* Item pictured for illustrative purposes only, actual item not pictured. See ‘Notes’ next to grade for included items.
Leica 5cm (50mm) f/2 Summicron (Type 1) Wetzlar Collapsible M-Mount Lens, Germany, Chrome {E39} SOOIC-M (Scaled in Feet)
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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's collapsible 50mm Summicron, Wetzlar-built, chrome finish.
The 5cm f/2 Summicron Collapsible is one of the foundational lenses in Leica M history. Built in Wetzlar, Germany, with a chrome barrel and an E39 filter thread, this is the lens that defined what a fast 50mm could do on a rangefinder. The collapsible barrel collapses into the camera body for compact carry and extends for shooting, a mechanical solution that kept the camera-and-lens package genuinely pocketable in a way fixed-barrel designs cannot match.
The f/2 maximum aperture sits in a practical range for available-light work, and the focus scale calibrated in feet suits shooters who zone-focus or work in markets where metric calibration is less natural. On a modern M-mount digital body, this lens renders with the kind of character that no current production optic fully replicates. On film, it is simply at home. The SOOIC-M designation confirms native Leica M-mount, so it mounts directly to any M-body without adaptation.
Decades of continued use by working photographers speak to how well this design holds up. Buying one means getting a piece of optical engineering that was mature before most contemporary photographers were born, and it still earns its place on a camera today.
Who It's For
Leica M film shooters who want a period-correct 50mm pairing with a chrome M2, M3, or M4 will find this collapsible Summicron the right match, both aesthetically and mechanically. Street photographers prioritize the collapsed-barrel profile, which keeps the kit genuinely compact between shots. Documentary and travel photographers working in available light lean on the f/2 aperture for indoor and low-light scenes without flash. Collectors and users who shoot Leica M digital bodies and want rendering character distinct from current production glass have a strong reason to run this lens.
Key Features
- 50mm f/2 focal length with practical wide aperture for available light
- Leica M-mount, native fit to all M-bodies without adapters
- Collapsible barrel design retracts into camera body for compact carry
- Wetzlar-built chrome optics with E39 filter thread
- Focus scale calibrated in feet for zone-focus workflows
- Fully mechanical operation, no batteries or electronics required
FAQ
- Does this lens collapse into the camera body?
- Yes. The barrel retracts fully into the camera, making the combined package genuinely compact for pocket carry. Extend it before shooting.
- What mount is this, and will it fit my M-camera?
- Leica M-mount, native - it mounts directly to any M-body without an adapter. The SOOIC-M designation confirms this.
- Why is the focus scale in feet instead of meters?
- This lens was built for markets where feet were the standard. Zone-focus shooters and those working in feet-calibrated systems will find it natural; metric users may prefer a meter-scaled version.
- What filter size does it take?
- E39 thread. Standard for vintage Leica optics, and filters remain readily available.
- How does this compare to modern 50mm lenses on rangefinders?
- The f/2 aperture is practical but not extreme, and the rendering carries the kind of character - slightly softer wide-open, gentle falloff - that current production glass doesn't quite replicate. On film, it's fully at home; on digital M-bodies, it trades speed for a distinct look.
- Is this lens fully mechanical, or does it have electronic components?
- Fully mechanical. No electronics, no batteries required. Focus and aperture are manual throughout.
- Will this work on a digital M-mount body?
- Yes. It mounts directly and focuses normally on any M-body, digital or film.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2 |
| Mount | Leica M |
| Filter Thread | E39 |
| Construction | Collapsible |
| Origin | Germany (Wetzlar) |
| Finish | Chrome |
| Focus Scale | Feet |
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 |
|---|---|
| Filter Size | 39mm |
| Focus Type | Manual focus (only) |
| Lens Mount | Leica M |
| Lens Type | Standard / Normal |
| Max Focal Length | 50mm |
| Min Focal Length | 50mm |
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.
