Canon 50mm f/1.5. Leica L mount. Rangefinder-coupled. This fast, large-aperture lens was introduced in 1952 together with the Canon IV Sb and was produced until 1957. It is a Sonnar-type design with 7 elements in 3 groups, and is coated. The distance scale is marked in feet. Minimum focusing distance is approximately 1m, and the filter size is 40mm.

Although relatively compact, it offers a bright maximum aperture of 50mm f/1.5. The optical design is said to have been by Masana Kuroki. It delivers stable rendering even wide open, with a subtle glow in the highlights that gives the images a very pleasing atmosphere.

A reasonably priced lens to enjoy on a Leica, and a nice, accessible non-Leitz option for a refreshing change of pace.

The exterior is clean, with little sign of use, and it retains plenty of its original period atmosphere. There is no plating wear.

All functions operate properly. We tested the lens on our shop demo Leica M10-P, and the rangefinder coupling was spot-on.

The middle element shows some coating deterioration and cleaning marks, with slight balsam separation along the outer edge, but for this lens, the condition is good. In our test shots, we were able to enjoy the distinctive rendering of a fast vintage lens.

A genuine hood with leather case, UV filter, and front and rear caps are included.