75MM BAYONET MOUNT LENSES
It is important to note that Leica lenses had their focal lengths specified in millimeters from 1925 to 1928, in centimeters from 1928 to 1970, and again in millimeters from 1971 onwards360.
75mm f/1.4 Summilux (Version 1)
The first version of 75mm f/1.4 Summilux (catalog number 11814123) was introduced in 1980361 and remained in the catalog until 1982361. The 75mm f/1.4 Summilux lens, when used at its maximum aperture, offers medium contrast and medium definition361. However, its performance improves significantly when stopped down361. Flare is effectively suppressed; although the outer zones of the image can appear soft, this is generally not a concern given the types of images typically captured with this lens361.
The lens uses E58 filters123 and weighs 490g361. It uses removable hood (catalog number 12539)123.
The serial numbers range from 3063301 through 3885206 for all three versions of 75mm f/1.4 Summilux (11814, 11815, 11810)361.
75mm f/1.4 Summilux (Version 2)
The second version of 75mm f/1.4 Summilux (catalog number 11815123) was introduced in 1982361 and remained in the catalog until 1998361. This version has new mount361 with a built-in extendable lens hood123.
Some lenses versions were engraved "Leica 1913-1983" in 1983361.
The lens uses E60 filters123 and weighs 600g361.
The serial numbers range from 3063301 through 3885206 for all three versions of 75mm f/1.4 Summilux (11814, 11815, 11810)361.
75mm f/1.4 Summilux (Version 3)
The third version of 75mm f/1.4 Summilux (catalog number 11810212) was introduced in 1998212 and remained in the catalog until 2004361. It has the same optical design as the Canadian 75mm f/1.4 Summilux (Version 2)212.
The lens is known for its unique ability to capture smooth fine detail and subtle color hues at maximum aperture, making it particularly suited for candid head-and-shoulder portraits, where results that approach Summicron quality can be expected361. The lens has an identical outward appearance with the now standard finely knurled rings for selecting aperture and distance, but it features some weight reduction361.
The price at introduction was 2495 USD212. By the year 2000, the Summilux-M 75 mm lens had the second-highest price tag in the lens lineup, with only the Noctilux being slightly more expensive361. Despite being positioned at a premium price, it was a steady but slow seller, with approximately 13000 units sold over nearly 25 years361.
The lens uses E60 filters123 and weighs 560g212.
The serial numbers range from 3063301 through 3885206 for all three versions of 75mm f/1.4 Summilux (11814, 11815, 11810)361.
Last production run was at the Solms factory361.
75mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M ASPH
Deliveries of the 75mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M ASPH (code-named 11637 in black anodized finish) started in May of 2005271.
The 75mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M ASPH is a lens renowned for its high contrast and exceptional detail resolution, featuring a very flat image plane361. This is particularly impressive for a high-speed lens, as optical systems typically use curved (spherical) elements, which tend to produce a curved image surface361. To correct this aberration, a reduction of the Petzval sum is required361. Achieving this is challenging, but the use of high-index glasses with anomalous dispersion, a floating element, and aspherical elements collectively contribute to minimizing the Petzval sum and chromatic errors361.
At full aperture, the lens delivers outstanding detail definition from the center to the edges361. Stopping down to medium apertures enhances contrast and sharpens the finest details361. Veiling glare is nonexistent, allowing the lens to render deep black shadows while maintaining clean separation of subtle shadow details361. The internal blackening of the mount, along with the black paint on the ring sets of the lens elements, effectively reduces secondary reflections, ensuring that halos around specular highlights are not visible361.
The 75mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M ASPH operates with the solid smoothness characteristic of the current generation of Leica lenses361. Although it is relatively heavy for its size, this weight is attributed to the specialized types of glass used361.
There are 7 elements in 5 groups, with one aspherical surface (press-molded) on one lens element, with the last group being moveable361.
The minimum focusing distance is 70cm361. The weight is 430 grams361. The filter size is E49361. The lens hood is built-in, telescopic and lockable361.
The list price was 2695 USD at the introduction271.
75mm f/2.5 Summarit-M
At first glance, some lenses appear extremely appealing, and the 75mm f/2.5 Summarit-M is one of those exceptional designs361. It features a beautifully compact mount with a rubberized grip and operates very smoothly361. In terms of performance, it is only slightly below that of its counterpart, the 75mm f/2 Apo-Summicron-M ASPH361.
The 75mm f/2.5 Summarit-M can be described as a high-contrast, high-definition lens with excellent resolving power for fine details361. While there is a slight softening of the main subject outlines at maximum aperture, the lens delivers impressive results at medium apertures361.
The color transmission of the 75mm f/2.5 Summarit-M is nearly neutral, with a slight warm bias361. However, this color bias is less critical in the digital workflow, where white balance options can easily correct it361. The 75mm f/2.5 Summarit-M lens adheres to the classic tradition of Leitz designers dating back to the era of Berek, emphasizing high performance in a compact package361. This design aligns with the rangefinder philosophy of unobtrusive photography using pocket-sized cameras and lenses361.
The minimum focusing distance is 90cm361. The weight is approximately 345 grams361. The filter thread is Non-rotating, internal thread for screw-on filters sized E46361. There is a external thread with stop for lens hood, protection ring for external thread included in delivery, and lens hood available as accessory361.