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Questions & Answers

Shopper : Is this the newest fle version that came out in 2016?ANDREW R : I believe that this particular model has been in production since 2010
davis g : what year was this made?CHARLES A : I think the six bit-coding on Leica lenses only started with the digital cameras, M8 and later. Erwin Puts' Leica pocket guide has dates for specific serial numbers, if that is what you are looking for. His web site is easy to find on the web. As an aside, note that the silver lenses are much heavier than the black ones.
Shopper : I read somewhere that the lens-film plane on the M9 is a few mm more than the M3.. Are the new 6-bit coded lenses adjusted for it? and if so, is the focusing then "off" on the M3?BRADLEY C : I have not noticed that the focus is off on the M3 when using this lens. The material I have seen indicates a 27.75mm mount to film plane length on the M3. If there is a difference compared to the M9 then I wonder if the M9 software has compensation built into the software? CHARLES A : I have both an M9 and an M3. The lens works fine on the M9, which is mostly where I use it. I have used it for a roll on an old M3 that I have, and saw no problems. The general view is that Leica is very careful to ensure that all their lenses work on all the M cameras (and the Leica CL for that matter). Ken Rockwell says in his review that "This LEICA SUMMILUX-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH works perfectly on every LEICA M camera, from 1954's LEICA M3 through today's newest LEICA M7, LEICA MP and LEICA M9." I think that there are a few compatability issues with a few odd lenses (retrofocus lenses?), but generally every M lens is thought to work on every M camera. C David Anderson

Reviews about this item

Review Summary

2022-08-12T12:00:21

Rated 5 out of 5

Leica m lens 50 mm 1.4 summilux

Love it very sharp great boca

ANTHONY M.

2021-02-26T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

The Best Lens I've Ever Used

The Leica 50mm Summilux ASPH is the absolute perfect blend of sharpness and character. It controls vignetting and chromatic aberration very well, even wide open at f/1.4 while rendering the closest photographs on 35mm format that I've ever seen to Medium Format. 5 Stars 10/10.

Benj H.

2020-12-22T07:54:53

Rated 5 out of 5

Nobody had one but Adorama

Beautiful lens, hard to find but Adorama came through for me!

KARL J.

2019-07-17T09:58:28

Rated 5 out of 5

Better than expected, best experience of any lens

Amazing lens, even better than I expected it to be. The build quality and feeling on this lens is one of a kind, the experience of using it is unlike no other. But better yet the final result is as you would expect of a Leica lens.

Ricardo S.

2012-02-19T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

The best lens in the world :)

There's a reason there is a long waiting list for this lens...Simply amazing IQ, in the same category as the 35mm FLE lens. The silver version is great, but heavier than the black - but the silver one is a lot more scratch resistant from what I understand.

Ashok B.

2007-02-16T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Leica 50mm1.4 M lens ASPH superb

The new Leica 50mm 1.4 m lens ASPH is one of the top performing 50mm lenses I have ever used. Sharpness is superb, contrast is excellent, and the bokeh (background blur) at 1.4 is smooth with an individual characteristic to it. I really like the fact that the built in pull out shade locks in place if you rotate the shade a quarter turn. Focusing can be accomplished either by rotating the focus ring, or using the finger tab which enables a more balanced hold of an M body since only one fingered is required to focus. This lens feels like a high quality product and the images that it is capable of producing is astonishing.

DALE G.

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Leica 50mm f/1.4 Specifications

General

General

Jump to...
  • Lens Mount

    Leica M

  • Color

    Silver

  • Format Compatibility

    Full Frame

  • Focus Type

    Manual Focus

  • Closest Focus Distance

    2.3" / 70 cm

  • Focal Length

    51.6mm

  • Aperture Range

    f/1.4 - f/16

  • Filter Size

    46mm

Construction

Jump to...
  • Lens Elements / Groups

    8 Elements / 5 Groups

  • Diaphragm Blades

    10

  • Dimensions

    Length (without lens caps) 52.5 mm (2.1")
    Diameter max. 53.5 mm (2.1")

  • Weight

    11.8 oz / 335g

Features

Jump to...
  • Image Stabilization Type

    None

  • UPC Code

    4022243118928

4 Accessories for Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux-M Aspherical Lens, Silver

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About Leica 50mm f/1.4

FEATURED REVIEWS

Leica 50mm1.4 M lens ASPH superb

By DALE G.

The new Leica 50mm 1.4 m lens ASPH is one of the top performing 50mm lenses I have ever used. Sharpness is superb, contrast is excellent, and the bokeh (background blur) at 1.4 is smooth with an individual characteristic to it. I really like the fact that the built in pull out shade locks in place if you rotate the shade a quarter turn. Focusing can be accomplished either by rotating the focus ring, or using the finger tab which enables a more balanced hold of an M body since only one fing...

View full Review

The best lens in the world :)

By Ashok B.

