Leica has revived the classic Summilux 50mm f/1.4 lens, which debuted in 1959. While it may not be able to compete in optical quality with the modern aspherical portrait lens Summilux-M 1.4/50 ASPH, it will allow you to go back in time and get retro photos in the style of the mid-20th century without the use of digital processing.
Image source: Leica
The revived Leica Summilux-M 1:1.4/50 lens is actually based on the second version of this lens from 1962, but has a barrel design inspired by the original Summilux from 1959. Lenses with this optical design were sold until 2004, when the Summilux-M 1.4/50 ASPH.
Like all Leica M lenses, the new Summilux provides full exposure of the full-frame matrix. The lens does not support autofocus. The lens consists of seven optical elements in five groups. Leica Summilux-M 1:1.4/50 has a twelve-blade diaphragm. Improvements made by the manufacturer allow the lens to focus on objects from a distance of only 70 cm.
Example of a photo taken with the Leica Summilux-M 1:1.4/50 lens
The Leica Summilux-M 1:1.4/50 lens body is made of brass, so its weight is quite impressive – 417 grams. The filter thread has a diameter of 46 millimeters. The lens hood is included in the kit, but is not built into the body, as is the case with more modern Leica lenses, but is attached to it when necessary.
Example of a photo taken with the Leica Summilux-M 1:1.4/50 lens
Experts who tested the updated Leica Summilux-M 1:1.4/50 lens concluded that the optical quality of the lens no longer meets modern requirements. In particular, the edges and corners of images are not as detailed. However, the lens creates images with a relatively sharp center, which is ideal for portraits.
Example of a photo taken with the Leica Summilux-M 1:1.4/50 lens
Leica emphasizes that the lens is assembled in Germany and consists of 105 individual parts. The Leica Summilux-M 1:1.4/50 Classic is already available at a suggested retail price of $3,895. For comparison, the more modern Summilux-M 1:1.4/50 ASPH is priced by the manufacturer at $4,695.