Leica 28mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH. M-Mount Lens with Protection Ring, Germany, Black, 6-Bit {E46} 11672

Leica's sharpest 28mm M-mount lens, made in Germany.

The Summicron-M 28mm f/2 ASPH. sits at the top of Leica's wide-angle M lineup for a reason. The aspherical optical design keeps distortion tight at the edges, which matters enormously on a 28mm where straight lines appear near every frame border. At f/2, it gives you meaningful low-light latitude without the bulk of a faster lens, and the compact profile stays true to what M-mount shooters expect from the system. The 6-bit coding communicates lens data directly to Leica M digital bodies, allowing the camera to apply automatic lens correction profiles for vignetting and distortion. That's not a trivial detail when you're shooting wide open in marginal light and want clean files straight from the card.

The E46 filter thread is standard enough to source glass for easily, and the included protection ring guards the front element without adding unnecessary length. The black anodized finish matches most M-body configurations and holds up to regular use. Built in Germany to Leica's manufacturing tolerances, this lens reflects the kind of fit and finish that M-system shooters pay for and rely on across decades of use. At 28mm and f/2, it covers a focal length that rewards decisive, close-range work.

Who It's For

Street photographers working in tight quarters get a 28mm field of view that pulls in enough context without requiring distance from a subject, and f/2 handles tungsten-lit interiors without flash. Documentary and travel shooters benefit from the 6-bit coding on digital M bodies, which keeps post-processing overhead low when working through high volumes of frames. Landscape photographers who print large will notice what ASPH optics do for edge definition across a wide frame. Anyone building a long-term M-mount kit will recognize this as a lens built to outlast several generations of bodies.

Key Features

• 28mm fixed focal length for close-range decisive work
• f/2 maximum aperture delivers low-light latitude without excessive bulk
• ASPH aspherical optics minimize edge distortion and field curvature
• 6-bit coding enables automatic lens correction on Leica M digital bodies
• E46 filter thread accepts standard filters and accessories
• Included protection ring guards front element without adding length
• Black anodized finish resists wear and matches M-body aesthetics
• Made in Germany to Leica precision tolerances

FAQ

Does the 6-bit coding work with film M bodies?

No. The 6-bit encoding is read only by Leica M digital bodies-M6, M7, M8, M9, M10, M11, and later models. Film bodies ignore the coding entirely; the lens performs identically on film.

What does the aspherical element actually correct?

The ASPH design minimizes distortion and field curvature across the frame, keeping straight lines (horizons, architecture) straight at the edges. On a 28mm, where distortion is naturally stronger, this matters in every shot.

Is the protection ring removable?

Yes. The ring screws off if you prefer to shoot without it or need to attach certain filter holders or hoods. Most shooters leave it on because it adds no meaningful length and protects the front element reliably.

How does f/2 compare to faster 28mm M lenses?

The Summilux-M 28mm f/1.4 is half a stop faster but considerably heavier and more expensive. The f/2 Summicron trades that shallow depth of field for compact size and lower cost while still delivering strong low-light performance.

Will automatic distortion correction work on older M digital bodies?

Leica introduced 6-bit lens correction profiles gradually across firmware updates. M8 and M9 support it; earlier digital bodies may not. Check your body's firmware version to confirm compatibility.

What's the difference between this ASPH and the older Summicron-M 28mm?

The aspherical version (this one) delivers tighter edge sharpness and lower distortion. The older Summicron-M 28mm f/2 non-ASPH is still capable but not as corrected, particularly at the frame borders.