0022, that was auctioned off at the 38th Leitz Photographica Auction
• 276-0056, that was auctioned off at the 41st Leitz Photographica Auction
• 276-0085, that was auctioned off at Christie's on June 8, 2000
• 276-0115, that was auctioned off at 47th Leitz Photographica Auction and then listed for sale on VINTAGE-CAMERAS-by-BORIS's eBay store in September of 2026
• 276-0118, that auctioned off at the 18th WestLicht Camera Auction
• 276-0121, that auctioned off at the 34th and then 43rd Leitz Photographica Auctions. Later, it was listed for sale on @breguetcamera's store in September of 2026
• 276-0128, that was listed for sale at Leica Store Miami for $30,495 on March 19, 2022
• 276-0131, that was auctioned off at L&H Auction on May 3, 2014 
• 276-0143, that was featured in @msmsm's Instagram post in April 28, 2021
• 276-0152, that was auctioned off at the 17th WestLicht Camera Auction
• 276-0164, that was auctioned off at the 5th WestLicht Photographica Auction
• 276-0175, that was auctioned off at Wetzlar Camera Auctions on Oct 9, 2021 and came from Allen Collection. In November of 2022, it was part of a prominent Hong Kongese collection.
• 276-0190, illustrated in the illustrated in the Viewfinder(Vol 29, 2, 1996) (believed to be in Pierpaolo Ghisetti's collection), Classic Camera magazine (February 2002) and auctioned off at Bohnams 3 on November 23, 2012
• 276-0220, that was featured in @japancamerahunter's Instagram post in September 24, 2024.
• 276-0226, that was featured in @meteorleica's Instagram post in April 16, 2022.
• 276-0231, that was auctioned off at the OstLicht Auctions on June 1, 2023
• 276-0256, that was auctioned off at Christie's on June 3, 2003
• 276-0262, that was auctioned off at an American auction on November 17, 2018
• 276-0285, that was illustrated in the Classic Camera magazine (May 1998) and was auctioned off at Christie's on on January 29, 1998 and June 11, 1998
• 276-0293, that was auctioned off at the OstLicht Auctions on June 5, 2024
• 276-0294, that was featured in @leicafai's Instagram post in September 6, 2023
• 276-0296, that was auctioned off at the 19th WestLicht Camera Auction
• 276-0302, that was listed for sale on Breguetcamera's eBay store in September of 2026
• 276-0316, illustrated in the Camera Review No. 58 (Leica-Book '01), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo)
• 276-0320, that was auctioned off at Christie's on June 17, 1999
• 276-0322, that was featured in @tim.lei378's Instagram post in October 29, 2024 and May 20, 2025.
• 276-0337, that was auctioned off at the LP Foto Auktioner on June 13, 2010
• 276-0361, that was featured in @persona.head's Instagram post in October 20, 2024
• 276-0384, that was auctioned off at the 2nd WestLicht Photographica Auction
• 276-0402, that was auctioned off at the 42th Leitz Photographica Auction, and before that at the 36th and 32nd Leitz Photographica Auctions
• 276-0411, that was auctioned off at Wetzlar Camera Auctions on October 8, 2022 and came from Allen Collection
• 276-0412, that was auctioned off at the 44th Leitz Photographica Auction, and before that on 42th Leitz Photographica Auction
• 276-0420, that was auctioned off at Christie's on June 3, 2003 and illustrated in the Classic Camera magazine (August 2003)
• 276-0422, that was auctioned off at the 41st Leitz Photographica Auction on November 26, 2022.
• 276-0434, that was auctioned off at the 19th WestLicht Camera Auction
• 276-0448, that was featured in @johnson167's Instagram post in August 21, 2019.
• 276-0450, that was auctioned off at the 6th Wetzlar Camera Auction
• 276-0467, that was auctioned off at an American auction on November 9, 2024
• 276-0468, that was auctioned off at an American auction on Nov 12, 2017
• 276-0470, that was auctioned off at the 26th WestLicht Photographica Auction
• 276-0480, that was auctioned off at the Leski Auctions Pty Ltd on August 9, 2022. It was featured in @timescamera's Instagram post in August 10, 2022.
• 276-0484, illustrated in the Camera Review No. 37 (Leica-Book '96), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo)
• 276-0487, that was auctioned off at the 23rd WestLicht Camera Auction, "100 years of Leica Camera" WestLicht Camera Auction, and 28th WestLicht Camera Auction
• 276-0488, that was auctioned off at Weiss Auctions on Sep 25, 2024
• 276-0490, that was auctioned off at the 47th Leitz Photographica Auction
• 276-0493, that was featured in @leicafai's Instagram post in September 19, 2020
• 276-0498, illustrated in James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition". In May of 2015, this lens was part of Leica Archive. It was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018
• 276-0499, that was listed for sale on anpanmancamera's eBay store in September of 2026
• 276-0505,  was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014⁵⁹⁴   
• 276-0508, illustrated in Rogliatti's "Leica, the First Fifty Years" book
• 276-0515, illustrated in the Camera Review No. 58 (Leica-Book '01), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo)
• 276-0516, that was auctioned off at Christie's on June 12, 1997
• 276-0522, that was auctioned off at L&H Auction on Nov 8, 2014
• 276-0524,  was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014⁵⁹⁴   
• 276-0533, illustrated in the Camera Review No. 28 (Leica-Book '94), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo)
• 368-0002, rare prototype lens of Elcan-M 2/50mm, that was auctioned off at L&H Auction on May 29, 2016

