rating: 5.00

LEICA SUMMILUX-M 50 mm f/1.4 ASPH

LEICA SUMMILUX-M 50 mm f/1.4 ASPH
LEICA SUMMILUX-M 50 mm f/1.4 ASPH(1)
Leica Camera AG has unveiled a new highspeed standard lens for the Leica M System offering maximum imaging performance: the new LEICA SUMMILUX-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. It supersedes the predecessor lens with the same speed, which, notwithstanding a few minor modifications, had been part of our range since 1962. The aim of this new development was to create a reference lens to push the technical boundaries of photography using standard focal lengths into new dimensions.
A combination of the know-how of Leica's engineers and the latest developments in manufacturing technology has resulted in this outstanding standard lens. It delivers high-contrast images, with high-resolution detail, even at its widest aperture, and down to its minimum focusing distance. This is made possible by a number of factors including the use of a floating element, special glass types with unique refraction properties, and elements with aspherical surfaces. The properties of this lens not only make it ideal for any photo situation demanding a handy all-rounder with the natural image angle of the 50 mm standard focal length, but also for available light situations, selective-focus shots, and even fine art photography - usually the preserve of much larger formats. Its wide-ranging versatility also makes it a top choice in assembling a Leica M lens outfit. The LEICA SUMMILUX-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. delivers virtually the same outstanding performance throughout all apertures and focus settings. Whether using selective focus at close range, high-contrast available light applications or an extended depth of field to capture landscapes, the
LEICA SUMMILUX-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. handles every situation with ease. It therefore delivers on its promise to be a genuine universal lens in impressive fashion. Every innovation currently available in lens technology – aspherical lenses, glass with anomalous partial dispersion, glass with a high refraction index and a floating element – has been combined to create a lens that sets the new standard in this focal length class.

LEICA SUMMILUX-M 50 mm f/1.4 ASPH Technical Data

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

Optical design Number of elements / groups: 8 / 5
Focal length: 51.6 mm
Entrance pupil: 25.7 mm (related to the first lens surface in light direction)
Focusing range: 0.7 m to Infinity
Distance setting Scale: combined meter/feet-increments
Smallest object field: 271 x 407 mm
Highest reproduction ratio: 1:11.3
Diaphragm Setting / Type: Preset, with click-stops, half values available
Smallest aperture: f/16

Bayonet Leica M quick-change bayonet

Filter (type) Internal thread for screw-on filters size E46, non-rotating

Lens hood Built-in, telescopic, lockable

Dimensions and weight
Length: 52.5 mm
Largest diameter: 53.5 mm
Weight: approx. 335 g

    

LEICA SUMMILUX-M 50 mm f/1.4 ASPH user reviews

    "This lens is a good compromise for Leica M users who want a 'standard' lens that is fast, has very respectable performance and is not too bulky.

The 50mm f/1.4 Summilux-M lens is sometimes regarded, within Leica circles, as sligthtly inferior to other current Leica M lenses, on account of its old design. Its optical formula that hasn't changed substantially since the 1960s. There is speculation that Leica may one day upgrade it, as happened recently with the 50mm f/1.4 Summilux-R, which is now an excellent performer in all respects. However, it is still generally agreed that the 50mm f/1.4 Summilux-M remains one of the very best 50mm f/1.4 lenses on the market.

Performance of this lens is very good even wide open, a strength in general of Leica lenses, and is improved further by stopping down by 2 or 3 stops. It has excellent color rendering and contrast; the control of coma and flare are also very good. Vignetting is noticeable at f/1.4 and f/2 but in low light that is often not a problem; it disappears by f/4. There is no distortion.
"
--- ray_moth rated: 5
    "This is not the cultish Marilyn Monroe-Noctilux. Rather, this is the ultra accessible Robert de Nero of lenses. It is sharp (f/2-f/5.6) for portraiture!"
--- ZiggyZulunuz rated: 5
    "This lens is a state of the art masterpiece of optical engineering.

An excellent choice for portraits and general low light photography with the M8.

It excels at all apertures and distances including wide open.

It is a joy to use and finally a 50/1.4 lens that can be used in any situation without worry about contrast or quality loss wide open and at all apertures.

I have been using it extensively for 2 years now and along with the 35/1.4 ASPH that makes a perfect set for almost any situation. For shooters who need wide angle you could also add the 28/2 ASPH, but I don't like to change lenses on the M8 because of dust."
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