Summaron 28mm f5.6, commonly known as the Red Summaron. In recent years, it was unexpectedly reissued. This example was manufactured in 1956 with the product code SNOOX. Compared to the previous model, the Hektor 28mm f6.3, it is one stop faster. Serial number is in the 1.41 million range. Distance scale is in meters. The optical design consists of 4 groups and 6 elements in a Gauss type configuration.
The Red Summaron debuted in 1955 as the successor to the Hektor 28mm f6.3 and was produced until 1963. The filter size is the same as the Hektor 28mm, using a 36mm slip-on or A36 filter.

This lens was made during the peak years of postwar Leitz. In addition to its superb imaging performance, it is admired for the high quality of its chrome finish and a design that, even after nearly 70 years, feels anything but outdated. It remains highly popular today. When fitted with its dedicated square hood SOOBK, it takes on a particularly striking appearance, allowing one to enjoy the refined styling unique to Leica products of this era.

It is in unused, near-mint condition with no signs of use. There are no mounting marks on the mount. Fully overhauled in August 2025, with careful servicing resulting in very smooth helicoid movement and a smoothly operating aperture ring. Rangefinder coupling is perfectly accurate. The glass shows only very slight coating deterioration, which should have virtually no effect on shooting. The cloudiness often seen in Red Summaron lenses is absent. Test shots revealed excellent image quality. This is a truly superb lens, offering dramatic vignetting, sharpness at the focal plane, and the expansive field of view unique to wide-angle lenses.
Comes with a genuine front cap and plastic case. The original Red Summaron was produced in relatively small numbers, and finding one in such fine condition has become difficult. Highly recommended for collectors.