Designed as a reference lens for the M-mount system, the silver Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. from Leica is a versatile normal-length prime characterized by its bright maximum aperture and sophisticated optical design. Comprising eight elements in five groups, the lens features one aspherical element to reduce spherical aberrations and both anomalous partial dispersion and high refractive index glasses are used to control color fringing and chromatic aberrations for improved clarity. Additionally, a floating elements system is used to maintain consistent image quality throughout the focusing range, down to 2.3'. Additionally, the lens features a built-in extendable lens hood and is threaded to accept 46mm screw-in filters.

Leica M-Mount Lens    Aperture Range: f/1.4 to f/16    One Aspherical and One Floating Element    Anomalous Partial Dispersion Glass    High Refractive Index Glass    Manual Focus Design    Minimum Focusing Distance: 2.3'    Filter Thread: 46mm    Built-In Extendable Lens Hood    Designed in Germany, Made in Portugal

This 'Made in Portugal' lens features the same stringent design and construction tolerances and pristine quality as Leica lenses made in Germany, but is available for a lower cost to USA customers.

Versatile normal-length prime lens is characterized by a bright, fast f/1.4 maximum aperture to control depth of field for selective focus techniques, as well as to benefit working in low-light conditions.

One aspherical element is incorporated within the optical design, along with anomalous partial dispersion and high refractive index glass elements, to control aberrations and distortions at all aperture and focus positions.

A rear floating element is employed to maintain consistent performance throughout the focusing range, even at the minimum focusing distance of 2.3'.

Built-in extendable lens hood shades and protects the front element to reduce lens flare and ghosting. Additionally, the front of the lens is threaded to accept 46mm screw-in filters.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. I just got this lens and I absolutely loved it! But here is a question, is this lens weather/dust sealed?

A: Yes, the Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux is weather/dust sealed.

Q: 2. How is this latest version optically different from the one prior version that was slightly longer?

A: The key difference between the Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. Lens and the previous version is the newly incorporated aspherical element. One aspherical element is incorporated within the optical design, along with anomalous partial dispersion and high refractive index glass elements, to control aberrations and distortions at all aperture and focus positions.

Q: 3. is this silver lens anodized silver or silver brass?

A: This lens has aluminum construction.

Q: 4. When does this lens was launched?

A: According to Ken Rockwell it was 2004. I have had one since 2011, I believe it might be the best portrait lens ever made by anyone due to its incredibly realistic drawing and equally incredible bokeh.

Q: 5. Does this new version have a metal or plastic focusing tab?

A: The focusing ring of the Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. Lens is metal, like the rest of the lens, but the focusing tab is plastic.

Q: 6. What is the difference with this lens and the Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. Lens that has the lens hood that is attached?

A: Optically the Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. Lens (Black-Chrome Edition) (MFR #11688) is the same as the Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. Lens (Black) (MFR #11891) with the attached hood. The difference is cosmetic. As part of a limited edition of 500 pieces, this black-chrome finish Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. lens features a matte black exterior as well as an outer design that resembles the first edition of this lens from 1959. Other distinct design elements include a scalloped focusing ring, red-colored focusing distance scale in feet, and a finely-knurled aperture ring. In addition to the unique appearance of the lens, this edition also includes a metal front lens cap as well as a metal round lens hood.

Q: 7. With this lens (MFR #11715) could you mount a 43mm filter from say Leica and also mount the lens hood that comes with this lens?

A: Yes, the Round Metal Lens Hood is included in the box of Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. Lens (Black-Chrome Edition, Made in Portugal) mounts on the lens bayonet while the 43mm filter screw is on the front inner threads of the lens.

Q: 8. Can this lens be used with Leica M8? And if so, any limitations?

A: Yes, the Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH works with the Leica M8.

Q: 9. Does this lens have a floating lens element?

A: Yes. Check out the technical description on the Leica web site.

Q: 10. is the silver lens #11892 heavier than the black #11891?

A: This lens and 11891 both weigh 11.8 ounces.