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Leica 5cm 50mm f/2 Summitar Collapsible Lens

The Leica 5cm f/2 Summitar is a lens from Leica. Used copies start from $349.99 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Leica 5cm 50mm f/2 Summitar Collapsible Lens

Leica 5cm 50mm f/2 Summitar Collapsible Lens

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Leica M Summitar 50mm f/2 Collapsible Chrome HAZE/SEPARATION

Condition: Good

Product Highlights

  • Collapsible lens barrel
  • Bright f/2 maximum aperture
  • Vintage optical rendering
  • Compact and lightweight design

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Used Leica 5cm f/2 Summitar Listings on GearFocus

Leica M Summitar 50mm f/2 Collapsible Chrome HAZE/SEPARATION
Leica M Summitar 50mm f/2 Collapsible Chrome HAZE/SEPARATION

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$349.99

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Lens Overview — Leica 5cm f/2 Summitar

The Leica 5cm 50mm f/2 Summitar is a collapsible rangefinder lens manufactured between 1950 and 1959, representing a significant chapter in Leica's optical history. Designed for 35mm film format, it mounts via the Leica Thread Mount (LTM / M39), a widely adopted screw-mount standard that makes it compatible with a range of vintage rangefinder bodies as well as modern mirrorless cameras through the use of appropriate adapters. The collapsible barrel design is a defining characteristic of this lens, allowing it to retract into a compact form factor when not in use — a practical feature valued by photographers who prioritize portability.

At f/2, this lens offers a relatively fast maximum aperture for its era, making it a capable companion in varied lighting situations. Focus is entirely manual, which is consistent with rangefinder-coupled operation as specified. The lens weighs 200g, keeping it lightweight for everyday carry.

For collectors and film photographers alike, the Summitar represents an authentic piece of mid-century optical craftsmanship with the credibility of the Leica name behind it.

Key Features — Leica 5cm f/2 Summitar

Collapsible Barrel Design: The lens retracts into the body when not in use, significantly reducing its profile for compact, everyday carry.

f/2 Maximum Aperture: A fast aperture for its era, allowing usable exposures in lower light without sacrificing the compact form factor.

Leica Thread Mount (M39): Screw-mount standard compatible with a wide range of vintage Leica and other rangefinder bodies, as well as modern mirrorless cameras via adapters.

Rangefinder-Coupled Focus: Mechanically couples with compatible rangefinder bodies for accurate manual focusing through the viewfinder.

50mm Focal Length: A classic normal perspective for 35mm format, closely approximating natural human field of view.

Mid-Century Optical Formula: Produced between 1939 and 1955, the Summitar delivers a characteristic rendering with smooth tonal transitions associated with that period of Leica design.

Lens Specifications — Leica 5cm f/2 Summitar

Leica 5cm f/2 Summitar full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesPortrait, Street, Creative Effects
Lens TypePrime
Lens MountLeica Thread Mount (LTM / M39)
Focus TypeManual Focus

Description — Leica 5cm f/2 Summitar

The Leica 5cm 50mm f/2 Summitar Collapsible Lens is a 35mm film format rangefinder lens produced during the 1950–1959 decade. Mounted via the Leica Thread Mount (LTM / M39), it integrates seamlessly with compatible vintage rangefinder bodies and can be adapted to modern systems using the appropriate mount adapter. The lens features a collapsible barrel, allowing photographers to reduce its footprint when stored or carried — a thoughtful design choice that keeps the overall kit compact.

With a maximum aperture of f/2, it provides a capable exposure range for a manual-focus lens of its generation. Focus type is manual, consistent with its rangefinder-coupled designation. At 200g, the Summitar is lightweight and unobtrusive. This lens carries no flash compatibility, keeping the specification set focused purely on optical performance.

For film photographers and vintage lens enthusiasts, the Summitar offers a tangible connection to mid-century Leica craftsmanship in a highly portable, historically significant package.

Pros — Leica 5cm f/2 Summitar

  • ✓Collapsible barrel design reduces carried size, ideal for compact rangefinder shooting
  • ✓Fast f/2 maximum aperture for a lens of its era and format
  • ✓Leica Thread Mount (LTM / M39) offers broad compatibility with rangefinder and adapted mirrorless systems

Cons — Leica 5cm f/2 Summitar

  • ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus capability for modern workflows
  • ✗LTM / M39 mount requires an adapter for use on contemporary camera systems
  • ✗No flash compatibility listed, limiting on-camera flash integration

Videos — Leica 5cm f/2 Summitar

"Inexpensive" Leica lenses: Summitar, Summarit and Summicron — Annie Barton

Resources & Downloads — Leica 5cm f/2 Summitar

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Leica 5cm f/2 Summitar

What mount does the Leica Summitar use, and can I adapt it to a modern camera?+
The Summitar uses the Leica Thread Mount (LTM / M39) screw mount. This is a widely supported vintage mount, and third-party adapters are available for many modern mirrorless systems, though you should verify adapter availability for your specific camera body.
Is this lens compatible with digital cameras?+
The lens is specified for rangefinder-coupled use and 35mm film format. It does not natively mount to digital cameras, but the LTM / M39 mount standard is widely adaptable. Manual focus would be required on any adapted body.
What film format does the Summitar support?+
The Summitar is designed for 35mm film format, as explicitly stated in the specifications. It is not specified for medium or large format use.
How heavy is the Leica Summitar, and does the collapsible design help with portability?+
The lens weighs 200g. The collapsible barrel is a key design feature that allows the lens to retract when not in use, reducing its overall profile and making it a compact option for rangefinder photography.
When was this lens manufactured?+
The Leica Summitar was manufactured between 1950 and 1959, placing it firmly in the mid-twentieth century era of Leica optical production.
Does this lens support flash?+
According to the specifications, flash compatibility is listed as None. There is no dedicated flash connection or hot shoe associated with this lens.

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