10/05/2012
Leica Camera AG today presents a new milestone in the history of lens construction:
the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH.
With the goal of creating a lens that fully exploits the opportunities offered by high-resolution camera systems, Leica’s engineers have successfully redefined the limits of what is technically possible. The result is an extremely high-performance lens that sets entirely new standards, and currently represents exceptional talent amongst the standard lenses of the Leica M portfolio.
This new reference lens has achieved the best test results ever seen in the Leica M-Lens programme. The MTF curves of the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH., which describe the contrast of fine details and, in turn, the image sharpness, confirm its outstanding performance. Even the finest details are resolved with more than 50% contrast across the entire image field. This previously unattained value confirms the exceptional positioning of this lens. This means that all images captured with the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. in any situation show extreme sharpness and resolution of details, from corner to corner of the image. At the same time, the apochromatic correction of the lens minimises chromatic aberration on sharp edges, ensuring natural rendition of every detail. Consequently, photographers will benefit from the best possible reproduction results at any print size.
The outstanding performance of the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. is founded on the perfect interaction of all its design and construction parameters, from its optical calculation and choice of materials to the sophisticated and meticulous manufacturing and finishing of the lens. Together with more than 150 years of experience in the design and construction of optical instruments, this once again emphasises Leica’s reputation as the manufacturer of the world’s best lenses.
The new design of the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. is based on the optical design of the existing Summicron-M 50mm f/2, which has been available since 1979 (currently the oldest lens represented in the Leica M portfolio). The classic specifications – 50mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/2 – offered an ideal starting point for further development. This meant that the lens designers were able to concentrate exclusively on the improvement of image quality within these standard specifications.
In its optical design, the new Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. reflects some of the specific features of Leica’s Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. and Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH. lenses. For instance, the new lens incorporates a floating element. The lens group behind the diaphragm is designed as a floating element that changes its position relative to the front group during focusing, ensuring the lens achieves outstanding imaging quality throughout its focusing range, including at closer focusing distances.
The achievement of the apochromatic correction of the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. involved the use of specially formulated glass based on original developments from the former Leitz glass laboratory. The use of such glass requires great effort and many years of experience. Thanks to the consistent advancement of optical processes, working with this high-quality glass has been honed to such a fine art that it is integrated in the best possible quality in Leica lenses – as it is today, in the new Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH.
As a particularly reliable product with enduring value, the APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. is manufactured from the highest quality materials and is assembled in an intricate process, completely by hand, in Leica’s production facility in Solms, Germany. The combination of cutting-edge technologies and meticulous manufacturing procedures guarantees the consistently excellent quality of every single Leica lens.
Pricing and availability
The Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. in black finish is scheduled to be available in the UK from the end of July 2012 from authorised Leica dealers including the Leica Store Mayfair: www.leica-storemayfair.co.uk, tel: 020 7629 1351. A full list of authorised UK Leica dealers is available at www.leica-camera.co.uk. The suggested UK retail price is £5,400 inc. VAT.
Leica warranty and added value services
The Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. comes with a two-year warranty and a one-year Leica UK ‘Passport’ (complimentary accidental damage cover). UK customers are also welcome to visit the Leica Store and Akademie in Mayfair, London, for a complimentary demonstration on the features of the product. Technical support by telephone is available via Leica’s London-based Client Care department.
Notes to Editors
For further information or high resolution images, please contact one of the following:
Jenny Hodge, tel 07920 291920, email jenny.hodge@leica-camera.co.uk
Clare Lingfield, tel 07881 587186, email clare.lingfield@leica-camera.co.uk
Simon Wittenberg, tel 07867 804471, email lcpr@sidhuandsimon.com
Media contact details for Leica North America
Evins Communications, Ltd., Tel: 212-688-8200
Julia Covelli, tel 212-377-3593, email julia.covelli@evins.com
LEICA APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH.: Technical specifications
| Angle of view in ° (diagonal, horizontal, vertical) | 45° / 36° / 26° |
| Dimensions (Ø × L from bayonet flange, in mm) | 53 × 47 |
| Weight (in g) | 300 |
| Closest focusing distance (from the sensor/film plane, in cm) | 0.7 |
| Smallest object field (in mm) | 217 × 407 |
| Number of iris blades | 11 |
| Number of lenses (elements/groups) | 8/5 |
| Aspherical surfaces - position of front lens (from the bayonet) | 24.4 mm |
| Focusing range | 0.7 m to infinity |
| Scales | Combined, feet/metres |
| Largest reproduction ratio | 1:11.3 |
| Apertures - settings / function | Preselection with click stops at half stops |
| Smallest aperture | 16 |
| Bayonet | Leica M quick-change bayonet |
| Filter mount | Inner-threaded for screw-in filters |
| Filter thread size (Ø in mm) | E39 |
| Lens hood | Integrated, extendabl |
