Leica Summicron-M 50mm f2
(With Chrome Silver and Black finishes)
The Summicron f/2.0 is a very interesting lens within the Leica optical line up. Many regard this lens, optically, as one of the best from Leica. I am not sure how others feel, but for me, lenses of the 50mm and the 35mm focal length are the two most practical focal length and optically, a strong reason of why a Leica rangefinder system is chosen to invest into.
Strictly speaking, a rangefinder camera - whatever the Leica fans (including me) claimed on its conveneience - it can never be compared the convenience, flexibility of the SLR in terms of ease of handling and the availability of the wide and broad scope of photographic accessories that are available in any current popular brands.
Various Leica owners have their own specific reasons for buying a Leica, some going for its heritage, reliability, some are for collection/investment purposes BUT nobody will doubt one's intention of owning a Leica when it comes to its lenses (Despite the fact that recent negative lens test reports by Popular Photography , which portrayed "so-so" optical performance of the 50mm f1.4 Summilux - which actually, caused an "earthquake" within the Leica community).
The 2nd generation of the Summicron-M 50mm f2.0 '69-'79.
Whatever the reasons, I don't see it negative, BUT it actually helps Leica users benefiting from a more serious approach in Germany to revamp their quality control and production processes to ensure justification of investment in Leica quality - both cameras and lenses. I don't have any of the 50mm f1.4 and don't feel that 'Hurt' with the damaging reports carried. But I do have a 50mm f2.0 and additional few more that came along with some of the collectibles models (Yes, I do collect Leica models).
50mm focal length lenses within Leica has a very long history to follow
(From Anastigmat f3.5, Elmax f3.5 between 1924-1925) to the current few offerings
of Titan, Chrome White and Black versions. The f2 aperture started from the Simmar
f2 during 1933-1940, Summitar f2.0 between 1939-1955 and to the early screw mount
version of the Summicron f2.0 in 1953 and eventually the first M mount in 1954 appeared.(Other
model like the Elcan f2.0 came only with KE-7, the military version produced in Canada).
Leica KE-7 with 50mm Elcan f2.0
Current version of the 50mm f2.0 Summicron-M's optical construction is still based on the 6 elements in 4 groups, with minumum focusing down to 0.7' and weighing 240g, while the white/silver chrome version weighing a heavier 333g.
Earlier version of the Summicron-M
50mm f2.0
Early German lenses generally have lower contrast and thus one of the reasons why
Japanese lenses, (Nikkor in particular, capitalising
from it, with other reasons to make such an easy entry into the quality 35mm market
during the '50). Especially its performance at wider apertures.
After the few series of upgrades of its optical design, the current version coupled with new production and quality control processes seems to be yielding good results. The few that I owned ALL yield superior results even at its largest lens openings. The contrast range remains high throughout and resolve extremely fine details with distinct clarity and micro contrast - actually, that is comforting enough to restore my confidence even after reading the report from Popular Photography . Who cares, physical results speak all. And it still remains as one of my favourites and I still think it is a Class A first rated lens, optically and mechanically.
The latest version mounted on the
latest body, the M6.
IF you
are a Leica co-enthuasist or a collector, please click here, I may need some help
from you !
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