Leica's Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. ($3,995) is a familiar lens to many rangefinder photographers. It covers a standard-angle field of view, a bit tighter than the moderate wide-angle captured by another fan favorite, the Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH. The Summilux is a fine performer, capturing crisp images at its maximum aperture and getting better and better as it's stopped down. It's a solid, but expensive, choice to pair with your Leica rangefinder or mirrorless camera. If you can live with an f/2 aperture, our Editors' Choice, the Zeiss Planar T* 2/50 ZM, is a fine budget alternative. DesignThe Summilux is a compact, heavy lens. It measures 2.1 by 2.1 inches (HD), weighs 11.8 ounces, and supports 46mm front filters. It's made from anodized aluminum and available in black or silver, but the silver version costs more—$4,250. A third version of the lens, finished in black chrome, sells for $3,950, but has a slightly different design that omits the focus tab and built-in hood, and ...
The pricey Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. is the go-to standard-angle lens for many a rangefinder shooter, and with good reason.
Wide aperture design; 0.7-meter close focus; Built-in lens hood; Crisp optics; Negligible distortion
Expensive; Manual focus isn't for everyone