Leica 11891 Black 50mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH Lens
The Leica 11891 is a 50mm f/1.4 lens designed for Leica M mount cameras. Used copies start from $3,048.78 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Leica 11891 Black 50mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH Lens
Used Leica 11891 Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Leica 11891
Key Features — Leica 11891
50mm f/1.4 Summilux Optics: The f/1.4 maximum aperture allows for selective depth of field and confident shooting in low-light conditions.
Aspherical Lens Element: The ASPH designation indicates at least one aspherical element, which reduces spherical aberration and produces sharper images across the frame, even at wide apertures.
Full-Frame Coverage: Designed to cover a full 35mm image circle, making it fully compatible with both full-frame and crop-sensor Leica M bodies.
Leica M Mount: Bayonet mount fits the full range of Leica M-system bodies, including film and digital rangefinders.
Manual Focus Design: Smooth, precise focus ring is calibrated for use with Leica M rangefinder focusing, enabling accurate and tactile control over focus distance.
Compact 335g Build: Lightweight construction keeps the lens well-balanced on a rangefinder body without adding unnecessary bulk for travel or everyday use.
Lens Specifications — Leica 11891
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Portrait, Street, Travel, Creative Effects |
| Lens Type | Prime |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.4 |
| Camera System | Rangefinder |
| Lens Mount | Leica M |
| Autofocus | No |
| Focus Type | Manual |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 46mm |
Description — Leica 11891
The Leica 11891 Summilux-M is a 50mm prime lens built exclusively for the Leica M mount rangefinder system. Covering a full-frame image circle, it offers a maximum aperture of f/1.4, giving photographers meaningful flexibility when light levels drop or when a shallower depth of field is desired. Focusing is entirely manual, in keeping with the rangefinder shooting philosophy where deliberate, considered focus is central to the process.
The lens weighs 335g, keeping the overall kit compact without sacrificing the feel of a well-built optic. A 46mm filter thread allows attachment of standard screw-in filters. With no image stabilization, the lens relies on the shooter's technique and appropriate shutter selection to manage camera movement.
As a fixed 50mm focal length, it suits street, portrait, and documentary shooting styles where a natural field of view is an asset. The lens is finished in black, as indicated by the product designation 11891.
Pros — Leica 11891
- ✓Fast f/1.4 maximum aperture supports shooting in lower light and selective focus work
- ✓50mm full-frame prime focal length offers a natural, standard field of view
- ✓Compact 335g weight keeps the overall kit lightweight and manageable
Cons — Leica 11891
- ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus option for faster or less deliberate shooting styles
- ✗No image stabilization, requiring steady hands or faster shutter speeds in low light
- ✗46mm filter thread is a less common size, limiting off-the-shelf filter availability compared to larger standard sizes
Videos — Leica 11891
LEICA 50MM SUMMILUX ASPH | Review and Sample Photos — Benj Haisch