Leica 50mm f/2 Summicron-M (Type 5) M-Mount Lens with Built-In Hood, Germany, Black {E39} 11826

Leica's 50mm Summicron-M: the definitive M-mount normal lens.

Six elements in four groups, that's the entire optical formula behind one of the most respected normal lenses ever made. The Summicron-M 50mm f/2 renders at 45° diagonal angle of view with virtually no distortion, even brightness edge to edge, and consistent sharpness across the frame from wide open. At f/2, it gives you real low-light capability and enough depth-of-field control to isolate subjects without sliding into the optical compromises that come with faster glass.

The physical design reflects the same discipline. At 1.7 inches long, 2.1 inches in diameter, and weighing just 0.53 lbs, this lens disappears on a M body. The built-in sliding lens hood manages flare without requiring you to carry anything extra. Minimum focus sits at 2.3 ft, which covers most real-world working distances on a rangefinder. The 6-bit coding communicates lens identity to digital M bodies and writes the data into EXIF metadata, a practical detail that matters when you're sorting files later.

The Summicron 50mm has been the baseline M-system lens for decades precisely because it asks nothing from the photographer except attention. Manual focus, a 39mm filter thread, f/2 to f/16 aperture range, and optical geometry that holds up on both film and full-frame digital. That combination of restraint and optical integrity is exactly why it has remained the standard by which other 50mm lenses get measured.

Who It's For

Street photographers working M-mount film or digital bodies get a lens that won't slow them down physically or optically, 0.53 lbs and 1.7 inches means it's on the camera, not in the bag. Documentary shooters benefit from the f/2 aperture in low-light situations where flash isn't viable. Portrait photographers who prefer manual focus rangefinder control will find the rendering at f/2 and f/2.8 produces clean subject separation without optical exaggeration. Film shooters building a single-lens kit around a M body have decades of evidence that this 6-element design holds up at every aperture across the frame.

Key Features

• Six elements in four groups optical design
• f/2 maximum aperture with f/16 minimum
• Manual focus with 2.3 ft minimum focusing distance
• Built-in sliding lens hood prevents flare
• 39mm filter thread for universal compatibility
• 6-bit coding for M digital body EXIF metadata
• Leica M mount on full-frame lens format
• Compact 0.53 lb body, 1.7 inches long

FAQ

What makes the Summicron 50mm f/2 the standard M-mount normal lens?

Six elements in four groups deliver virtually zero distortion, edge-to-edge sharpness, and even brightness wide open. That optical restraint paired with f/2 low-light capability and a compact 0.53 lb footprint is why it's been the baseline for decades.

Can you use this lens on digital M bodies like the M10 or M11?

Yes. The 6-bit coding identifies the lens to digital M bodies and writes the data into EXIF metadata, so your files carry lens information automatically.

How close can you focus with this lens?

Minimum focus is 2.3 feet, which covers portrait work and most real-world rangefinder distances without requiring extension tubes.

Does the built-in lens hood stay on the lens permanently?

No, it's a sliding hood that extends when needed and retracts when not in use, so you aren't carrying extra bulk on your bag or at your eye.

What's the filter thread size?

39mm. It's a standard size with plenty of filter options available, and the hood doesn't interfere with filter rotation or removal.

Is this lens truly distortion-free?

Virtually distortion-free across the frame. At 45° diagonal angle of view with this optical formula, rendering stays clean and natural from edge to edge.

How does f/2 compare to faster 50mm lenses for depth of field?

f/2 gives you real subject isolation without the optical compromises (spherical aberration, coma, flatness of field) that come with f/1.4 or faster glass. It's fast enough for low light and offers practical depth-of-field control.