50mm Leica Summicron-M Review - A Timeless Lens

In today’s episode, I review one of my favorite always-on lenses: the vintage 50mm Leica Summicron type 4 produced from 1979-1994. I recently got a chance to spend several weeks in the Princeton area with easy access to New York, Philadelphia and other interesting places. I debated which camera to bring for a review but quickly settled on my Leica M6 with my favorite 50mm Summicron. I bought this lens for my 30th birthday and have been using it for almost eight years now. In this period, I got to know it pretty well and believe it is about time to review it properly.
Why should you care? If you would walk into a store today to purchase a non-APO 50mm Summicron, you would get a lens with the exact same optical design as this one from 1979.
Gear used:
Leica M6 with Leica Summicron-M 50mm f/2
Films used:
Ilford Delta 100
Ilford FP4+
Kodak Gold 200
If you enjoy our videos and like to follow us on Instagram, find us here: / analog_insights
#leicasummicron #summicron #lensreview #filmphotography

[@thomasgoetze]

Six weeks ago, I've sold my complete Sony Equipment to buy a used M 240 and a Summicron 50 mm (Version IV). This Lens is outstanding. I was a fan of 50 mm lenses since more than 40 years. This one is the best of all. Yesterday I've shot a Mercedes SL 300 in the „Museum für angewandte Kunst“ in Cologne. Another visitor ask me which lens I'm using, then he grabbed in a pocket of his coat and showed me the same lens, but Version III in chrome. He asked me to try this one, and yes, this is another masterpiece. I can't find any differences in lens performance, but some people said, there are some.

[@rolleicanon]

In 2006 I acquired my first Leica combination, an M3 with a Canadian v4 Summicron 50mm f2. Still the best. Thank you for a lovely review.

[@danielcoburn7696]

Hit the nail on the head Max. I bought the 50 lux and was amazed but as beautiful as that lens is I couldn’t make it an everyday lens. The 50 cron is my everyday carry and where it starts for me for the M lens universe. Thanks for your review and information you’re a wealth of knowledge and experience

[@uberjava]

I’m currently away with work in France for a few weeks and I walked by a camera shop in Toulouse, only to find that they had a Summicron for sale for about 800 euros. I had assumed it was a V3 for the price, but on close inspection it turned out to be a V4 Tiger Claw from 1980. I purchased it in an instant and I’ve had a wonderful time wandering mostly Lyon on my days off with this lens. I would of preferred the tactile feel of the later focus tab, as your finger doesn’t sit in the tab, more that is has to sit either side of it to get a proper purchase. After doing most of my recent photography on 28mm, it’s been interesting shifting back to the 50mm length. But I’ve taken some lovely shots (for me) and I’ll be taking to the streets of Lyon later today with it.

[@jrwpixcom]

Ergonomics alone is enough reason to own this gem. And as Peter Karbe asks, “why stop down?” Applies to this light gatherer as well. Brilliant review and music!🙏

[@olympus2OM]

I bought one of the 50mm Type IV around 2008 for only 450 Euro in perfect condition. And a 35mm Summicron Type 4 i perfect condition for only 800 Euros. And a very fine Leica M6 from 1995 for only 1000 Euro. In addition a Leica M4 for 490 Euro. Back then nobody was interested in Leica M lenses and M film cameras. Hard to believe today!

[@TitleDS]

I currently own a version 5 of this Summicron 50 and that is the only lens I use with my current Leica setup. True-to-the-eye angle of view combined with true-to-the-eye rendition made me more confident to record any scene I met.

[@Festgriff]

AS always. Informative. Insightful. And beautiful photographs.

[@imperfectphotography578]

Hi, Max! Another excellent review, thank you. It's a great 'all rounder' for sure! Keep upnthe excellent work.

[@commentariat]

My favorite lens in the two places that I’ve spent over 1/3 of my life now! Love NYC, and Princeton… well it’s pretty but I spent too many stressful years in graduate school there. It was very nice to see them through your eyes!

[@AnalogInsights]

Thank you so much for your comment. And glad to hear it brings back some memories. :)

[@slippinjimmothy]

I love my v5. It’s so good for so many different situations. I recently tried a 50 lux and found that the summicrons small size makes it great to use.

