Production
1950
Country
Germany
Optical
7 elements in 5 groups, Gauss design
Updated
Feb 6, 2026
Leica Summicron 50mm f2
Leica M Mount · 50mm · f/2
Overview
The Leica Summicron 50mm f2 represents the legendary Leica quality and German engineering. One of the most respected standard lenses ever produced, the Summicron has been manufactured since the 1950s with multiple iterations. The M-mount versions became synonymous with rangefinder photography. Leica's commitment to optical excellence created a lens that defined standards for 50mm design.
Verdict: MFlenses users regard it as a masterpiece of lens design. A must-have for serious vintage lens collectors.
Optical Character
Bokeh
Very creamy, among the best bokeh of vintage 50mm lenses with rounded, pleasing quality.
Color
Neutral-warm with excellent color fidelity and saturation.
Sharpness wide open
Sharp wide open at f2, excellent when stopped down.
Flare resistance
Excellent resistance, minimal flare even in harsh light.
Contrast
Medium contrast with balanced rendering and excellent micro-contrast.
Vignetting
Visible at f2, quickly reduces and minimal by f2.8.
Community Insights
What people love
- Beautiful rendering
- Legendary Leica quality
- Excellent color
- Creamy bokeh
- Timeless character
- Investment value
What people dislike
- Expensive
- Scarcity of used examples
- M-mount only
- Can be soft at f2
- Fungus common in older versions
Pro Tips
- Excellent investment
- Pair with Leica M cameras
- Can be adapted to other mounts
- Multiple versions worth exploring
Sample Photos
Sources (2)
MFlenses ForumForum
The Leica Summicron 50mm f2 represents the legendary Leica quality and German engineering. One of the most respected standard lenses ever produced, the Summicron has been manufactured since the 1950s with multiple iterations. The M-mount versions became synonymous with rangefinder photography. Leica's commitment to optical excellence created a lens that defined standards for 50mm design.
DPReview ForumForum
The Leica Summicron 50mm f2 is considered one of the finest standard lenses ever created. Produced continuously since the 1950s with incremental improvements, it represents the pinnacle of rangefinder lens design. The Summicron became synonymous with Leica's quality and has been adapted by photographers worldwide for use on modern digital cameras.