Key Takeaways
1. The Leica Summilux-M 1:1.4/50 is inspired by the original lens designs from 1959 and 1962, expanding the Classic series.
2. The lens is constructed from brass, weighs 14.7 ounces, and features a manual lens hood attachment.
3. It consists of seven elements in five groups, has twelve aperture blades, and can focus on subjects as close as 27.6 inches.
4. While it offers sharp center images suitable for portraits, its optical performance in corners and edges is not as strong as modern lenses.
5. Priced at $3,895, the Summilux-M 1:1.4/50 Classic is made in Germany and does not include autofocus capabilities.
Leica has broadened its Classic series with the introduction of the Summilux-M 1:1.4/50, which draws inspiration from the second iteration of this lens that debuted in 1962. The design of this new model pays homage to the original Summilux released in 1959. Lenses following this optical blueprint were available until 2004, when the Summilux-M 1.4/50 ASPH was launched.
Build and Features
Constructed from brass, the Leica M lens weighs in at 14.7 ounces, making it quite substantial. A lens hood comes with the purchase but needs to be attached manually, unlike Leica’s newer models where it is built into the design. The lens consists of seven elements arranged in five groups, features twelve aperture blades, and has a filter thread size of 46 millimeters. A notable update is its ability to focus on subjects as close as 27.6 inches.
Optical Quality
Examining the MTF curves reveals that the lens’s optical performance isn’t quite contemporary. Specifically, the image corners and edges lack the detail seen in more modern lenses. Nonetheless, it captures images with a relatively sharp center, making it ideal for portrait photography. Below, you can see sample images that showcase what customers might anticipate from the Summilux lens.
Production and Availability
Leica highlights that the lens is manufactured in Germany, comprising 105 distinct parts. As with all Leica M lenses, the new Summilux covers the full image circle of a full-frame sensor, but it does not offer autofocus capabilities.
The Leica Summilux-M 1:1.4/50 Classic is now on the market, priced at an MSRP of $3,895 through B&H Photo Video. For comparison, the more current Summilux-M 1:1.4/50 ASPH is available for $4,695 on the official site of the German company.
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