The Art of Balance
Leica has so many wonderful choices at 50mm! You can go with the compact Elmar, the large-aperture Summilux, the super large-aperture Noctilux,and finally the balanced Summicron. I’m really starting to like this V4 lens, and Leica has positioned the Summicron to actually be balanced, which I think is great! I know the Noctilux and Summilux have f2 apertures too, but they’re not quite the same as the Summicron.
The Leica Summilux and Noctilux lenses are more expensive and bulkier—it’s a simple fact. A wise photographer knows how to find the perfect balance between size, weight, and cost. I believe the wisdom of life is also about finding balance.
The focal length of 50mm represents balance in photography—it’s as simple as that. This lens is undoubtedly the most balanced Leica lens. Leica really knows what they’re doing. They’ve been making this lens for over 40 years, and they’ve got a great understanding of balance.
Classic and Popular
Dr. Walter Mandler, the wonderful Leica lens designer and CEO of Ernst Leitz Canada, found the secret to making a high-quality 50mm lens a long time ago. Thanks to him, even the most affordable 50mm prime lens offers optical performance that surpasses many other brands.
Leica 50mm Summicron lenses are a fantastic choice if you’re looking for excellent value for money! I’d especially recommend the fourth generation and the current version. The fourth generation has a focus ring, while the current version has a lens hood. Both are really handy Leica lenses! The current version has the same great optics as before, and it’s the only remaining vintage Leica lens still in production. I’d love to know your thoughts on whether it really is a classic! Classic and popular—and we love it!
Street Photography
I just had to tell you about this great lens I’ve found! It’s the Leica Summicron 50mm f/2 V4, and it’s a fantastic addition to any camera collection. This lens is absolutely perfect for street photography! You can focus through the viewfinder or judge distance for a blind shot. The f/2 aperture handles a wide range of lighting conditions, so you’re always ready for anything. The 50 mm focal length is great for capturing people and environments, and it also highlights people really well. I was even able to lock the focus ring at about 1.7 meters to capture people’s expressions up close – it was perfect!
Focus Fandle
This lens has an amazing optical design that’s been perfected to the highest standard of double Gauss. It’s been around since 1980, and it’s still going strong! This lens has been around for a long time, and it’s seen a few changes over the years. There’s the crescent wrench version, the tiger claw version, and the version with a built-in lens hood.
The lovely crescent version has a focus handle that looks just like a crescent!
The tiger claw version has a focus handle that looks just like a claw!
V4 = V5
The 50mm Summicron lens is available in a number of versions, including the V1 Collapsible Summicron, V2 Rigid Lens, V3 (which is slightly taller with a silver mount), V4 (in which the finger ring is bent outward), and V4 (in which the finger ring is bent inward). The latest iteration is designated the V5 and has been available since 1994. Given that the optical characteristics of the V4 and V5 are identical, it is reasonable to conclude that there will be no discernible difference in image quality.
This 50mm Summicron stands out due to both its compact and well-proven optical design, as well as its legendary focal length which can provide natural perspectives.
Production period: 1979-current
Code: 11819(black), 11825 (chrome 11826(black), 11816(chrome),
11624(titanium), from 1994 with
built-in extensible lenshood
11619 V-Summicron, screw mount Serial # 2,909. 101- current
Total production: n/a
Maximum aperture: 1: 2.0
Focal length(nominal): 50mm
Angle:45
Minimum distance: 7Ocm
Weight: 195 grams(black), with built-in lens
hood: 240 grams black, 335 grams
chrome, 335 grams titanium
Filter: E39
