This lens is in mint condition!
The Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH is a high-performance standard prime lens designed for Leica M-mount cameras. Renowned for its exceptional optical quality and robust construction, this lens is a favorite among professional photographers and enthusiasts alike.
Design and Build
The Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH features a compact and solid build, typical of Leica's meticulous craftsmanship. The lens barrel is made from anodized aluminum, available in both black and silver finishes. It measures approximately 2.1 inches in diameter and 2.1 inches in length, making it relatively small and lightweight for a lens of its class, weighing around 11.8 ounces. The lens includes a built-in, retractable lens hood that can be easily extended or retracted with a twist, providing protection against flare and physical damage.
Optical Construction
The optical design of the Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH is sophisticated, comprising eight elements in five groups. This includes one aspherical element, which helps to minimize spherical aberrations and distortion, ensuring sharp and high-contrast images across the entire frame. The lens also incorporates floating elements, which adjust their position relative to the focusing distance, maintaining optimal performance from the minimum focusing distance to infinity.
Aperture and Depth of Field
One of the standout features of this lens is its wide maximum aperture of f/1.4. This allows for excellent low-light performance and the ability to create a shallow depth of field, producing beautiful bokeh with smooth, out-of-focus areas. The aperture is controlled by a precise, click-stopped ring, allowing for easy adjustments. The diaphragm consists of nine rounded blades, contributing to the lens's pleasing bokeh characteristics.
Focusing
The Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH is a manual focus lens, designed to be used with Leica's rangefinder focusing system. The focus ring is smooth and well-damped, providing a tactile and precise focusing experience. The lens can focus as close as 0.7 meters (27.6 inches), which is relatively close for a rangefinder lens, allowing for detailed close-up shots.
Image Quality
The image quality produced by the Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH is outstanding. It delivers sharp, high-resolution images with excellent contrast and color fidelity. The lens performs exceptionally well even at its widest aperture, with minimal chromatic aberration and distortion. The aspherical element and advanced optical design ensure that images remain sharp and detailed from the center to the edges of the frame.
Versatility
This lens is highly versatile, suitable for a wide range of photographic applications, from portraiture and street photography to landscape and low-light shooting. Its standard 50mm focal length provides a natural perspective, making it a go-to lens for many photographers.
Build Quality and Durability
Leica lenses are known for their durability, and the Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH is no exception. The lens is built to withstand the rigors of professional use, with a robust construction that ensures longevity. The all-metal design, combined with Leica's precise engineering, makes this lens a reliable tool for any photographer.
Conclusion
The Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH is a lens that combines exceptional optical performance with a compact and durable design. Its wide aperture, precise manual focusing, and outstanding image quality make it a favorite among Leica users. Whether you're shooting in low light, capturing portraits, or simply enjoying the tactile experience of using a finely crafted lens, the Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH is a superb choice.