The earliest version of the Summicron 90mm f2 1st model. Leitz product code SOOZI-M. Introduced in 1957.
This was during the golden era of Leitz, when the Leica MP was also released.
The serial number falls in the 1.58 million range, made in 1958. Manufactured by Leitz Canada, marked Midland.
Optical design: 5 groups, 6 elements. Distance scale in feet. Minimum focusing distance: 3.5 feet (1 m).
The solid, heavy barrel—packed with glass—weighs an impressive 794 g on its own. Filter size: E48.
This was the first 90 mm lens to bear the Summicron name and remains one of the finest of the line.
Perhaps due to its over-engineered construction and high production cost, it was replaced by a new model as early as 1959.
Production numbers were very limited: approximately 490 units in L mount and 400 units in M mount.
Both the lens and its hood exhibit remarkable craftsmanship and presence.
The beautiful purple coating stands out elegantly against the satin-chrome barrel.
A truly rare and exceptional piece.
The chrome barrel shows minor scuffs and slight dullness to the plating. The aluminum dedicated hood has some paint loss, surface wear, and a few tiny dings, but overall, this is a remarkably well-preserved example for this lens.
Fully overhauled in October 2025. There were no signs of prior disassembly, suggesting this was the first servicing since manufacture. Because of that, many parts were seized and required considerable effort to take apart, but thanks to the meticulous overhaul, all mechanical operations are now silky smooth. Rangefinder coupling is perfectly accurate.
Test shots on our Leica M10-P demo camera confirmed that the lens delivers its characteristically sweet wide-open rendering through the rangefinder.
Under strong LED light, a very slight trace of coating deterioration can be detected near the edge of an internal element, but it has virtually no effect on image quality. Otherwise, there is no haze or cleaning marks—just beautifully clear, crisp glass.
Comes with hood and front and rear caps.
