Leica Announces Limited Summicron-M 66mm f/2
Leica has introduced the Summicron-M 66mm f/2, a limited-production M-mount lens based on the Elcan 66mm f/2 developed for the U.S. Navy in the late 1960s. Part of the company’s Classic Line, the new model brings an unusual focal length to Leica’s current catalog while retaining several mechanical and visual details associated with the original military optic.
The first Elcan 66mm f/2 was designed by Walter Mandler at Ernst Leitz Canada for covert reconnaissance photography. Approximately 200 examples were produced, making it one of the rarest lenses associated with the Leica M system. The unconventional 66mm focal length resulted from an attempt to combine high resolution and fine contrast with a relatively compact body, allowing the equipment to remain discreet while producing negatives capable of substantial enlargement.
Rather than reproducing the original lens without modification, Leica has based the new Summicron on its optical concept while adapting the design to current manufacturing and performance requirements. At f/2, the lens is intended to retain some of the softer background rendering associated with Leica’s Classic Line, while stopping down shifts the emphasis toward resolution and contrast. The 66mm focal length sits between a conventional 50mm standard lens and the short telephoto focal lengths typically used for portraiture, providing moderate compression without moving into a conventional 75mm or 90mm perspective.
Several details of the historical Elcan have also been retained. Most notably, the aperture ring rotates in the opposite direction from conventional Leica M lenses, while the arrangement of the distance scale follows the original military specification. The front ring carries the modern B1047 optical calculation number alongside the individual serial number and internal material code, echoing the markings used on the original military lenses. The “Elcan” designation, which referred to Ernst Leitz Canada, has instead been replaced by a “Leitz Wetzlar” engraving.
Another unusual detail is the small “60” marking on the barrel. Rather than referring to a 60mm focal length, it follows the historical convention used for precision lenses and indicates the individually measured focal length of 66.0mm.
Here are some sample pictures, courtesy of Leica:
Unlike its predecessor, which was never commercially available, the Summicron-M 66mm f/2 is being offered to the public: production is limited to 660 individually numbered units worldwide, each supplied with a certificate of authenticity. The lens is made in Germany and is available for €9,850.
The first example in the series, carrying serial number 001, will not be sold through regular retail channels. Instead, Leica plans to offer it at the Leitz Photographica Auction in Wetzlar in November 2026.
