Summarit 50mm f1.5, early version, Leica screw mount. Serial number in the 1.43 million range, manufactured in 1956. Leitz product code: SOOIA.
An improved lens based on the 7 elements in 5 groups optical design of the Schneider-designed Xenon 50mm f1.5. The adoption of newly developed optical glass brought further improvements in performance. Before the introduction of the Summilux in 1961, this was Leica's fastest large-aperture lens.
Wide open, it produces an elegant, soft rendering with a gentle glow. As the aperture is stopped down, contrast increases dramatically, transforming the image into an exceptionally sharp, rich, and dense rendering.
Its substantial, weighty barrel gives it the unmistakable presence of a classic old lens, while providing a well-balanced feel on both Barnack and M-series Leica cameras.
Distance scale is in feet. Filter size is E41. As this is the early version, it can also accept the original Leica slip-on filters. The matching original Leica hood is the rectangular XOONS.
The exterior is exceptionally beautiful, showing almost no signs of use. The chrome plating on the knurled sections and other parts retains a brilliant shine.
A full overhaul, including focus adjustment, was completed in July 2026. Thanks to the careful servicing, both the aperture ring and helicoid operate very smoothly, and the rangefinder coupling is spot-on. The matte anti-reflective lacquer inside the lens barrel has also been carefully reapplied, which should help produce images with improved contrast and clarity.
The glass has one or two extremely light cleaning marks on the front element and slight coating deterioration on the inner surface of the rear element. Both are very minor and can only be seen when inspected under a strong LED light. Also, as is occasionally seen with Summarit lenses, the coating is missing from one optical surface. None of these issues should have any noticeable effect on actual photography. Test shots produced excellent results.
Original Leica front and rear caps are included.
A fine choice for a collection as well!
