If a visitor from another planet arrived on Earth and asked to see the perfect specimen of what a digital camera and lens should look like, this combination might be the best choice. In terms of design and construction, fit and feel, the Leica M with 50mm APO Summicron is nearly perfect.

LEICA SUMMICRON-M 50mm f/2 (1994-2013 version, 39mm filters, foreskin-style hood, 8.5 oz./242g, about $2,000 new or $1,100 used). enlarge . You can get them new or used from Adorama and of course used at eBay (see How to Win at eBay ).

2010-02-01 – The 50mm focal length comes in many flavors in the world of Leica. The 50 Summicron, Summilux, Summarit…ugg. So many 50's but luckily I have had a lot of time :) It has been a long journey fore me trying to find a set of lenses that I could be happy with on my Leica M9 that fit within...

This lens associated on a Leica M-P 24mp digital gives just outstanding results. Color, details, razor sharpness, are just a few of the arguments that makes this lens worth having for a lifetime.I do wonder if it's worth looking at the APO-50mm version since this classical 50mm Summicron is already...

A lens that is completely transparent and adds no distortion, color shifts, flare from edge to edge of the full frame.

Consistent Output

Well here we are with another Leica lens review, and not only that, but a review of a lens that I discussed rather extensively in my recent review of the Leica Summarit-M 50mm f/2.5.

Outstanding sharpness; no distortion; exquisite build; MUCH cheaper than 50 APO or Lux

Bokeh can be unpredictable; expensive

It's one of the best lens, however mine came with missing warranty card and quality check card, returning it soon

I had used this lens when I had a M6. I have to say while a great lens, better than any Japanese SLR lens, it did not offer the magical "Glow" I have read so much about. I have an old 40/2 Summicron for a CL that I liked better.

Excellend lens; good bokeh; sharp

A touch flat when compared to Zeiss glass; Not legenday sharp as some claim

The Summicron 50/2 as it is sold today is already the 4th generation. The first version dates back to 1959, while the current product was introduced in 1979. Since then, the lens has not changed internally, making it one of the oldest products in Leica's portfolio.

Rangefinder optics hasn't recently appeared on the main page of portals dealing with tests of photographic equipment. The reason for this was simple. Good tests of these lenses could only have been conducted on analogue cameras.

very high build quality; excellent image quality at the center of the field of view; after stopping down; good image quality at the center of the frame; small chromatic aberration; slight distortion; very good work against bright the light; high transmission

distinct coma; large vignetting around the maximum aperture