50mm f/1 Noctilux

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Prototypes from 1973

In 1973, Leitz Wetzlar produced five prototype lens heads of 50mm f/1.0 lens with aspherical elements⁴²³. The prototypes were numbered 0001315, 0001316, 0001317, 0001318, and 0001319⁴²³. The 0001316 and 0001317 were auctioned off on the 6th WestLicht Photographica Auction in November of 2004⁴²³.

A prototype lens number 271-0002 was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018⁵⁹⁶.

A prototype lens number 271-284 was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014⁵⁹⁴.

A prototype lens with built-in hood, number 271-285, was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018⁵⁹⁶.

Catalog number 11821 from 1976

The 50mm f/1 Noctilux (catalog number 11821) was first introduced in early 1976⁵⁴² (or 1975, with serial number 2176701⁴³⁹), remaining in production until 2008³²⁷. This lens featured a highly refractive optical glass developed by Leitz, which was first used in the original 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux of 1966⁶¹. 50mm f/1 Noctilux was manufactured in Midland, Ontario⁶¹.

The 50mm f/1 Noctilux had a more complex design, utilizing seven glass elements arranged in six components, including a thin "air-lens" positioned between the second and third elements⁶¹. This advancement allowed the designers to eliminate the costly aspheric surfaces found in the original 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux of 1966⁶¹. The modified Gauss construction retained the high contrast characteristic of its predecessor, particularly at apertures between f/1 and f/2⁶¹. This made the 50mm f/1 Noctilux particularly advantageous for use in low-light conditions with both color and black-and-white high-speed films⁶¹.

This lens, designed by Mandler, utilizes a new type of Leitz glass, referred to as 900403, which has a refractive index of 1.9³⁶¹. This unique glass was exclusively produced by Ernst Leitz GmbH in Wetzlar⁶¹. According to designer Walter Mandler, this glass was "indispensable for maintaining optimum contrast throughout the entire image area."⁶¹ This characteristic enabled the designer to create lens surfaces with less curvature, thereby reducing spherical aberration, which is especially noticeable in ultra-high-speed lenses³⁶¹. However, the all-spherical design introduced a significant amount of focus shift, which could diminish contrast at medium apertures³⁶¹.

