The Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. is a new, apochromatic standard lens for the Leica M system. Weiging in at 300 grams, the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. features 8 elements in 5 groups - including a floating element that changes its position relative to the front group during focusing -, an iris diaphragm with 11 blades and a close-focus point of 0.7m. Assembled in an intricate process, completely by hand, the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. will be available in the UK from the end of July 2012 for £5,400.

Leica Press Release

The new milestone in lens construction: Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH.

10/05/2012

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.

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