Leica 90mm f/2 Summicron-M M-Mount Lens, Canada. Black {E55} 11136 Ver 2

Leica's 90mm f/2 Summicron-M: a portrait standard built to last decades.

The Summicron-M 90mm f/2 (Version 2) is a Canadian-made M-mount lens that occupied a central place in Leica's lineup for good reason. At f/2, it gives rangefinder shooters a fast 90mm option that works equally well wide open or stopped down, with the E55 filter thread signaling a physically modest package for its speed. This is a lens designed around the physics of its focal length, 90mm on M-mount puts you at a natural working distance from subjects, far enough for candid work, close enough for tight environmental portraits.

Version 2 of this Summicron carries the optical refinements Leica applied after the original design, and the Canadian manufacturing marks it as part of a production era known for exacting mechanical standards. The f/2 maximum aperture threads through Leica's broader M-system logic: fast enough for low light, controlled enough that the rendering stays disciplined. Stopping down to f/5.6 or f/8 gives you the kind of across-the-frame consistency that makes this lens work as a field tool, not just a display piece. For M-system shooters who want a longer focal length that doesn't compromise the rangefinder handling they rely on, the 90mm Summicron is the answer Leica built into the system from the start.

Who It's For

Portrait photographers working with rangefinder bodies will find the 90mm focal length keeps them at a natural distance from subjects without requiring a telephoto-style kit. Street photographers who prefer tighter framing over a 35mm or 50mm can use the f/2 aperture to work in low-light urban settings without flash. Travel photographers shooting on M-system bodies get a fast secondary focal length that pairs logically with a wider prime without adding bulk. Documentary shooters who want subject separation at a controlled working distance will appreciate the f/2 ceiling on a lens built to handle daily use.

Key Features

• 90mm focal length with f/2 maximum aperture for M-mount rangefinder systems
• E55 filter thread indicates compact optical design without compromising speed
• Version 2 incorporates optical refinements for improved rendering across the frame
• Canadian manufacture from a production era known for exacting mechanical standards
• Fast enough for low-light work, controlled enough for field use at modest stops
• Designed for 90mm rangefinder focusing distances and M-system ergonomics

FAQ

What's the practical difference between the Version 2 and the original Summicron 90mm f/2?

Version 2 incorporates Leica's optical refinements to the design, delivering improved rendering across the frame and better consistency when stopped down. Both versions maintain the same f/2 aperture and M-mount, but the newer optics are the refined iteration.

Is 90mm practical for rangefinder focusing on an M camera?

Yes. 90mm sits at the edge of comfortable rangefinder base lengths on most M bodies - you get fast, accurate focus without the difficulty you'd encounter at 135mm or longer. It's a purpose-built rangefinder focal length, not a lens that compromises the system.

How does this lens perform wide open at f/2?

The f/2 aperture is designed to work as a working aperture, not just a light-gathering tool. Wide open, the rendering stays disciplined with minimal vignetting for a 90mm rangefinder lens, and contrast remains solid for handheld work.

What makes the E55 filter thread significant?

E55 is compact for a 90mm lens of this speed - it signals a physically modest package that doesn't bloat the rangefinder experience. Filters and caps are easy to source and won't add bulk to your kit.

Why Canadian manufacture for a Leica lens?

The Summicron-M 90mm f/2 Version 2 was produced in Canada during an era known for exacting mechanical standards and tight tolerances. This manufacturing period is highly regarded among M-system users for build quality and consistency.

Does this lens work well stopped down?

Stopping to f/5.6 or f/8 delivers across-the-frame consistency that makes this lens a genuine field tool. The optical design was engineered around this range, so you're not compromising anything by using modest stops.

What kind of subjects suits the 90mm focal length on M-mount?

90mm is the natural working distance for tight environmental portraits and candid work where you need separation from the background but don't want to work at the extreme distances required by longer glass. It's the portrait standard in the rangefinder toolkit.