LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-M 50 MM F/2 ASPH
Leica Camera AG is offering a new
milestone in the history of lens construction: the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 mm
f/2 ASPH. With the goal of creating a lens that fully achieves the
opportunities offered by high-resolution camera systems, Leica engineers have
successfully redefined the limits of what is technically possible. The result
is an extremely high-performance lens that sets entirely new standards and
currently stands as an exceptional talent amongst the standard lenses of the
Leica M portfolio.
This new reference lens achieves the
best test results ever seen in the Leica M-Lens program. The MTF curves of the
Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH that describe the contrast of fine details
and, in turn, the image sharpness, confirm its outstanding performance. Even
the finest details are resolved with more than 50% contrast across the entire
image field. This previously unattained value confirms the exceptional
positioning of this lens. All images captured with the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50
mm f/2 ASPH in any photographic situation show extreme sharpness and resolution
of details from corner to corner of the image. Additionally, the apochromatic
correction of the lens minimizes chromatic aberration on sharp edges to ensure
natural rendition of every detail. As a result, photographers benefit from the
best possible reproduction results at any print size.
The outstanding performance of the
Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH is founded on the perfect interaction of
all its design and construction parameters, from optical calculation and choice
of materials to the sophisticated and elaborate manufacturing and finishing of
the lens. Together with more than 150 years of experience in the design and
construction of optical instruments, Leica’s reputation as the manufacturer of
the world’s best lenses is once again emphasized.
The new design of the Leica APO-Summicron-M
50 mm f/2 ASPH is based on the optical design of its predecessor that has been
on the market since 1979 and is the oldest lens represented in the Leica M
portfolio. The classical specifications, 50 mm focal length and a maximum
aperture of f2, offered an ideal starting point for further development. As
such, Leica’s expert lens designers were able to concentrate exclusively on the
improvement of imaging quality within these standard specifications.
In its optical design, the Leica
APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH is oriented on particular features of the
Summilux-M 50 mm f/1.4 ASPH and the Summilux-M 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH lenses. For
instance, the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH also incorporates a floating
element. The lens group behind the diaphragm is designed as a floating element
that changes its position relative to the front group during focusing, ensuring
that the lens achieves outstanding imaging quality throughout its focusing
range, including at closer focusing distances.
The realization of the apochromatic
correction of the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH involved the use of
specially formulated glasses based on original developments from the former
Leitz glass laboratory. The use of such glasses requires great effort and many
years of experience. As a result of the consistent advancement of optical
processes, working with these high-quality glasses has been refined to such a
fine art that they are integrated in the best possible quality into Leica
lenses as evidenced today in the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH.
For a test
report on the APO-SUMMICRON-M 50 MM F/2 ASPH go to:
For more on
the Leitz glass laboratory go to:
Oh, how I miss my old Summicrons. I'd love to give this one a try someday. Alas! for the price...
ReplyDeleteHi Diug, in a way what they are saying about this new Summicron reminds of the 180mm Apo Telyt when it first was introduced. As it is, the Apo Telyt is still one of the all time best lenses ever made. This Summicron is another one of those milestones. On the other hand, any Summicron is a hell of a lens to have.
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