The 50mm f/1 Noctilux is noteworthy for being the first lens to provide usable image quality at such an extreme aperture³⁶¹. It could be classified as a high-contrast, crisp-definition lens at maximum aperture³⁶¹. Instead, the reproduction of subject outlines and fine details was subtle, with smooth gradation of colour hues and grey values, giving it a more painterly than scientific impression³⁶¹. A distinctive feature of the Noctilux was its ability to maintain shape in out-of-focus areas, offering a remarkable depth of vision³⁶¹.

When stopped down to medium apertures, the 50mm f/1 Noctilux performed similarly to a standard lens with a moderate maximum aperture, although it did not match their level of precise correction³⁶¹. Reports claiming that an aperture of 1:1 exceeded even the sensitivity of the human eye were not well-supported³⁶¹.

Using this lens at full aperture could be challenging due to its shallow depth of field—only 10 cm at a distance of 2 meters—requiring precise focusing, which was difficult in low-light conditions where the Noctilux was often employed³⁶¹. 

The lens featured an angle of view of 45° and consists of 7 elements arranged in 6 components⁶¹. It had a filter size of E58 and an external mount diameter of A61⁶¹. The smallest aperture available was f/16 in half click-stops, along with a combined feet/meter scale^61. The focusing range extended from infinity down to 1 meter, and the focusing mount was nonrotating⁶¹. Weighing approximately 600g, the lens hada sleek black finish and a total mechanical length of around 62mm from the bayonet flange, while its maximum outer diameter measured 69mm⁶¹. Additionally, it could capture a smallest object field of 420 x 630mm (16.5" x 24.8")⁶¹. 

Lenses with serial numbers up to 2919656 were compatible with 58mm filters and the lens hood 12519⁵⁴². Lenses with serial numbers from 2920709 to 3220708 used 60mm filters and the lens hood 12539⁵⁴². Lenses with serial numbers above 3220708 accepted 60mm filters and the squeeze-grip lens hood 12544⁵⁴². 

The characteristics of the 50mm f/1 Noctilux at wider apertures contributed to its desirability, leading to high second-hand prices³⁶¹. Over 17,000 units were sold³⁶¹.

Catalog number 11822 from 1994

The 50mm f/1 Noctilux (11822), introduced in 1994, featured a permanently integrated telescopic lens hood, unlike its predecessor, the 50mm f/1 Noctilux (11821)¹⁹⁰. This design maximized protection against stray light, reflections, and external influences, while minimally obstructing the Leica M camera's viewfinder image¹⁹⁰. The retail price for this lens was 2895 USD¹⁹⁰.

The 50mm f/1 Noctilux (11822) performed exceptionally well in both near and far focusing ranges, making it suitable for various normal light conditions, including landscape photography¹⁹⁰. Leica Camera had developed a high-refractive glass specifically for this ultra-high-speed lens, which renders colors slightly "warmer" than other lenses in the Leica M range¹⁹⁰. This effectively corrected the often-unwelcome bluish tint of distant backgrounds caused by haze¹⁹⁰.

50mm f/2 Summicron-M - Version 4

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Prototype

A prototype of this lens, number 368-0003, was auctioned off at L&H Auction on May 29, 2016.

Serial production

The redesigned 50mm f/2 Summicron-M in Version 4 was introduced in 1979 by Mandler³⁶¹. This lens was based on Mandler's doctoral study, in which he analyzed the Double-Gauss design³⁶¹. 

This new version featured five flat surfaces, and the curvatures of the remaining surfaces were categorized into four classes, simplifying the manufacturing process³⁶¹. The new lens enhanced image quality, demonstrating exceptional design optimization that would have been challenging to achieve in the pre-computer era³⁶¹. The improved performance stemmed from better correction of coma and field curvature³⁶¹. At full aperture, the the lens maintained the same overall contrast as its predecessor, but the most noticeable advancement was the sharp and clear rendering of extremely fine details on-axis, which enhanced the image's definition³⁶¹. Even within specular highlights, tiny details remained visible, indicating that flare and veiling glare were effectively controlled³⁶¹.

