This is the Dual-Range Summicron 50mm f2, a late version of the Close-Up Summicron. It was manufactured in 1961 with the serial number in the 1.88 million range. The Leitz product code is 11918, and the older code was SOOIC-MN. The helicoid distance markings are in both meters and feet.
The lens itself has a minimum focusing distance of 1m, but when paired with the close-up adapter (glasses), it allows for shooting as close as 0.5m, with parallax automatically corrected.
As with many of Leitz's finest products from the peak of their manufacturing, the build quality and operating feel of this lens are simply exceptional—something to admire and enjoy.
A note for those using digital Leica M cameras: This lens' rangefinder cam may interfere with the body, making it incompatible with certain models. However, it works perfectly with the current M11 series without any issues.
If you use live view or mirrorless cameras, close-up photography can still be done without the close-up glasses, though it may require a bit of technique.
There are light signs of use, including slight scuffing on the aperture and helicoid rings, and some additional wear on the rear side of the close-up adapter. Other than these, there are faint marks typical of use, but the chrome finish remains in excellent condition overall, presenting a clean and attractive appearance.
This particular lens has matching serial numbers on both the lens head and the helicoid.
In February 2025, it underwent a full overhaul, ensuring smooth operation of both the aperture and helicoid rings, with a pleasant tactile feel. The focus is spot-on from 1m to infinity, though there is a very slight vertical misalignment of the double image when focusing at close distances. The rangefinder coupling is working perfectly, and the lens is performing excellently.
The glass is in great condition with only 1-2 very faint cleaning marks on the front element, but no significant scratches or fog. The coating is intact across the entire lens, and the glass remains beautifully clear. There is some minor fogging around the edges of the close-up adapter’s glass, but this does not affect the view or image quality in any way. Real-world shooting tests have yielded great results, as seen in the sample gallery.
This Dual-Range Summicron remains a highly versatile lens, and it is in excellent condition for everyday use. It comes with the front and rear original caps, ready to be enjoyed!
