By David Farkas, Leica Store Miami
Today, Leica has announced a new addition to the Classic Line of M lenses. The newly released Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 combines the most desirable aspects of versions I, II, and III of the legendary 50mm Lux with the benefits of modern manufacturing techniques, glass elements, and lens coatings.
It retains the solid brass barrel and silver chrome finish of the original 1959 Summilux, version II’s improved optics and clip-on ventilated hood, and the 0.7m close focus and E46 filter size of version III. For 50mm Summilux aficionados, this lens encapsulates the best of the pre-ASPH era in a single, modern production model.
With its silver chrome over brass construction, the reissued Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 weighs in at a hefty 417 grams, about 100 grams more than its late-1950s predecessor. The scalloped focusing ring, red distance scale in feet, and clip-on black ventilated hood complete its mid-century aesthetic. Leica includes a silver chrome metal lens cap and a black plastic push-on hood cap for a period-accurate presentation.
The optical design is directly based on the second-generation Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4, produced from 1962 to 2004 with little change over its four-decade run. Renowned for its exceptional image quality and signature rendering, the lens delivers a beautifully soft, luscious bokeh wide-open, making it a go-to choice for portrait photographers and anyone looking to create striking subject isolation. When stopped down, the lens offers improved sharpness and contrast, benefitting from modern optical coatings and manufacturing precision while preserving the unique character of its predecessor.
Like the Thambar-M 90mm f/2.2, Summaron-M 28mm f/5.6, Noticlux-M 50mm f/1.2 ASPH and Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ‘Steel Rim' lenses already reintroduced in the Leica Classic Line, the new Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 offers a faithful recreation of the original, while benefiting from modern manufacturing, mechanics, and coatings.
Another big advantage is the ability to use standard E46 filters with the clip-on lens shade, rather than the special slim profile filters required on previous iterations. And while Leica has released ASPH versions with similar styling cues, such as the special edition LHSA and black chrome models, this new Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 offers a true pre-ASPH experience in a modern, standard production lens.
Pricing and Availability
The Leica Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 is available immediately in a silver chrome finish, priced at $3,895. As with other recent Leica Classic Line lens launches, supply will be limited at launch. To purchase the Leica Summilux-M 50 f/1.4, you can visit Leica Store Miami by clicking the button below, calling 305-921-4433, or sending an email to info@leicastoremiami.com. If you’re interested in trading in other Leica equipment toward this lens, please note it during the pre-order process.
Order the Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 Classic LineProof of Performance Samples
Leica has provided some proof of performance sample images. Click on the thumbnails to see a larger size.
| Lens | Leica Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 |
| Order Number | Silver chrome 11 714 |
| Angle of view (diagonal/horizontal/vertical) | Full-frame (24 x 36 mm) 45°, 38°, 26° |
| Number of lenses/assemblies | 7/5 |
| Position of the entrance pupil before the bayonet | 29.8 mm |
| Focus range | 0.7 m to ∞ |
| Focusing | Combined scale meters (m)/feet (ft) |
| Smallest object field | Full-frame: 275 x 413 mm |
| Largest scale | 1:12.5 |
| Diaphragm Setting/Function | Click-stop diaphragm with half-increment lock settings |
| Smallest aperture | 16 |
| Number of diaphragm blades | 12 |
| Bayonet | Leica M bayonet with 6-bit encoding |
| Filter thread | E46 |
| Lens hood | Click-on (included) |
| Length | Approx. 45 mm/71 mm (with lens hood) |
| Diameter | Approx. 58 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 417 g |
Press Release
A new version of the historic M classic expands the Leica Classic Line with a lens that has unrivaled bokeh.
Teaneck, February 20, 2025 – Lenses from Leica boast a tradition that spans over 150 years. During this time, many handcrafted masterpieces have been created and have gone on to reach numerous milestones while defining trend-setting standards. The history of the legendary M-Lenses began over 70 years ago. Each of them tells a success story, with some of these legends now enjoying a renaissance decades later. This is the case for the new Leica Summilux-M 50 f/1.4.
The Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 (I) was launched onto the market in 1959 as the first lens released under the name Summilux. This name is derived from the Latin summa lux, meaning “maximum light.” Since then, Summilux has become synonymous with particularly fast Leica lenses featuring an aperture of f/1.4 to f/1.7. The new interpretation combines the classic vintage look with state-of-the-art technology and is the fifth member of the Leica Classic Line. Just like the Summaron-M 28 f/5.6, the Thambar-M 90 f/2.2, the Noctilux-M 50 f/1.2 ASPH., and the Summilux-M 35 f/1.4, its timeless aesthetics are reminiscent of its historical predecessor.
The optical design is based on the second Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 (II), an almost unchanged version of which was produced from 1962 to 2004. It is noted for its impressive image quality and unmatched image characteristics at a wide aperture. The new Summilux-M also captures the moment in this unique look with particularly soft bokeh when a wide aperture is used, making it ideal for portrait photography. When stopped down, the new lens produces sharper and higher-contrast images than its historical predecessor. This is ensured by modern production techniques and the use of special types of glass. The new edition of this classic lens fulfills all the requirements of modern M-Cameras with a high-resolution sensor. Compared to its historical predecessor, it offers even more creative freedom thanks to its extended close focusing distance of 0.7 m.
Like all M-System lenses, the new Summilux-M proudly bears the “Made in Germany” label and is a testament to the quality for which Leica lenses are known worldwide. The new lens is made by hand from solid brass and fitted with a high-quality, round vintage lens hood. As the new standard lens in the Leica Classic Line, it combines a charming vintage design with technical precision.
The Leica Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 is the first Leica lens to come in the newly designed packaging. The high-quality boxes do not contain any plastic and are also produced in Germany.
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