At an aperture of f/2.8, the contrast of fine details improved, as do the outer zones³⁶¹. The 50mm f/2 Summicron-M (Version 3) at the same aperture displayed a softer image across the field³⁶¹. 

At f/5.6, overall contrast was slightly reduced, but the definition of fine textural details in the field improved³⁶¹. It wasimportant for users of these lenses to carefully consider their subjects and requirements: for the best overall contrast, the optimal aperture is f/4, while for the most precise definition of subtle textural shades of gray or color, f/5.6 might have been more suitable³⁶¹. 

Vignetting was comparable to that of the Summicron (Version 3)³⁶¹. Close-up performance was significantly enhanced, and flare reduction was improved due to the lower amount of glass³⁶¹. The lens produced exceptionally good drawing, and distortion was non-existent³⁶¹.

The catalog numbers were as follows³⁶¹:

• 11819 for the black version with focusing tab and without the built-in extensible lens hood³⁶¹. The lens weighted 195 grams³⁶¹.There were 2 variants:
  • serrated focus lever⁵⁴² (also known as "tiger's paw" (author's note)) with serial number on the side of the lens⁵⁴²
  • scooped (concave) focus lever with serial number at the front of the lens⁵⁴²
• 11825 for chrome version with scooped (concave) focus lever with serial number at the front of the lens⁵⁴² and without the built-in extensible lens hood³⁶¹. This variant was introduced in 1992⁵⁴².
• 11826 for the black version from 1994 without focusing tab and with the built-in extensible lens hood³⁶¹. The lens weighted 195 grams³⁶¹. This variant is sometimes referred to as "50mm f/2 Summicron-M - Version 5" (author's note).
• 11816 for the chrome version from 1994 without focusing tab and with the built-in extensible lens hood, made until 2004³⁶¹. The lens weighted 335 grams³⁶¹. This variant is sometimes referred to as "50mm f/2 Summicron-M - Version 5" (author's note).
• 11624 for the titanium version without focusing tab³⁶¹. The lens weighted 335 grams³⁶¹. This variant is sometimes referred to as "50mm f/2 Summicron-M - Version 5" (author's note).

The serial number range started from 2909101³⁶¹. The minimum distance was 70cm³⁶¹. There were 6 elements in 4 groups³⁶¹. 

50mm f/2.8 Elmar (Version 2)

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The second version of the collapsible 50mm f/2.8 Elmar was introduced in 1994 as a special lens to be sold in combination with the Leica M6J body, but has evolved into a standard catalog item since 1996³⁶¹. Production ended in 2007 with a special last edition³⁶¹. The image quality of this completely redesigned lens is exceptionally good, with the position of the stop located between the second and third elements³⁶¹. While one might assume that the 4-element design has been thoroughly explored, the Leica designers managed to extract even more performance from it, demonstrating that improvements are always possible³⁶¹. This lens had undergone a complete mechanical and optical redesign from the original model created in the 1957¹⁸⁶. Notably, it featured a non-rotating focusing mount¹⁸⁶. Additionally, the use of modern optical glass types enabled an enhancement in imaging performance while maintaining the same number of elements as the original version¹⁸⁶.

The exterior design closely resembled the previous version and retained its small aperture and distance rings, which were presumably necessary for achieving a compact size when collapsed³⁶¹. 

The performance of the lens was outstanding: the definition of fine detail was excellent, supported by high overall contrast³⁶¹. At this level of performance, one must be a keen observer to detect subtle differences in image quality³⁶¹. However, for more casual users, the lens combined a sense of nostalgia with high performance, making it a tempting option for many Leica enthusiasts³⁶¹.

