By David Farkas, Leica Store Miami
Today, Leica has announced
the 28mm Summaron-M f/5.6 lens for the Leica M system. The lens is more than
just a throwback to a classic design from the mid 1950s. It is a lens from the
1950s, at least optically, featuring the same design as the original. We can
assume that the lens features modern coatings, but otherwise, if you are
looking for a classic Leica glow, this wide-angle lens might be right up your alley.
Just
like the original, the 28 Summaron is extremely compact, protruding less than
3/4″ (2cm) from the front of the camera when mounted.
This makes it the most
compact M lens in production. Be aware that filter usage might pose a minor
challenge if you are used to E39 filters for the smaller Leica M lenses. The
Summaron does have threading for a screw-in filter….it’s just a somewhat
non-standard E34 size.
The hood is also somewhat
unique. Designed to be a replica of the original, the lens hood is machined
from solid brass, then turned and bent into its final shape.
Taking a look at the
performance proofs from Leica, this lens has character to spare, with a fair
amount of natural vignetting and lovely glowing highlights. The color and
contrast rendering are reminiscent of classic lenses as well, giving a distinct
retro look to the photos.
But even with
their vintage feel, images have plenty of crisp detail. Ultimately, the lens
strikes a wonderful balance between sharp and smooth. (check out the full gallery of performance
proofs further down for more samples)
Sure, you could always
grab one of the original lenses on the used market, but the new iteration has
been updated mechanically, comes in a native M bayonet mount (the original was
screw mount) and has 6-bit coding. I’m sure the new lens will also not have any
element separation, cleaning marks, haze or fungus either.
Note
that Leica is doing things a little differently this time around with regards
to pre-orders. Instead of waiting for the lens to be stocked at your Leica
dealer of choice or putting yourself on a waiting list, you must place a firm
(paid) pre-order for the lens. Once the lens is ordered and paid in full, your
dealer will provide you with an estimated delivery time frame from the factory
in Wetzlar. Each lens is made to order.
The lens is priced
at $2,495. Leica Store Miami is currently accepting orders either by calling
305-921-4433, emailing info@leicastoremiami.com, or by clicking the link below.
Order the 28mm Summaron-M
f/5.6 Now
Performance Proofs
Click on the thumbnails
below to see samples images from the new 28mm Summaron lens.
Press Release
Leica Camera is pleased to
introduce the Leica Summaron-M 28 mm f/5.6, a reincarnation of a classic lens
design and the most compact M-Lens to date. The Summaron-M is modeled after the
original screw mount Summaron 28 mm f/5.6 lens produced at the Leitz factory in
Wetzlar from 1955 to 1963. The new Leica Summaron-M 28 mm f/5.6 is recreated
with an M-bayonet mount, 6-bit coding and a slightly revised mechanical design
but no changes to the optical design itself. Each lens will be a special order
item, made only after an order has been placed.
Designing the New Summaron
The Leica Summaron-M 28 mm
f/5.6 offers the following benefits :
- Optical design similar to the original Summaron 28mm f/5.6 lens
- Most compact M-Lens, with an overall length of about 3/4″ (less than 2cm) is unobtrusive and ideal for street photography
- Provides unmistakable imaging signature which otherwise cannot be reproduced by digital means
- Through its combination of large depth of field, natural contrast, excellent rendition of details, and visible vignetting, the Summaron-M gives images a unique character, reminiscent of analog photography
- Combination of a clearly laid out depth of field scale and long focus throw allows precise and easy zone focusing
- Depth of field scale is colored in red
- Assembled by hand from top quality materials and finished in Silver Chrome
- Made in Germany and delivery scope includes metal lens hood and cap.
- The design and manufacturing process of the metal lens hood has ben recreated to match the original Summaron lens . It is first machined from solid brass and then given its ultimate form by a turning and bending process.
Producing the Summaron
28mm
Click on the thumbnails
below to see how the new 28mm Summaron lens is manufactured.
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