Summitar 50mm f2. The Leitz product code is SOORE. Serial number in the 900,000 range, made in 1951. It features a six-blade aperture with the international aperture scale of f2, f2.8, f4, and so on. The helicoid distance scale is in feet.

The Summitar was introduced as the successor to the Summar and laid the foundation for the legendary Summicron that followed. Its sophisticated 7 elements in 4 groups optical design greatly improved the corner light fall-off and uneven resolution seen with the Summar when used wide open, resulting in more consistent image quality.

Around 170,000 Summitar lenses were produced, but many examples today suffer from deterioration of the glass, making it increasingly difficult to find one in clean condition.

This particular example has very nice glass and delivers images with good definition and character.

Only light rubbing can be seen on the aperture ring and around the base of the barrel, with no noticeable scratches or dents. The collapsible barrel also shows very little wear, making this a very clean example for a Summitar.

A full overhaul, including focus adjustment, was completed in September 2026. The aperture ring and helicoid now operate smoothly with a nicely damped feel. Rangefinder coupling is spot-on, and focus is excellent.

The third lens group shows very slight haze-like coating deterioration, visible only when held against a strong LED light. Otherwise, there are no noticeable cleaning marks, and the glass is quite clean for a Summitar. The results of our shooting test were also excellent.

Comes with the original front cap and a third-party rear cap. The front cap for the Summitar is slightly smaller in diameter than those used for other Leitz E39 lenses such as the Summicron, and is a dedicated cap that does not fit those other lenses.

Thoroughly serviced, a fine performer, and reasonably priced. A great choice as an introduction to Leica lenses.