Total sales were relatively low, with approximately 17000 units sold³⁶¹. It was important to note that in 1989, the Elmar-M 2.8/50 mm had a price tag of DM 1648 in Germany, which could also buy a Summicron-M 2/50 mm³⁶¹. By 2005, the price difference had become more reasonable, with the Elmar-M priced at €800 and the Summicron-M at €1300³⁶¹. The Elmar had been featured in several Leica M special editions, including the Leica M6 “Schmidt Platin,” Leica M6 “Cartier Bresson” (platinum), and Leica M6 Platin “150 Jahre Optik.”³⁶¹

The black version of the lens had catalog number 11831 and the chrome version was listed under 11823³⁶¹. The serial numbers ranged from 3668031 through 4047981³⁶¹. The lens had 4 elements in 3 groups³⁶¹. The minimum focusing distance was 70cm³⁶¹. The black version weighed 170 grams while the chrome version weighed 245 grams³⁶¹. 

50mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH

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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 Summilux²⁶⁵. 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 length²⁶⁵. 

The Summilux-M 1:1.4/50mm ASPH followed in the footsteps of its 1989 predecessor 35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M AA (Double Aspherical) and set a new standard for very high-speed standard lenses³⁶¹. When used at maximum aperture, overall contrast is high, and the definition of fine details was excellent³⁶¹. The image plane was nearly flat, addressing a significant weakness of earlier designs, which had a pronounced curvature of field³⁶¹. Additionally, the lens featured new flare reduction methods that minimized halos around bright spots³⁶¹.

Upon close inspection, one might have noticed a slight softness in fine details when shooting at maximum aperture³⁶¹. However, when stopped down to f/2 or f/2.8, these residual aberrations were reduced to minimal levels, resulting in very clean and sharp images³⁶¹. The floating element design enhanced image quality in the near focus range, providing noticeable improvements in the outer zones and increasing contrast from 1 meter to 3 meters³⁶¹.

The Summilux-M 1:1.4/50mm ASPH was considered the best high-speed general-purpose lens in the Leica range³⁶¹. It served as a universal standard lens that can be used without restrictions on image quality at any aperture and across the entire image field³⁶¹. The lens was designed by Peter Karbe³⁶¹.

Handling was exceptionally smooth, and the lens size integrated well with the camera, fitting comfortably within the control range of the average user³⁶¹. The molded finger grip allowed for fast focusing with one finger, while the telescopic lens hood had a lock to prevent accidental movement³⁶¹. The finish was of very high quality, and the aperture click stops perfectly matched the overall craftsmanship of the lens³⁶¹.

This lens boasted optical qualities that are second to none and represents a triumph in both optical and mechanical engineering³⁶¹. It remained competitive with newer alternatives³⁶¹. The Summilux-M 1:1.4/50mm ASPH was designed to play a crucial role in the imaging chain, whether in the context of a silver-halide workflow or the digital workflows associated with the Leica M8 and Leica M9³⁶¹. 

An alternative approach would have been to integrate the optical design with the characteristics of the sensor and software algorithms³⁶¹. This approach had the advantage of distributing performance across several dedicated components, which could pose a challenge to the purely optical design methodology³⁶¹.

The lens comprised eight elements arranged in five groups²⁶⁵. Elements 2 and 3 were 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 laboratory²⁶⁵. Element 4 featured an aspherical surface, while elements 1, 6, and 7 were composed of high refractive index glass²⁶⁵. This lens also introduced "floating elements" (elements 7 and 8), which moved independently of the other optical components to enhance close-focusing performance²⁶⁵.

Initially, the lens was to be available in a black anodized finish, catalog number 11891²⁶⁵. It included a built-in locking lens hood, and aside from the familiar knurled focusing ring, it was designed with a finger tab to facilitate one-handed focusing²⁶⁵. The focusing range extended from 0.7 meters to infinity, with an aperture range of f/1.4 to f/16 featuring half-stop settings²⁶⁵. The smallest object field was 11 x 16 inches, and the reproduction ratio was 1:11.3²⁶⁵. The filter size was E 46, mounted in a non-rotating fashion²⁶⁵.

