Coated Sumitar 50mm f2, with Leitz product code SOORE. This particular lens has a manufacturing number in the 990,000 range, indicating it was produced quite late for a Sumitar, already during the era of radioactive Summicrons. Manufactured in 1952, it features a 4-group 7-element construction with a hexagonal aperture and international-style markings in meters.
Introduced in 1939 as the second-generation large-aperture high-speed lens following the Summar, the Sumitar addressed many of the issues with corner softness and vignetting found in its predecessor when wide open. It paved the way for the iconic Leica standard lens, the Summicron 50mm.
Despite being overshadowed by the fame of the Summicron, the Sumitar 50mm deserves to be reevaluated for its vintage charm. While it's one of the more affordable Leica L-mount lenses due to its relatively high production numbers, finding one in good condition can be surprisingly challenging.
Comes with a genuine front cap.
The lens shows minor wear on the retractable barrel and a few small scratches at the base part, but overall, it's in good condition with well-preserved chrome plating.
Serviced in 2022, it operates smoothly thanks to careful maintenance, with the helicoid focusing mechanism and distance coupling working perfectly, ensuring a pleasant shooting experience.
While there are very slight haze marks on the middle element, they are unlikely to affect actual photography. The faint blue coating remains intact, and there are no noticeable scratches, making the glass quite clean for a Sumitar lens.
Recommended for those looking to start with vintage lenses at a reasonable price.
