Leica Summilux M f/1.4/50mm ASPH introduced

The Leica Summilux-M f/1.4/50mm ASPH lens introduced by Leica Camera AG, Solms is a completely new design of the high-speed standard lens. By using an aspherical element, it has been possible to achieve another substantial improvement to the imaging performance of the predecessor model. The Leica Summilux-M f/1.4/50mm ASPH. is the first Leica M lens to feature a floating element - the last lens element alters its position in relation to the rest of the optical system during focusing - thereby achieving outstanding imaging quality even in the close-up range. To achieve homogeneously high imaging performance over the whole field, the Leica Summilux-M f/1.4/50mm ASPH. not only features high-refraction glass, but also two elements with anomalous color dispersion (partial dispersion), one of which originated in the former Leitz glass laboratory.

"The new Leica Summilux-M f/1.4/50mm ASPH. is both optically and mechanically a reference lens that has pushed forward the technical limits of standard focal length photography into new dimensions. Whether selective definition in the close range, high-contrast available light applications or landscapes with great field depth - the Leica Summilux-M f/1.4/50mm ASPH. delivers a convincing performance. It does an excellent job as a truly universal lens," says Stefan Daniel, Head of Product Management of Leica Camera AG's Photo division. "The Leica Summilux-M f/1.4/50mm ASPH. represents a new standard of mechanical engineering, too. To fully exploit the advantages of the floating element, an ultra precise adjustment mechanism has been devised which is small enough to fit into a compact M lens."

The new Leica Summilux-M f/1.4/50mm ASPH. performs almost equally well at any stop and focus setting, rendering excellent contrast even of the finest structures at full aperture. This performance can only be improved slightly by stopping down. Another feature worth mentioning is the virtual absence of distortion. The vignetting normal at full aperture for such a high-speed lens - here up to 2 stops in the corners of the image - is drastically reduced by stopping down - to about ½ stop at f/5.6. On top of this, the use of state-of-the-art coating technology ensures a high degree of freedom from reflexes.

The Leica Summilux-M f/1.4/50mm ASPH. has a built-in, telescopic lens hood that protects from stray light or dirt and can be locked in the extended position to prevent it moving back in by mistake. As well as the familiar knurled ring, the lens has a grip recess to allow extra convenient one-finger focusing. The balanced proportions of the lens encourage long periods of fatigue-free use.

The lens will be on sale at Leica stockists from July 2004

Specifications
Angle of view: (diagonal, horizontal, vertical): 47°, 40°, 27°
Elements/groups: 8 / 5
Aspherical surfaces: 1
Focusing range 0.7 m to infinity
Scales: Combined meter/feet scale
Smallest object field 271 x 407 mm
Largest reproduction ratio: approx. 1:11.3
Aperture clickstops (including at half f-stops)
Smallest aperture: f/16
Bayonet: Leica M quick-change bayonet
Filter mount: Internal thread for E46 screw-on filter with non-rotating focusing mount
Lens hood: Built-in, telescopic and lockable
Surface finish: Black anodized
Dimensions Length to bayonet flange: approx. 52.5 mm
Largest diameter approx. 53.5 mm
Weight: approx. 335 g