Leica M 5cm 50mm f/2 Summicron Lens
The Leica 5cm 50mm f/2 is a 50mm f/2 lens designed for Leica M mount cameras. Used copies start from $581.4 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Leica M 5cm 50mm f/2 Summicron Lens
Used Leica 5cm 50mm f/2 Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Leica 5cm 50mm f/2
Key Features — Leica 5cm 50mm f/2
50mm f/2 Summicron Optics: Classic Leica Summicron formula delivering the sharp, high-contrast rendering the name is known for across decades of optical refinement.
Leica M Mount: Fits the full range of Leica M-mount bodies, including film and digital rangefinders, for broad system compatibility.
Full-Frame Coverage: Image circle covers a full 35mm frame, making it suitable for both film M bodies and digital full-frame M cameras.
f/2 Maximum Aperture: Allows shooting in lower ambient light and provides meaningful subject separation from the background at wider apertures.
Manual Focus Design: Coupled to the rangefinder focusing mechanism, allowing precise focus confirmation through the camera's viewfinder.
Compact 39mm Filter Thread: Small filter diameter reflects the lens's slim profile and is compatible with Leica's classic E39 filter accessories.
Lens Specifications — Leica 5cm 50mm f/2
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Portrait, Street, Travel, Documentary |
| Lens Type | Prime |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2 |
| Camera System | Rangefinder |
| Lens Mount | Leica M |
| Autofocus | No |
| Focus Type | Manual |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 39mm |
Description — Leica 5cm 50mm f/2
The Leica M 5cm 50mm f/2 Summicron is a manual-focus prime lens designed exclusively for the Leica M mount system. With a 50mm focal length and full-frame coverage, it delivers a natural standard perspective across both digital and film M-mount bodies. The maximum aperture of f/2 allows photographers to shoot in a range of lighting conditions and provides some degree of subject-background separation.
Weighing only 240g, this lens is among the more compact and portable options available for the Leica M system, making it well-suited for day-long shooting sessions. The 39mm filter thread keeps the front element housing small. There is no image stabilization, and focus is entirely manual, which is consistent with the design language of the rangefinder system.
With its Leica M mount, it integrates directly into the M-mount ecosystem without the need for any adapter.
Pros — Leica 5cm 50mm f/2
- ✓Maximum aperture of f/2 provides solid light-gathering capability for a standard prime
- ✓Full-frame coverage suits Leica M bodies with full-frame sensors or film
- ✓Lightweight at 240g, keeping the overall kit compact and easy to carry
Cons — Leica 5cm 50mm f/2
- ✗No autofocus — manual focus only, which may not suit all photographers
- ✗No image stabilization, requiring careful technique in lower light
- ✗39mm filter thread is non-standard and can limit filter accessory options
Videos — Leica 5cm 50mm f/2
Why It's Expensive - Tiny Leica 50mm Lens! - Leica Summicron-M 50mm F2 (Ep. 10) — ZY Cheng
Frequently Asked Questions — Leica 5cm 50mm f/2
What camera mount does this lens use?+
This lens uses the Leica M mount, making it directly compatible with Leica M-mount cameras. No adapter is required for use on M-mount bodies.
Does this lens cover full-frame sensors?+
Yes, the lens is specified as full-frame format, meaning it is designed to cover a full-frame image circle suitable for full-frame Leica M bodies or 35mm film cameras.
What filter size does this lens take?+
The lens has a 39mm filter thread. When purchasing filters or accessories, be sure to select the 39mm size to ensure proper fitment.
Does this lens have autofocus or image stabilization?+
No — this is a manual-focus-only lens with no autofocus capability, and image stabilization is listed as None. Focusing is performed manually, consistent with the rangefinder system it is designed for.
How heavy is this lens?+
The lens weighs 240g, making it a lightweight option that contributes minimally to the overall weight of a Leica M kit.
What focal length and aperture does this lens offer?+
This is a 50mm prime lens with a maximum aperture of f/2, placing it in the standard focal length range with a reasonably bright aperture for a prime of this size.