* Item pictured for illustrative purposes only, actual item not pictured. See ‘Notes’ next to grade for included items.
Leica 28mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH. M-Mount Lens with Built-In Hood, Black Anodized, 6-Bit {E46} 11618
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$4,541.00
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KEH Certified™ pre-owned gear, expertly inspected†
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All rental gear is between Excellent and Like New Minus condition
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Standard accessories included
Leica 28mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH: wide-angle speed meets rangefinder precision.
The Summicron-M 28 f/2 ASPH. is built around a 9-element, 6-group optical formula that prioritizes contrast and micro-detail across the full 74-degree field of view. At f/2, you get genuine low-light capability in a package that weighs just 275g and measures 55mm in length, compact enough that it disappears on a M body without throwing off the camera's balance. The aspherical elements keep corner rendering honest even at wide apertures, which matters on a 28mm where edge performance is easy to sacrifice.
The dual-curve minimum focus mechanism is the engineering story here. It extends the rotational travel of the focus ring to reach a 40cm minimum focusing distance, well inside what most M lenses allow, opening up tight environmental details and close subject work that a 28mm couldn't previously touch. Rangefinder coupling handles focus through 70cm; below that, live view, the Visoflex 2, or the Leica FOTOS app take over. The built-in lens hood rotates into position with a single twist, and the 46mm filter thread keeps accessory costs reasonable. 6-bit coding gives M-series cameras full EXIF data and automatic vignetting correction.
Who It's For
Street photographers working M-system bodies will find f/2 at 28mm a practical combination for mixed-light conditions where a slower lens forces compromises. Documentary shooters benefit from the 40cm close focus, which lets you work within a scene than standing back from it. Travel photographers who need one wide prime that handles architecture, interiors, and candid portraits without changing lenses will get real range from that 74-degree angle of view. M-system portrait shooters who want a wider perspective than the classic 50mm, without surrendering subject isolation at open apertures, have a clear use case here.
Key Features
- 9-element, 6-group optical formula for full-frame contrast and micro-detail
- Aspherical elements deliver honest corner rendering at f/2 wide aperture
- Dual-curve minimum focus mechanism enables 40cm close focusing on rangefinder lens
- f/2 aperture provides genuine low-light capability in compact 275g package
- Built-in rotating lens hood minimizes vignetting and flare without accessory
- 46mm filter thread with Leica M mount and 6-bit coding for digital integration
- 74-degree angle of view with 55mm length on M-series camera bodies
FAQ
- Does the 28mm f/2 ASPH. focus faster than the previous Summicron-M 28mm?
- Focusing speed depends on your M camera body and the rangefinder's AF capability, not the lens itself. The dual-curve mechanism extends rotational travel to reach 40cm minimum focus, but the rangefinder couples normally up to 70cm - below that, you'll use live view, Visoflex 2, or the FOTOS app.
- Can you use this lens on film M bodies?
- Yes. The 6-bit coding provides EXIF data and vignetting correction on digital M cameras, but the lens couples and focuses mechanically on any Leica M mount body, film or digital.
- What's the actual difference between this and older 28mm Summicrons?
- The dual-curve minimum focus mechanism is the core upgrade - it lets you focus to 40cm instead of the typical 70cm minimum on older M lenses. The aspherical elements and 9-element formula deliver better corner contrast and edge rendering at f/2, especially useful on high-resolution sensors.
- Is the built-in hood actually useful or just marketing?
- It's useful. The rotating hood minimizes vignetting and flare at 28mm without adding bulk or requiring a separate accessory. One twist to extend it.
- How close is "close" at 40cm minimum focus on a 28mm?
- 40cm is roughly 16 inches from the sensor plane - tight enough for environmental portraiture and detail work that traditional rangefinder lenses couldn't touch. You'll need live view or the FOTOS app below 70cm; the rangefinder couples above that.
- What's the actual weight and size penalty versus a standard M lens?
- 275g and 55mm length. It's compact enough that it doesn't unbalance an M body, and the mass is well-distributed in the barrel.
- Do you lose contrast or sharpness stopping down from f/2?
- No. The 9-element formula prioritizes contrast across the full aperture range, so f/2.8 or f/4 deliver the same micro-detail and edge rendering the lens is built for.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 28mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2 |
| Min Aperture | f/16 |
| Mount | Leica M |
| Lens Format | Full Frame |
| Angle Of View | 74° |
| Min Focusing Distance | 40 cm |
| Filter Thread | 46 mm |
| Optical Groups | 6 |
| Optical Elements | 9 |
| Length | 55 mm |
| Max Diameter | 58 mm |
| Weight | 275 g |
This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.
| Brand Name | Leica |
|---|---|
| Focus Type | Manual focus (only) |
| Lens Mount | Leica M |
| Lens Type | Wide-Angle |
| Max Focal Length | 28mm |
| Min Focal Length | 28mm |
Learn what to expect from each condition, cosmetically. Images are representative of each grade and may not show the exact item you receive. All equipment is guaranteed to work as intended, unless otherwise noted. We also occasionally offer items that fall .
Exceptions
- New
- New in box complete with manufacturer's USA warranty. Not previously owned or used.
- Like New
- Essentially new with no signs of use. “Open box.” In manufacturer's packaging with original accessories and instructions. 180-day warranty.
- As Is
- Non-functional or damaged. Equipment will not work. Usable for parts. Not covered under KEH warranty and non-returnable.
Like New Minus
Like New Minus
Barely used with virtually no traces of wear. Only the closest inspections will reveal slight use. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent Plus
Excellent Plus
Lightly used with limited signs of wear. Exceptionally nice but may have slight wear on finish visible. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent
Excellent
Noticeably used with average signs of wear. Shows moderate wear for the age of the item, with the possibility of blemishes and/or minimal dings. Lens glass may have average dust and zoom/focus ring tension may have slight looseness or tightness overall, but will not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Bargain
Bargain
Frequently used with above-average wear. May have dents, dings, or finish loss. Lens glass may have small scratches, dust, and blemishes, and zoom/focus ring tension may have moderate looseness or tightness overall, but should not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Ugly
Ugly
Heavily used with extensive visible wear. Equipment is rough, with multiple impressions in the finish, excessive finish loss and brassing. Glass will have marks, fungus and/or heavy/cloudy haze which could affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. Not covered under KEH warranty.