The external dimensions of the lens were 52.5 mm in length and 53.5 mm in maximum width, with a weight of 335 grams²⁶⁵. It was expected available in July 2004 at a minimum advertised price of 2495.00 USD²⁶⁵.

Later, chrome version (catalog number 11892) was introduced³⁶¹.

The serial numbers start from 3964511³⁶¹. 

In 2015, the new version of this lens - 50mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH in black chrome (catalog number 11688) was introduced⁵²². While the technical specifications of the lens remained identical to its serial counterparts, several design changes were made⁵²². First, the orange focusing scale found on the serial model was changed to red⁵²². Another distinction from the standard version was the introduction of round, vintage-style lens hood, which was engraved with 'Leica Camera Wetzlar' and 'Made in Germany.'⁵²² Consistent with the elegant design of this special edition, both the lens hood and lens cap were crafted from metal⁵²². The lens had a focusing ring that reflected the construction style of the 1950s, featuring evenly distributed finger grooves instead of the smooth ring with a single groove typical of other models⁵²². This new black-chrome lens was produced in a limited quantity of only 500 units available worldwide⁵²².

50mm f/2.5 Summarit-M

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The 50mm f/2.5 Summarit-M lens (catalog number 11644³⁶¹), introduced in 2007²⁸⁵, combined the aesthetic and handling qualities of the renowned 35mm f/2 Summicron (version 1) lens, featuring a classical design with eight elements and specifications reminiscent of the 50mm f/2.5 Hektor lens³⁶¹. While its maximum aperture was designated as f/2.5, it was actually closer to a true f/2.4³⁶¹. The 50mm f/2.5 Summarit-M offered a new level of portability for standard lenses within the M-range³⁶¹. This lens allowed you to easily slip your camera, complete with lens, into your pocket, reminiscent of earlier times in photography³⁶¹.

It served as a suitable substitute for the collapsible 50mm f/2.8 Elmar-M lens³⁶¹. With its compact dimensions and robust engineering, the lens was particularly well-suited for snapshot photography, especially when one wanted to capture spontaneous moments³⁶¹. It added minimal bulk to the M-camera body, which was often its most important feature³⁶¹.

At maximum aperture, the 50mm f/2.5 Summarit-M already delivered high overall contrast and excellent definition across a significant portion of the image area³⁶¹. When stopped down to medium apertures, the image quality improved even further, providing a greater depth of field that enhanced casual picture-taking with high fidelity³⁶¹. One notable design changed in the newly (at the time) introduced Leica-M lenses was the inclusion of all-black components in the rear segment³⁶¹. This blackening helped reduce flare, and in the case of the Summarit, it was indeed effective³⁶¹.

The lens had 6 elements in 4 groups³⁶¹. The minimum focusing distance was 80cm and the filter size was E39³⁶¹.

50mm f/0.95 Noctilux

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Prototype / Early Lens

A prototype / early lens with serial number 456XXXX was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018⁵⁹⁶. The lens resembled the later "Dupont" series.

Serial Production 

50mm f/0.95 Noctilux (catalog number 11602³⁶¹) in black anodized finish³⁶¹ was introduced at Photokina 2008²⁸³. The silver chrome finish, catalog number 11667, was introduced in 2014³⁶¹.

The difference in performance and ambition between the 50mm f/1 Noctilux-M lens designed by Mandler and the 50mm f/0.95 Noctilux-M ASPH created by Karbe was striking³⁶¹. These two designs are separated by more than 30 years³⁶¹. When Mandler developed his version of the Noctilux, he faced significant constraints due to Leitz's struggles during a merger with Wild Heerbrugg³⁶¹. The photography sector was not receiving much attention, and the rangefinder camera needed a fresh perspective, especially as Leitz's reputation as a premier manufacturer of high-quality photographic equipment was declining³⁶¹. Mandler had to rely solely on conventional tools and methods but could utilize a new glass with a very high refractive index that was specifically developed in the Leitz glass lab³⁶¹.

