* Item pictured for illustrative purposes only, actual item not pictured. See ‘Notes’ next to grade for included items.
Leica 50mm f/2 Summicron-M (Type 4) M-Mount Lens, Black, 6-Bit {E39} 11819
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$1,998.00
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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's 50mm f/2 Summicron-M: a standard lens benchmark decades in the making.
The Summicron 50mm f/2 has been the reference point for M-mount shooters since Leica established what a normal lens should do. This version carries 6-Bit coding, which means mounted on a digital M body it communicates focal length and lens geometry data directly to the camera for automatic vignetting and distortion corrections. The 39mm filter thread keeps the front element compact enough to disappear into a jacket pocket. Manual focus only, as expected from a M-mount lens, which puts focus control entirely in the shooter's hands via the rangefinder coupling mechanism.
At f/2, there is enough light-gathering to work in dim interiors without reaching for a flash, and enough depth-of-field control to separate a subject cleanly from background clutter. The 50mm focal length maps closely to natural human field of view, which makes it fast to compose and easy to anticipate where the frame falls. Photographers who have shot with this lens across film and digital bodies know its rendering character: a quality of gradation from sharp focus into out-of-focus areas that can't be replicated by software. For M-system shooters, this is not a specialty lens or a second choice, it is the standard.
Who It's For
Street photographers working in available light benefit from the f/2 aperture and compact form factor, which draws no attention and fits the pace of candid shooting. Documentary and travel photographers shooting on M bodies get 6-Bit data transmission that reduces post-processing correction work. Portrait shooters drawn to the M system's rendering character will find 50mm at f/2 gives enough subject isolation without the focus-critical demands of faster glass. Film shooters using M-mount bodies gain full rangefinder coupling and a lens that performs identically across analog and digital platforms.
Key Features
- 50mm focal length matches natural human field of view
- f/2 maximum aperture for low-light work and depth-of-field control
- 6-Bit coding for automatic vignetting and distortion correction on digital M bodies
- 39mm filter thread keeps front element compact
- Manual focus via M-mount rangefinder coupling
- Smooth optical rendering with character-driven bokeh
FAQ
- Does the 6-Bit coding work on film M bodies?
- No. 6-Bit coding is a digital feature that communicates lens geometry data to M digital bodies for automatic vignetting and distortion correction. Film bodies ignore the coding entirely and the lens functions normally via mechanical rangefinder coupling.
- What's the filter thread size?
- 39mm. Small enough that a filter doesn't add noticeable bulk to an already compact lens.
- Can you autofocus with this lens?
- No. The Summicron-M is manual focus only. You focus using the rangefinder patch in the viewfinder or by zone focusing, which is how M-mount lenses have worked for decades.
- Is f/2 fast enough for low light work?
- Yes. At f/2 you can shoot handheld in dim interiors without flash. Combine that with the 50mm field of view and the lens behaves like the workhorse it was designed to be.
- How does this lens render out-of-focus areas compared to modern digital lenses?
- The optical rendering is character-driven in ways digital correction can't replicate. The gradation from focus to blur is smooth and organic, which is why shooters have relied on this design for both film and digital M bodies.
- What's the actual focal length on a digital M body like the M10?
- 50mm. Leica M digital bodies use the same 24x36mm full-frame sensor format as film, so focal lengths match what you'd get on an M3 or M6.
- Is this lens compatible with M-mount adapters for other camera systems?
- Technically yes, but not recommended. M-mount lenses are designed for the specific flange distance of the M system. Adapting to other systems introduces optical issues and practical rangefinder coupling becomes impossible.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2 |
| Mount | Leica M |
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.