[@Gj_frames]

I also have t v5 cron version and it's a really neat compact lens with sharp optics. I do think it's a bit flat in the rendering. And my 90mm f2.8 (the latest version), feels more punchy in the rendering. How did you experience the lux verison of the 50mm? Is it more punchy than the cron? Or do they render equal? :)

[@coasttocoastphoto]

I’ve got a type 5 Canadian version. It’s a nice lens, and it’s small, but I don’t use it often. Looking at some of my recent edits, I see that I have other glass that I tend to reach for first. The cameras that I use with this lens are an SL2-S and an fp. Thanks for the inspiring video and nice music. I need to go make some pretty pictures.

[@jz8638]

My favorite 50mm lens of all time. Call myself lucky to own a very late German made V4

[@bmwohl]

Your photography inspires me! Thank you.

[@BillLovesFilm]

Lovely lens and review! Thank you so much. I also recommend the collapsible 50/3.5 Elmar in a coated version - if you love form factor because it makes the M6 so slim!!

[@AnalogInsights]

Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll take a closer look at this one.

[@GastonShutters]

Great overview. I torn was between a cron or the summarit 50 f2.5. Went with the summarit mainly because of how light it is and small. Paid around $1000. I shoot mostly at f11 so a bit of a user aperture was not an issue. Extremely happy with it

[@jessejack7829]

I love my v4 as well. The size, the tab, the consistent sharp & beautiful rendering make it a joy to use. I especially like it wide open with a ND filter.

[@jmbosma8439]

Can you tell me what the size is? I simply can’t find it anywhere on the Web. Would be much aprecciated if you told me!

[@richardsimms251]

Great video. Very educational too. Thank you. I have this lens. RS. Canada

[@wheezzy101]

I have been between this lens (tiger claw) and the 50 lux asph. The rendering is so lovely but different between them both. I don't have a practical reason to keep both but I am torn on selling the cron.

[@chrisloomis1489]

Cost per wear , I have FILSON wool vest / coats that with care , last over 50 years .... FILSON of Seattle , Leica lenses in my opinion , and a few other makers ...are built with the " Cost per Wear " you pointed out. A good lens , and a few good camera's will outlast their owners to be willed or given to children or grandchildren . This is why quality is always found in higher cost ranges.

[@sudosden3567]

Got a v3 from 1972 : a very fine lens for b&w, less for color. Perfect construction, the aperture mecanism is like a swiss watch. A must have for b&w enthusiasts !

[@jonflan691]

Uh! I wish i knew you were around! My neck of the woods , great video as always

[@AnalogInsights]

Next time! :)

[@Der_Marc]

Tolle Fotos dabei. Die Linse ist echt schön und für Leica vermutl. ein must have.

[@jr-wv4qw]

I always prefered the V3 because I felt like it had more contrast in Black and White.

[@Fortisnocte149]

Another very enjoyable review and quality production, I really loved the choice of music too. I have shot with the version 3 since 1996 (where do the years go?) and find that also to be a gem and easy to live with. Thanks Max and ‘Team AI’ for your consistently excellent content.

[@johnmilner0859]

Always enjoy your videos. Very nice images as well. 👏👏

[@KenkenY1212]

Awesome review Max and appreciate it. I have the same lens for more than 3 years now. It’s my go to Leica lens also and it’s always in the bag. Had a V3 alongside with the V4 before and kept the V4 because of the focus tab and great built quality. It’s going to be my forever lens. Keep the great reviews coming!

[@PiotrPavlov]

Wow, incredible! Your video is right on time as I’m looking for a V4! Thanks!

[@AnalogInsights]

So glad to hear that. I hope it helps in your decision-making process.

[@SergioMusel]

I got a 50 v4 for my 30th birthday too)))) crazy

[@AnalogInsights]

Nice! What a coincidence.

[@malcolmtaylor518]

Jazz and Leica. Wonderful.

[@m66096]

Great video ! Have both this version and the v2 rigid. Looking at the older Summicron’s rendering you can see how they already had an almost perfect design but they kept on tweaking really small things (coating,contrast,vignetting etc) over the decades. It makes sense there wasn’t much more to achieve 😅 (expect going for a more sophisticated design)

[@morbuch5903]

...try the 50 APO and you'll see what else they achieved.

[@GeraltinWoW]

arguibly the best lens ever made!

[@nuj427]

I love my IV. It's just perfect on a M6. Mine came with all the goodies, but just few seconds after snapping the hood on, I took it off instantly because the hood doesn't stay still on the lens because it would freely rotate on the lens thus the metal pins from the hood would scratch the lens. And still, love the -50g over the V. And can't shoot a Leica without a tab.

