Summarex 85mm f1.5. This lens has a serial number in the 820,000 range and was manufactured in 1950. Leitz's product code for this model is SOOCX. It features a Leica L-mount with rangefinder coupling and a modified Gauss-type optical design with 5 groups and 7 elements. The distance scale is marked in feet, and the 15-blade aperture ensures beautifully smooth bokeh.
Although the helicoid's minimum focus marking is 5 feet /1.5meter, this particular unit maintains perfect rangefinder coupling down to its closest focusing point, allowing for actual focusing as close as approximately 1m—a truly useful feature. The filter size is E58.
The Summarex 8.5cm f1.5 boasts the largest aperture among Leitz’s screw-mount medium telephoto lenses. When paired with its elaborately designed dedicated hood, the lens presents a striking appearance. Notably, early Summarex models featured a black-painted finish, with only a little over 100 units produced before switching to a chrome finish around 1948.
At wide open f1.5, the lens delivers a soft, dreamy rendering with noticeable glow, making it an excellent choice for portrait photography, particularly due to its low distortion. Stopping down just slightly significantly enhances resolution, while further stopping down results in an exceptionally sharp and crisp image.
To maintain precise rangefinder coupling, it is recommended to use an L/M adapter that positions the tripod mount directly at the bottom. A genuine Leitz adapter or one from Rayqual would be a reliable choice.
There are minor scuffs throughout, with more noticeable wear on the hood. However, there are no dents or significant impacts. The lens is in a condition that makes it perfect for worry-free use.
In March 2025, the lens underwent a full overhaul by a professional technician. Summarex lenses are known for having stiff aperture and helicoid movements, but this unit has been carefully serviced to ensure a smooth and refined operation, making it completely stress-free to use.
Many Summarex lenses suffer from imprecise rangefinder coupling, but this particular unit maintains perfect accuracy. Focusing is spot on, even wide open at f1.5.
There are a few faint cleaning marks on the inner elements, but the glass is crystal clear with no haze. The results from test shots were excellent, and sample images have been uploaded to the test gallery—please feel free to check them out.
Includes the original hood, dedicated hood cap, and a UVa filter.