By 2008, Leica had recovered from near-bankruptcy and, with substantial cash injections, was able to innovate vigorously³⁶¹. Under the dynamic leadership of then-CEO Steven Lee and aided by modern high-tech (CNC) production technology and sophisticated logistics, the optical design department, led by Peter Karbe, created new types of glass to be produced by Schott³⁶¹. They introduced floating elements with precise tolerances, manipulated anomalies in dispersion and other complex optical glass characteristics, and installed new equipment for shaping glass surfaces and centering lens elements with nanometer-level precision³⁶¹.

The outcome? The introduction of the first super-fast standard lens that rivals the 50mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH, the reigning champion of high-speed 50mm lenses³⁶¹. Weighing 700 grams and measuring 75mm in length and 73mm in diameter, the this new at the time Noctilux reflected the restored confidence of the Leica Company, albeit with a heart-stopping price tag³⁶¹.

Opting for an aperture of f/0.95 was quite bold; the 11% increase in pupil diameter presents challenges for controlling aberrations³⁶¹. However, contrast at maximum aperture remains high, delivering excellent detail definition³⁶¹. Issues such as focus shift have been eliminated, and the presence of coma has been significantly reduced³⁶¹. When stopped down, the new lens matches or even slightly surpasses the performance of the 50mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH³⁶¹. While some chromatic aberration is still present, it is nearly unavoidable in high-speed lenses. Light fall-off remained noticeable, though it was less critical with contemporary digital post-processing³⁶¹. It was worth noting that the distance ring was quite thin-walled, and pressing too hard on the mount could cause perceptible stiffening³⁶¹.

Overall, the new Noctilux is an exceptional performer, though its size and weight, coupled with its premium price, place it in a unique category³⁶¹. The pricing dynamic has changed dramatically as well: in 2009, the 50mm f/0.95 Noctilux-M ASPH was priced at €7,995, while the 50mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH was priced at €2,750, resulting in a staggering difference of 290%³⁶¹. The elaborate manufacturing process of the aspherical elements and the selection of exclusive glass types contribute to this cost disparity³⁶¹. Interestingly, Mandler’s design was initially inspired by a need for cost reduction as much as possible³⁶¹.

50mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M ASPH

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In 2012, Leica Camera AG in Solms introduced the APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH lens²⁹⁶. The lens's MTF (Modulation Transfer Function) curves demonstrate its outstanding performance, showcasing the contrast of fine details and the resulting image sharpness²⁹⁶. The lens resolves even the finest details with over 50% contrast across the entire image field, an achievement that highlights its exceptional quality²⁹⁶.

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 situation²⁹⁶. Additionally, the apochromatic correction minimizes chromatic aberration on sharp edges, ensuring a natural representation of every detail²⁹⁶.

The design of the 50 mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M ASPH is based on the optical design of its predecessor, the version 4 of 50mm f/2 Summicron, which has been part of the Leica M portfolio since 1979, making it the oldest lens in the lineup²⁹⁶. This lens incorporates a floating element; the lens group behind the diaphragm adjusts its position relative to the front group during focusing²⁹⁶.

It was acknowledged that using very expensive types of glass and maintaining exceptionally precise engineering tolerances meant that this lens could never be cheap³⁰⁰.

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.

The metal grey paint finish of the 50 mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M ASPH was introduced on May 28, 2026. This lens was not part of a limited production series but was rather a permanent addition to the portfolio.

50mm f/2.4 Summarit-M

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50mm f/2.4 Summarit-M was redesigned and reintroduced in 2014³⁰².

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

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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 and introduced in 2018³¹⁴. 

The lens resembles "wide-knurled focus ring" version of 50mm f/2 Summicron Rigid from 1956 externally³¹⁴. Optically, this lens is similar to 50mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M ASPH³¹⁴. 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. It is available in both Black Paint and Silver Chrome, crafted from brass³¹⁴.

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 known³¹⁴.

