Leitz Xenon 50mm f1.5, early version. The Leitz product code is XEMOO. Serial number in the 280,000 range.
The Leica Xenon was produced from 1936 to 1950; however, from 1942 onward production dropped sharply to only a few to a few dozen pieces per year.
This example dates from 1936, the very first year of production. It is the early so-called two-band type, featuring two knurled bands on the focusing ring. It uses hexagonal aperture blades and a 5-group, 7-element optical design. Uncoated optics. The aperture scale follows the Continental system (f1.5, 1.6, 2.2, 3.2, 4.5, etc.), with a minimum aperture of f9. Distance scale is in meters.
The Xenon, designed by Dr. Tronnier, is one of Leitz’s representative large-aperture lenses from the pre-war era. Manufactured by Schneider, total production is estimated at around 6,000 units, making it far from common. It was also developed as a rival to the famous Zeiss Ikon Sonnar and was reportedly very expensive at the time. Among Leitz fast standard lenses, it tends to be overshadowed by the later Summarit and Summilux, but it is a classic lens that offers delicate and soft rendering right from full aperture.
The compatible UV filter is the slip-on type XOOFB, and the matching hood is the collapsible XIOOM.
Very slight wear can be seen in various areas, but considering that this Leica Xenon is nearly 90 years old, it shows a remarkably clean appearance. There is hardly any brass showing, and no noticeable scratches or dents are present.
A full overhaul, including focus adjustment, was carried out in December 2025. Thanks to the careful servicing, the aperture ring and helicoid—often heavy on Xenon lenses—operate very smoothly. The internal anti-reflection matte lacquer has also been meticulously reapplied.
The front element shows some age-related glass discoloration and extremely faint cleaning marks, but these have virtually no effect on actual photographs. The middle element is clear with excellent transparency, and for a Xenon—many of which suffer from rough, deteriorated glass—this example has exceptionally clean optics.
As a pre-war, uncoated lens, it is somewhat susceptible to flare in backlit situations, but in slightly underexposed scenes it delivers wonderfully characterful rendering. Test shots produced very good results. We would be pleased if you could take a look at the sample images in our test gallery.
Original front and rear caps are included.
