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Leica Summicron-M 50mm f/2

The lens that defined what a standard prime should be — the Summicron-M 50mm f/2 has remained in continuous production in essentially the same optical formula since 1979 because no improvement has been necessary. It delivers a natural full-frame field of view with outstanding sharpness from f/2, a silky focus ring with perfect damping, and the kind of compact dimensions that feel inevitable on any Leica M body. It is the benchmark against which every other 50mm prime is measured. Rangefinder-coupled for manual focus on all Leica M-mount cameras.

GearFrame's Take

Unchanged in forty-five years because nothing needs changing — the Summicron 50mm is the reference standard prime that every other 50mm is judged against.

Starting from
£2300 new
Average price across retailers: ~£2375
Available at 4 retailers
✓ Available at 4 retailers 🔒 No signup needed 📦 UK stock only
RetailerPrice
Clifton Cameras
Clifton Cameras
£2300
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Wex Photo Video
Wex Photo Video
£2450
Check on Wex Photo Video →
eBay
eBay
Lowest Buy It Now · marketplace
£1003
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Prices are synced live from UK retailers. Not every product will be stocked by every retailer; older models may only be available second hand.
Core
Released
1979
Aperture
f/2 (max aperture)
Compatible Mount
Leica M-mount
Dimensions
53mm diameter × 43.7mm length
Weight
240g
Weather Sealed
No
Optics & Focus
AF Motor
Manual focus — rangefinder-coupled with the most refined focus ring in the M system
Optical IS
None — Leica M cameras do not offer IBIS
Min. Focus Distance
70cm minimum focus distance

Select up to 2 cameras to compare against the Summicron-M 50mm f/2. It's always pinned as the baseline.

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5 cameras compatible with the Leica M-mount mount.

GearScore™ — Suitability by Genre
Street
9.0
Portrait
9.0
Travel
7.0
Great For
🏙️
Street A natural 50mm perspective with the most refined focus ring in the M system — the classic combination for documentary street photography.
👤
Portrait f/2 produces pleasing subject separation at a flattering distance — the reference portrait prime for Leica M photographers.
✈️
Travel Compact and natural-feeling at 50mm — a self-contained travel kit when paired with any Leica M body.
⚠️ Not Ideal For

No significant limitations identified — this is a versatile camera without obvious weak spots for most shooters.

📝 How suitability scores are calculated Scores reflect the aggregated consensus from verified purchaser reviews across tracked UK retailers, weighted by photography genre tags applied by reviewers. This is community opinion — not GearFrame editorial assessment. See our full methodology →
Price History — Summicron-M 50mm f/2

Video reviews and hands-on coverage for the Leica Summicron-M 50mm f/2 from across YouTube.

Video results sourced from YouTube. GearFrame is not affiliated with these channels.

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