Summilux 50mm f1.4, first version, with its beautiful chrome finish. Commonly known as the Lady, or 1st version. The Leitz product code is SOOME, later changed to 11114. Serial number in the 1.75 million range, made in 1960. E43 filter size. Compatible hoods are XOOIM, 12521G, and 12586. Purple-toned coating.
The first version Summilux 50mm, before the optical design was changed, is a popular model known for its soft and distinctive rendering around wide open. Stop it down just one stop and the image becomes noticeably crisper, with a strong sense of three-dimensionality. A remarkably versatile lens capable of a wide range of expression.
Its elegant and beautiful finish, which earned it the nickname Lady, is a timeless and excellent design that looks perfectly at home not only on period M3 and M2 bodies, but also on current digital Leica bodies. A true all-round lens.
This is an item previously sold by our shop. It was carefully used by the previous owner and has now returned to us.
There are some very light rub marks and slight shine on the front end of the lens barrel. There is also a very faint linear scratch, about 3cm long, at the base of the helicoid ring. It is in an inconspicuous area that only becomes visible when the lens is extended to its minimum focusing distance. Overall, the lens has a clean and very nice appearance.
The lens received a full overhaul six years ago, before our previous sale. For this resale, we had it fully overhauled again in August 2026 to ensure everything is in proper condition. Thanks to the thorough servicing, both the aperture and helicoid operate very smoothly. Focus is accurate, and rangefinder coupling is spot-on.
There is one tiny pinpoint area of balsam separation on an inner element, about the size of a needle tip and almost resembling an air bubble, but it should have virtually no effect on actual photographs. Otherwise, there are no noticeable cleaning marks or haze, and the glass is clear and bright. The original coating remains intact over the entire glass surface.
Our test shots also produced very good results. Sample images from the time of our previous sale are available in our Test Shoot Gallery. We hope you will have a look.
It comes with a period-correct original XOOIM hood, a New York Leitz SL filter with Germany engraving, hood cap, and rear cap. The hood shows some signs of use. With a good set of accessories included, it is ready to take out and start shooting right away.