As of 2019, the lens was available to general public⁵²⁰. The most noticeable feature of the new black chrome version is the intermittent knurling on the focus ring, a design element often found on Leica lenses from the 1950s and 1960s⁵²⁰. This creates a perfect blend of cutting-edge optical calculations and a striking, authentically retro design⁵²⁰. It pays tribute to an era when the success of the M system was largely influenced by the capacity of standard lenses to replicate the human eye’s perspective⁵²⁰. While the classic knurling on the focus ring may initially appear somewhat bulky, it actually provides an excellent grip, enhancing usability⁵²⁰.

50mm f/1.2 Noctilux Reissue

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Reissue of 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux of 1966 was 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 1966³²⁷. Even the lens hood is superficially identical³²⁷. Although it says "LEICA CAMERA WETZLAR" and misses out the 'GERMANY' on the original 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux of 1966³²⁷. 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. The lens focuses down to 1m³²⁷.

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 euros³²⁷.

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

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The lens was introduced in 2023 and features a new close-focus helicoid that allows it to be focused down to 0.45 meters³⁴⁵. This enhancement increases the maximum magnification from 1:11.3 to 1:6.4³⁴⁵.

It has 11 aperture blades, providing better control over depth of field³⁴⁵. 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 focusing³⁴⁵.

Leica has made modifications to the edges of the lens elements to improve definition from the center to the edges³⁴⁵. 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 models³⁴⁵.

It is available in silver chrome-plated or black anodized finishes³⁴⁵. Starting December 4, 2025, the lens was available in Safari green finish to match Leica M11-P Safari camera⁵⁵⁴.

50mm f/0.95 Noctilux-M Asph "Titan"

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The 50mm f/0.9.5 Noctilux-M Asph "Titan" special edition lens was introduced in 2023³⁷³. 

With this new 50mm f/0.95 Noctilux-M Asph "Titan" lens, Leica presented a special limited edition of a modern classic, adding an even more exclusive touch to an already extraordinary lens³⁷³. This special-edition model was distinguished by its striking hue and slightly more matte finish compared to the standard versions, which were available in black or silver³⁷³.

The 50mm f/0.95 Noctilux-M Asph "Titan" lens was limited to just 100 units worldwide³⁷³. All visible parts of the lens were made of titanium, giving it a distinctive and appealing appearance³⁷³. In terms of color, the special edition resembled champagne more than silver and had a more noticeable matte finish because titanium could not be polished as finely as brass³⁷³. 

The exclusivity of this titanium variant did not stem from the rarity of the material—titanium was actually quite abundant—but rather from the complexity of its processing, which required a high level of skill and expertise³⁷³.

In this case, the elaborate production process was justified by the precision required for the optical construction of the 50mm f/0.95 Noctilux-M Asph "Titan" lens³⁷³. Its outstanding performance relied heavily on the perfect centering and alignment of the lens elements, which formed the core basis of the entire lens design³⁷³.

Furthermore, the interior of the 50mm f/0.95 Noctilux-M Asph "Titan" lens featured exquisite materials³⁷³. Five of its eight lens elements were made of glass with anomalous dispersion, with three of those having an extremely high refractive index³⁷³. These specialized glass types were essential for the Noctilux's remarkable imaging capabilities³⁷³.

Inevitably, such quality came at a cost—not only in terms of purchase price³⁷³. Although the use of lightweight materials for the lens exterior reduced weight, the 50mm f/0.95 Noctilux-M Asph "Titan" lens remained a heavy M lens due to its large, high-quality lens elements, which also protruded significantly into the viewfinder³⁷³.

Known examples

50mm f/0.95 Noctilux-M Asph "Titan" special edition lens with serial number 039/100 - 4836322 was sold for 96000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 47th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 22, 2025⁵³³.

50mm f/0.95 Noctilux-M Asph "Titan" special edition lens with serial number 086/100 - 4836369 was sold for 240000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 46th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 27, 2025³⁷⁷.