Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH. M-Mount Lens w/ Built-In Hood, Germany, Black, 6-Bit Review

The Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH is a reference-grade standard lens for the M-mount system, first introduced in 2004 to replace a design that had served since 1962. It represents the full arsenal of modern optical technology: aspherical elements, anomalous partial dispersion glass, high refractive index elements, and floating construction. The result is a lens that delivers consistent, high-level performance across all apertures and focus distances, from wide open portraiture to stopped-down landscape work.

At 335 grams and with a built-in locking hood, it's a compact, well-balanced companion for any M body. The quick-focus lever and smooth manual focus ring suit the rangefinder workflow, and the lens accepts standard 46mm filters without rotation. While the $2989 MSRP places it firmly in premium territory, this black 6-bit coded version offers the same optics as the pricier black-chrome variant (11688) with the practical advantage of an integrated hood. For M shooters who want a do-it-all 50mm with no optical compromises, this Summilux has earned its place as a benchmark in the focal length.