An early Summilux 50mm f1.4 in beautiful chrome finish, commonly known in Japan as the Lady, or 1st version. The Leitz product code is SOOME, later changed to 11114. Serial number in the 1.7 million range, manufactured in 1959. E43 filter size. Compatible hoods include XOOIM, 12521G, and 12586. The lens features purple-toned coating.
The early Summilux 50mm 1st, before the optical design was revised, is a popular version known for its soft and atmospheric rendering near wide open. Stopping down by just one stop brings a noticeably crisper image with a strong sense of depth and dimensionality. It is an exceptionally versatile lens capable of producing a wide range of expressions.
Its elegant and beautifully finished design, which has earned it the nickname Lady in Japan, looks perfectly at home not only on period M3 and M2 bodies, but also on modern digital Leica cameras. A timeless and highly accomplished design.
A true all-rounder.
There are some very light rub marks on the lens barrel. Slightly more rub marks and small scratches can be seen on the helicoid and base, mainly on the underside when the lens is mounted on a camera. None of these are particularly noticeable from a normal viewing distance, and the lens retains a clean and attractive appearance overall.
It received a full overhaul in September 2026. Thanks to careful servicing, both the aperture and helicoid now operate with an excellent feel. Focus is accurate, and the rangefinder coupling is spot on.
There is an extremely slight deterioration of the coating around the inner elements, only visible when held against a strong LED light, but it should have virtually no effect on actual photographs. There are almost no cleaning marks, and the original coating remains well preserved.
The results of our test shots were also excellent. You can fully enjoy the refined rendering wide open that is characteristic of the first-version Summilux, often nicknamed the Lady.
It comes complete with the period-correct original XOOIM hood, E43 UVa filter, hood cap, and rear cap. It is ready to mount and start shooting right away.