There's a reason there is a long waiting list for this lens...Simply amazing IQ, in the same category as the 35mm FLE lens. The silver version is great, but heavier than the black - but the silver one is a lot more scratch resistant from what I understand.

Just when you thought photographic excellence had reached its peak, the Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux-M Aspherical Lens in Silver emerges, setting a new benchmark for precision and quality in the world of photography. This lens is a masterpiece of optical engineering, boasting an advanced design that features eight meticulously crafted lenses arranged in five groups. The innovative use of glass with anomalous partial dispersion is pivotal in delivering superior color fidelity, ensuring that each image you capture is vibrant and true to life.

The construction of this lens is a testament to Leica's commitment to sophistication and innovation. The second element is made from high-grade fluorite-type glass, while the third benefits from the expertise of the renowned Leitz glass laboratory, both contributing to the lens's exceptional optical performance. The fourth element is distinguished by its aspherical surface, a design choice that significantly reduces spherical aberrations and enhances sharpness.

At the forefront of modern lens technology, the Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux-M Aspherical Lens incorporates groundbreaking features such as aspherical lenses, apochromatic correction (APO), and high-refraction index glass. These elements work in concert to deliver images of unparalleled clarity and detail. The patented 'floating element' design is a highlight, optimizing image quality at close-focus distances as near as 2.3 feet (0.7 meters), while the precision adjusting mechanism maintains impeccable image sharpness across the frame.

Photographers will appreciate the lens's ability to produce distortion-free, high-contrast images even when shooting wide open at f/1.4. This characteristic allows for the capture of scenes with a stunning level of detail, while the minor vignetting at full aperture quickly diminishes upon stopping down. State-of-the-art coating technologies are employed to combat flare and ghosting, ensuring that each photograph maintains its crispness and clarity, even in challenging lighting conditions.

The Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux-M Aspherical Lens is designed with the photographer in mind, blending functionality with an elegant form. The built-in lens hood not only enhances the lens's sleek appearance but also serves a practical purpose by shielding the lens from stray light and environmental elements. A secure locking feature prevents accidental retraction of the hood during use. The lens also offers a 46mm screw-in filter thread, providing endless possibilities for creative expression.

Focusing is a tactile pleasure, thanks to the knurled focusing ring and ergonomic finger grip, which facilitate smooth and precise adjustments with just a single finger. This thoughtful design ensures comfortable operation, even during extended shooting sessions.

In the digital realm, the lens's 6-bit identification code is a revolutionary feature that communicates with digital Leica M cameras, embedding essential lens information into the EXIF metadata of each image. This data enhances image processing for optimal quality, further reducing vignetting effects. In flash photography, the 6-bit code is instrumental in calculating the ideal pre-flash output based on the lens's focal length.

Embrace a new era of photographic artistry with the Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux-M Aspherical Lens. It's not merely an optical instrument; it's a gateway to capturing the world with unprecedented clarity and richness. This lens is where cutting-edge technology meets Leica's storied tradition, all encased in a refined, silver finish. For enthusiasts and professionals alike, the quest for optical brilliance culminates with this extraordinary lens.

Leica 50mm f/1.4 Features

  • Unique patented 'floating element' for optimal close-focus imaging
  • Eight lenses structured in 5 distinct groups for precision imaging
  • Anomalous partial dispersion glass (2/3) for impeccable color accuracy
  • Lens element 2 crafted from fluorite-type glass
  • Element 3 sourced from esteemed Leitz glass laboratory
  • Aspherical surface present in lens element 4
  • High refractive index in elements 1, 6, and 7 curbing monochromatic aberrations
  • Precise adjusting mechanism to optimize 'floating element'
  • High contrast rendering capabilities even at full aperture
  • Nearly distortion-free for true-to-life imaging
  • Advanced coating ensuring reduced glare
  • Built-in lens hood with a lock feature for extended protection
  • 46mm screw-in filter compatibility at lens front
  • Comfort-focused knurled ring and finger grip design
  • Digital compatibility with 6-bit lens identification for optimal image processing
  • Enhanced flash mode accuracy with 6-bit code providing focal length data

Warranty Information

This product has a limited warranty of 36 months.

Key Features

  • Advanced optical design with 8 lenses in 5 groups for superior image quality
  • Aspherical lens surface and high-refraction index glass for minimal aberrations
  • Fast f/1.4 aperture ideal for low-light photography and beautiful bokeh
  • Patented 'floating element' for consistent performance at close-focus distances
  • Built-in lens hood with lock feature to combat stray light and protect the lens
  • 6-bit coding for lens identification, optimizing digital M camera image processing

What's in the box:

  • Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux M Aspherical (6-Bit) Lens
  • Lens Caps
  • Soft Leather Lens Case
  • Built-In Lens Hood
  • Leica 3 Year Limited Warranty