LEICA SUMMICRON-R 50 mm f/2

LEICA SUMMICRON-R 50 mm f/2 Overview A versatile standard lens that demonstrates its outstanding imaging quality at mid-range and close-up distances as well. Despite its high speed, its sharpness of focus, contrast and detail resolution are first class even when shooting wide open at f/2. Weighing just 300 grams (10.5 oz) and just 41 mm (1.6 in) long, it is extremely handy and compact.

In spite of the high speed of this lens, its sharpness, contrast and detail resolution are already first class at full aperture. Weighing a mere 300 g (10.5 oz) and with a length of only 41 mm (15.8 inches), it is extraordinarily handy and compact.

Leica Summicron-R 50mm f/2 is one of Leica's four 50mm lens designs. Two of these designs - Summicron and Summilux are available in both R and M mounts, while two other - Noctilux and Elmar are available only in M mount. Originally designed in late 60s, Summicron has seen several revisions and the review is for E55 non-ROM variant of the lens. The lens I obtained for testing was manufactured in Canada around 1980 (SN: 2973003).

The optical construction consists of 6 elements in 4 groups. While the lens is not sealed from dust and water like some of other professional lenses, the overall build quality is superb. Barrel, mount base, aperture and focus rings are all solid metal and are clearly designed with intention to withstand heavy use. Despite that, the lens is quite light and compact, measuring 6.6x4.1cm (2.59x1.61in) and weighing 290g (10.2oz). The lens has a retractable built-in hood to help reduce the amount of stray light hitting the front glass element. The minimum focusing distance is 50cm (1.64ft), the minimum aperture is f/16 and the filter size is 55mm. 

On APS-C type cameras with 1.6x crop sensor ratio, the field of view of Summicron-R 50mm f/2 is going to be equivalent to that of a 80mm lens on a full-frame body. The lens is quite popular among photographers and is in abundant supply on eBay. Good copies of the lens go for anywhere from US$350 to US$500 depending on the model/year and condition.

LEICA SUMMICRON-R 50 mm f/2 Technical Data

Angle of view (diagonal, horizontal, vertical) 47°, 40°, 27°

Optical design Number of elements / groups: 6 / 4
Focal length: 52.5 mm
Entrance pupil: 20.2 mm (related to the first lens surface in light direction)
Focusing range: 0.5 m to Infinity
Distance setting Scale: Combined meter/feet-increments
Smallest object field: 180 mm x 270 mm
Highest reproduction ratio: 1:7.5
Diaphragm Setting / Type: Preset diaphragm with clickstops (including half values), Fully automatic diaphragm
Smallest aperture: 16
Bayonet LEICA R quick-change bayonet for LEICA R3 to LEICA R8 with mechanical, and, for LEICA R8,
additional electronic exposure control
Filter (type) Internal thread for screw-in type filters E 55

Lens hood Built-in, telescopic

Dimensions and weight
Length: 41 mm
Largest diameter: 66 mm
Weight: approx. 290 g

LEICA SUMMICRON-R 50 mm f/2 user reviews