Leica 50mm f/2 Summicron-M (Type 5) M-Mount Lens with Built-In Hood, Germany, Black, 6-Bit {E39} 11826

Leica's 50mm Summicron: the M-mount standard that earned its reputation.

Six elements in four groups sounds modest, and that's the point. Leica's optical engineers spent decades refining this formula to deliver even sharpness and minimal distortion across the full frame, not by adding elements but by getting the geometry right. At f/2 you have enough speed to work in dim interiors without leaning on high ISO, and the aperture range runs to f/16 for situations demanding maximum depth of field. The whole package weighs 0.53 lbs and measures 1.7 inches long, which means it disappears on a M body in a way that a modern multi-element zoom simply cannot.

The built-in sliding lens hood is the kind of practical detail that photographers who actually use this lens daily will appreciate, no separate hood to lose, no front element exposed when you don't need it. The 6-bit coding communicates lens identity and focal length data directly to digital M bodies from the M8 onward, letting the camera apply appropriate corrections automatically and embed accurate metadata in every frame. Minimum focus sits at 2.3 ft, workable for environmental portraits and close-detail street work. With a 39mm filter thread, quality glass is accessible without the cost of larger filter systems. At this level of optical refinement and physical discipline, the Summicron-M 50mm f/2 represents exactly what a normal lens should be.

Who It's For

Street photographers working M-system cameras get a lens that won't telegraph the camera's presence, with f/2 providing enough speed for available-light alleys and cafes without flash. Documentary and travel photographers benefit from the 0.53 lb weight and 1.7-inch length on long shooting days. Portrait photographers shooting environmental work can use the 45° angle of view as a true normal focal length that renders proportions without distortion. Rangefinder enthusiasts building a minimal kit will find the 6-bit coding and sliding hood make this a genuinely complete package requiring nothing added.

Key Features

• 50mm f/2 maximum aperture for low-light performance and depth-of-field control
• Six-element, four-group optical design with minimal distortion
• 6-bit coding for automatic lens identification on digital M8+ bodies
• Built-in sliding lens hood prevents flare and ghosting
• Manual focus with 2.3-foot minimum focusing distance
• 39mm filter thread for accessible quality glass
• Weighs 0.53 lbs and measures 1.7 inches long

FAQ

What makes the six-element design special compared to modern 50mm lenses?

Leica spent decades refining this optical formula to achieve even sharpness and minimal distortion without adding unnecessary elements. The geometry of these six elements in four groups is what delivers the performance, not raw element count.

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

Yes. The 6-bit coding identifies the lens to digital M cameras from the M8 onward, allowing automatic correction application and accurate focal length metadata in every frame.

How close can I focus with this lens?

Minimum focus distance is 2.3 feet, which works for environmental portraits and close-detail street photography without requiring a separate close-focus accessory.

Is the lens hood removable or fixed?

The lens hood is built-in and slides to expand when needed, then retracts to protect the front element. No separate hood to carry or lose.

What filter size does this lens use?

The filter thread is 39mm, keeping your filter investment reasonable compared to larger diameter lenses.

How much does this weigh and what's the physical size?

It weighs 0.53 pounds and measures 1.7 inches long with a maximum diameter of 2.1 inches, making it compact enough to disappear on an M body.