Canon 50mm f0.95. Announced at Photokina in 1960, this ultra-fast Canon lens was immediately acclaimed worldwide. After the fierce competition of fast Japanese lenses in the 1950s—such as the Zunow 50mm f1.1, Nikkor 50mm f1.1, Fujinon 50mm f1.2, Hexanon 60mm f1.2, and Canon 50mm f1.2—the lens was finally released in 1961. Also known as the Dream Lens.

It employs five elements of newly developed glass in a 7-element, 5-group construction. Originally designed for the Canon 7/7s with a dedicated bayonet mount, this example has been carefully converted to Leica M mount. Filter thread is 72mm screw-in.

At maximum aperture from f0.95 to f1.4, the rendering shows a distinctive softness. Stopping down to f2 and beyond, resolution and sharpness increase dramatically, making it a truly enjoyable lens to use. Please note that the rear element protrudes slightly beyond the mount surface, so careful handling is required.

There are minor traces of paint loss on the helicoid and aperture rings from use, but overall the exterior remains clean. In August 2025 it was converted to Leica M mount and fully overhauled. Both aperture and helicoid operate with an unusually smooth feel for a 0.95, and rangefinder coupling is perfectly accurate. Focus locks in confidently even at full aperture.

The glass shows no noticeable cleaning marks or haze. As a Canon 0.95, this example is in very fine condition.

Shooting tests also produced excellent results. Sample images are posted in the Shishakan gallery. You can see that while the rendering is soft at close distances, it quickly gains definition and presence even wide open once some distance is introduced.

Comes with front and rear caps and a Kenko SL filter.