Production
1994 – 2012
Country
Germany
Optical
Double-Gauss design
Updated
Feb 15, 2026
Leica Summicron-M 50mm f/2
Leica M-mount
Overview
The Leica Summicron-M 50mm f/2 is arguably Leica's most famous lens — the one that earned Leica glass its legendary reputation. Forget the Summilux and Noctilux; the Summicron set the standard for how a 50mm should look and behave. Multiple versions span 70+ years, each excellent.
Verdict: The lens that defined Leica. The Summicron 50mm f/2 delivers that mythical 'Leica look' — micro-contrast, dimensionality, sharpness. Every version is excellent. If you want one Leica lens, this is the one.
Optical Character
Bokeh
Smooth with character. Some swirl present but controlled. 6-blade versions more geometric, 8-blade smoother.
Color
Warm, rich color with slight amber cast. Reds and yellows pop. Skin tones are flattering.
Sharpness wide open
Good center sharpness wide open. Corners improve by f/4. Better than many M42 alternatives.
Flare resistance
Multi-coated versions handle flare well. Single-coat earlier versions flare more.
Contrast
Medium contrast — more than the Biotar but still vintage. Good tonal gradation.
Vignetting
Moderate wide open.
Community Insights
What people love
- THE Leica standard
- Sharp at f/2
- Micro-contrast 'glow'
- Compact for performance
- Decades of proven excellence
What people dislike
- Leica prices
- Some versions have infinity lock (awkward)
- Not fast enough for some (f/2 vs f/1.4)
- Many versions = confusing
Pro Tips
- Any version is excellent — buy what you can afford
- Rigid v2 = sweet spot of character and performance
- The 'worst' Summicron is still one of the best 50s made
- Compare to cheaper alternatives — you'll taste the difference
Sample Photos
Sources (5)
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https://www.thephoblographer.com/2021/07/28/the-lens-ive-wanted-for-so-long-leica-50mm-f2-summicron-m-review/
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https://gear.vogelius.se/-reviews/leica-summicron-50/index.html
unknown-
https://gear.vogelius.se/-reviews/leica-summicron-50-collapsible/index.html
unknown-
https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/reviews/leica-50mm-summicron-m-f2-review
Lens Heritage 2nd JSONsecondary
The Leica Summicron-M 50mm f/2 is arguably Leica's most famous lens — the one that earned Leica glass its legendary reputation. Forget the Summilux and Noctilux; the Summicron set the standard for how a 50mm should look and behave. Multiple versions span 70+ years, each excellent.