Leica is reissuing the classic Summilux-M 50mm f1.4 2025 lens from 1959 and has at least made some minor improvements. The lens may not be able to compete with the optical quality of the current, aspherical 50 mm Summilux, but it is intended to impress with a classic look in the photos taken.
Leica expands its classic series with the Summilux-M 50mm f1.4 2025, based on the second version of this lens from 1962. The first Summilux from 1959 inspired the body design. Leica sold lenses based on this optical construction until 2004 when they introduced the Summilux-M 50mm f1.4 ASPH.
The brass construction makes the lens relatively heavy for a Leica M, weighing 417 grams. Like Leica’s more modern lenses, it includes a lens hood that users attach when needed instead of having it integrated into the housing. The lens has seven in five groups, twelve aperture blades, and a 46-millimeter filter thread. What’s new is that the lens can focus on objects from a distance of just 70 centimeters.
Imaging Excellence Inspired by 1962
The MTF curves show that the lens’s optical quality no longer meets current standards, revealing only a few details at the edges and corners of the image. However, the lens is relatively sharp in the center of the picture, which makes it perfect for portraits. The sample photos below show what look buyers of the Summilux lens can expect.
Leica assembles the lens from 105 individual parts in Germany. Like all Leica M lenses, the new Summilux covers the image circle of a full-frame sensor but does not support autofocus.
Price and Release Date
The new Leica Summilux-M 50mm f1.4 2025 lens is now available for pre-order on both B&H Photo and Adorama. Additionally, the recommended retail price is set at $3,895.
Leica Summilux-M 50mm f1.4 2025 Specifications
- Focal Length: 50mm
- Lens Mount: Leica M
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
- Minimum Aperture: f/16
- Angle of View: Diagonal: 45° / Horizontal: 38° / Vertical: 26°
- Minimum Focus Distance: From Camera Sensor: 27.6″ / 70 cm
- Macro Reproduction Ratio: 1:12.5
- Optical Design: 7 Elements in 5 Groups
- Diaphragm Blades: 12
- Focus Type: Manual Focus
- Front Filter Size: 46 mm
- Dimensions (ø x L): 2.3 x 1.8″ / 58 x 45 mm
- Weight: 14.7 oz / 417 g
