Leica Unveils the Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 Asph II
Along with the M11 Monochrom, Leica has revealed a new version of the classic Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH lens. Featuring the same groundbreaking optical formula as the current 50mm Summilux, the new lens includes some notable updates. Perhaps most notably, the updated 50mm Summilux-M has close-focusing down to 0.45 meters thanks to a newly developed patent-pending focusing unit, similar to the APO-Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH and the redesigned Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 FLE II. Also new are an eleven-blade aperture for improved bokeh when stopped down and a swivel-out retractable circular lens shade. Dimensions are similar to the 35mm Summilux, both featuring a common industrial design.
Although the physical size of the lens has increased slightly, with a 5mm larger girth and 7mm longer length, the filter size is still 46mm. The new model weighs 337 grams, which is the same as the weight of the current black variant. From launch, the lens will be offered in black and silver anodized finishes, both constructed from aluminum.
The new 50mm Summilux can decouple and focus all the way down to 0.45m, but practically all M lenses are restricted to a minimum focus distance of 0.7m, the physical limit of the optical rangefinder on an M camera. Close-focusing necessitates the use of live view rather than the optical rangefinder and is distinguished from the conventional infinity to 0.7m rangefinder-coupled range by a light detent and modest gray distance engravings.
Full focusing functionality is available with any M camera (M240, M10, M11, etc.) or SL mirrorless body (SL601, SL2, SL2-S). Of course, users of non-live view cameras like the M9 or M7 can still utilize the 50 Summilux as a conventional M lens, even without the advantage of tight focus.
The new lens will generate smoother bokeh since it has two additional aperture blades than the existing 50mm Summilux-M ASPH. Instead, the impact will be more apparent when significantly slowing down in the f/2 to f/5.6 range. Additionally, even if the bokeh on the outgoing Summilux lens is already so lovely, we’re happy to accept any advancement.
The modern 50mm Summilux, first released in 2004, uses a straightforward pull-ou circular shade design. The shade is simple to extend; however, it frequently retracts because there is no locking feature. Leica has incorporated the lens shade into its second iteration with a similar implementation and appearance as the 50mm APO-Summicron-M. Twist to expand easily. The hood will come to a complete stop and softly lock into place. The reverse of retracting is the same.
Initial deliveries of the Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH II will start within the next week for $4,495 for black and $4,795 for silver anodized. As with any major Leica launch, especially true for a high-demand lens like this, supply will be extremely limited for many months.
