Summicron 50mm f2 1st, the popular rigid version in its later form. This example comes from the final production batch. Leica M mount. The Leitz product code is SOSIC, later 11818. Distance scales are marked in both feet and meters. It features Leitz’s unique 7 elements in 6 groups optical design, sometimes referred to as the Air Lens design.
This example has a serial number in the 2.27 million range and was made in 1968. It was produced in the final year of the late rigid version, at a time when Leica cameras were also transitioning to the M4.
In the immediately preceding 2.26 million serial number range, some of the earliest 2nd version Summicrons, known as Transitional Models, were produced, so this lens can also be considered a product from this transitional period. Incidentally, lenses in the following 2.29 million range were already the black-barrel Summicron 2nd. A little confusing, isn’t it?
The late rigid version is a superb example of functional beauty, with craftsmanship that is a pleasure simply to admire. The finely knurled focusing ring is highly practical while also giving the lens its beautifully refined appearance.
It offers high contrast and consistently strong performance even wide open, which is one reason it remains highly popular today. Its timeless design looks equally at home on period M3 and M2 bodies or modern digital Leica cameras, whether paired with chrome, black paint, or black chrome bodies.
The filter size is E39. Compatible hoods include the IROOA, ITDOO, and 12585.
There is only a slight sheen around the front edge of the barrel from attaching and removing the hood. Overall, the exterior is very clean and still retains the feel of a new lens from its era.
A full overhaul was completed in September 2026. Both the aperture ring and helicoid now operate smoothly. Rangefinder coupling is also spot on.
There is some deterioration of the coating on the glass around the rear surface of the front element and the edges of the rear element. However, considering that many first-generation Summicron lenses suffer from coating deterioration, the glass is in reasonably good condition.
It would be possible to make this coating deterioration less visible by removing the original coating, but our policy is to preserve as much of the factory-applied coating as possible during servicing.
We also carried out a shooting test. Even under strong lighting conditions, including backlit scenes and outdoor shooting, the lens produced images with good contrast. You can use it with confidence.
Original front and rear caps are included.
