* Item pictured for illustrative purposes only, actual item not pictured. See ‘Notes’ next to grade for included items.
Leica 50mm f/2 Summicron (Type 2) Wetzlar Rigid M-Mount Lens, Germany, Chrome {E39} 11818
-
$882.00
Select Payment Method
-
KEH Certified™ pre-owned gear, expertly inspected†
-
All rental gear is between Excellent and Like New Minus condition
-
Standard accessories included
Leica's rigid 50mm f/2 Summicron, built in Wetzlar when it mattered most.
The Summicron 50mm f/2 in its rigid barrel configuration represents a specific chapter in Leica's optical history, one Wetzlar-era shooters and collectors treat as a benchmark. The rigid design replaced the earlier collapsible version and holds the lens elements in a fixed, non-collapsing tube, which means consistent flange distance and no worry about accidental element contact during mounting. The chrome finish identifies this as an earlier production run, machined to tolerances that still draw admiration from anyone who's handled one. It takes a 39mm filter thread, so E39 accessories remain easy to source.
At f/2 on a 50mm focal length, this lens covers the classic street and documentary working aperture without the bulk of faster glass. The M bayonet mount fits the full Leica M rangefinder lineup, from film bodies like the M2 and M3 through current digital M cameras. Shooters who pair it with an adapter on mirrorless systems get the full manual-focus, rangefinder-style experience on Sony E or Leica SL bodies. The optical rendering from this period is well-documented: smooth gradation through the focus plane, with a character that no current production lens fully replicates. If you want that specific look and the built quality of mid-century German manufacture, this is where you start.
Who It's For
Film photographers shooting on Leica M2, M3, M4, or M6 bodies who want a lens that was designed alongside those cameras and matches their ergonomics and metering assumptions. Documentary and street photographers who work at f/2 in mixed or low light and need the compact footprint that the rigid Summicron provides on a rangefinder body. Collectors building a period-correct chrome Leica kit, where the Wetzlar manufacture and chrome finish align with the body they already own. Mirrorless shooters on Sony E or Leica SL using a M-mount adapter who specifically want the rendering character of this optical formula over any modern equivalent.
Key Features
- Rigid non-collapsible barrel design for fixed flange distance stability
- Chrome finish identifies Wetzlar-era early production
- 39mm filter thread for easy E39 accessory sourcing
- Leica M bayonet mount compatible with entire rangefinder lineup
- Mid-century optical rendering with smooth gradation and gentle contrast signature
- Manual focus only with rangefinder coupling on M-mount bodies
FAQ
- What's the difference between rigid and collapsible Summicron 50mm f/2 designs?
- The rigid barrel fixes the lens elements in place without a collapsing mechanism, maintaining consistent flange distance and eliminating any risk of element shift during mounting. Collapsible versions save pocket space but require more careful handling and can drift over decades of use.
- Does this lens work on digital M cameras?
- Yes. The Leica M bayonet mount is standard across the entire rangefinder lineup, from M2 film bodies through current M11 digital cameras. You get full manual focus with rangefinder coupling on any M-mount body.
- Can I use this on mirrorless cameras?
- An M-to-E mount or M-to-L mount adapter lets you mount it on Sony E or Leica SL bodies, though you lose rangefinder focus coupling and work entirely by manual focus and zone focusing.
- What filter size does it take?
- 39mm (E39). Filter availability for E39 is solid - most standard ND, polarizer, and UV filters are still in production and reasonably priced.
- Is the chrome finish original or replated?
- Chrome finish on Wetzlar-era rigid Summicrons is typical of that production period. Verify condition in person; some examples show wear or patina, which is normal for a lens of this age.
- How does the optical rendering compare to modern 50mm lenses?
- The character is distinctly mid-century - smooth bokeh gradation, gentle contrast roll-off in the mid-tones, and a rendering that feels less clinical than contemporary glass. No current production lens replicates this look exactly.
- What's the practical aperture for street and documentary work?
- f/2 hits the sweet spot - enough light for available-light rangefinder shooting without the size and cost of f/1.4 glass, and the depth of field at typical focusing distances keeps most scenes reasonably sharp.
| 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.