[@martinandreasson5504]

Love that you made a review of this lens right now. After some consideration i kept my Cron V4 and have used it quite a lot afterwards and been very happy i did. For me when i was toying with the idea of selling mine, it was because i felt it did not have anything "extra special" like some other lenses i own or wanted or shall i say "lusted for " ;) But after using it some more i realized that is one of the reasons i want to keep it now, because it just is SO good everywhere and just like you say here in this review, does not overdo it, But just performs and will be that perfect lens and wont disappoint you or let you down and be able to do a little bit of everything i feel. I can understand why people think its a classic, but for a while i did not feel that way but now i really do :) Also the feel and look to it just makes it a perfect walk around lens. Cheers, Martin.

[@renwestmaria]

I know this is an old(ish) video, just wanted to say nice job on the music for this. Classy and tasteful.

[@AnalogInsights]

Thank you. That’s very kind of you.

[@CalumetVideo]

You make a great point about wear and value! My Leica M3 and M4 with the Lenses probably cost me 5,000.00. That’s alot of money, but those cameras will last me for the rest of my life. Get them CLA’ed and they are a lifetime camera. I can say the same for my Hasselblad 500 CM, yes very expensive but in the end they are worth it.

[@AnalogInsights]

So true.

[@pauleverett1628]

Great video, thank you. There are plenty of reasons to have this lens apart from its investment value, but just to reinforce that latter aspect I purchased my 1987 M6 classic, 50 f/2 cron (V4 made in Germany), plus original box, hood and Leica UV filter for £500 from a professional travel photographer in 2007. The camera has been used but still in great condition. I had it CLA'd and everything is in good order. As has been said they were very unfashionable back then. I have no intention of selling and the values seem to be going up and up. I will just enjoy using a superlatively engineered camera and lens.

[@MB-or8js]

Owning the version V of this lens - but not being a big fan of the protruding hood which can get very flimsy and retracts easily with little pressure. Optically a great lens though. Glad you enjoyed the NYC and Princeton areas - lived in NJ for nearly 12 years and can resonate with your photos in this video!

[@Gj_frames]

Do agree about the lenshood, I guess my example would be good with some service, it's not that smooth and good as my 90mm f2.8 with the same hood design. :) But I do miss the tab from v4, I have a rubber TTArtisan tab, feels crap, but it makes the job. Can't understand how Leica skipped the tab after adding it on the v4 version :O

[@richardsimms251]

Also wonderful photography.

[@AnalogInsights]

Thank you, that's very kind of you.

[@keldmikkelsen5246]

Nice review! I have a Leica SUMMICRON-R 1:2/50 LEITZ WETZLAR (1973). A fine lens of its own that reproduces the subject almost like a classic oil painting. Sharpness is not an issue. Contrast and colour rendering is great. The lens is for Leica's R series (I have two Leicaflex R3 MOT), but I use the lens on a digital camera (24 MP). I wonder if there is any difference (in quality) between the two versions, M and R? Do they perform equally great? Which is the best of the two? I also have the Contax Carl Zeiss Planar 1.4/50 T* MM (1990(?)), which (in my opinion) is unsurpassed. On the same digital camera, the results are just great. It's my favourite 50mm lens. Can't say which of the two is the better lens (or equally great), the Leica SUMMICRON-R 1:2/50mm or the Contax 1.4/50mm T* MM? I'm not sure. But for sure the Contax lens outshines most if not all other high-quality 50mm lenses. Both are made from quality materials and designed to last for decades! A pleasure to use!

[@jr8440]

Habe gerade erst gemerkt, dass KZbin mein Abo "personalisierte" und ich dieses video nicht angezeigt bekam. Freue mich sehr, dass ich das am Sonntagabend noch schauen kann, herrlich!

[@SourPlanet]

Ay, Mark Rebillet! Love that guy.

[@AnalogInsights]

Same here.

[@randyshanofsky9903]

Great review Max and wonderful photographs. I own a special version of this lens, the Christopher Columbus 1492-1992 in chrome. Only 200 lenses were made. I share your sentiments and absolutely love mine, and along with my 35 & 90mm Summicrons from this same era, make for a nice camera package. In fact, I'm shooting film again thanks to you and your channel!

[@AnalogInsights]

Thank you so much for your kind feedback. This sounds like a fantastic collector piece you got there. Enjoy shooting this beautiful setup. :)

[@jw48335]

​@@AnalogInsightsHello - if we are interested in contacting you to discuss offering camera(s) for review, how would we do so? Love the channel!

[@AnalogInsights]

@@jw48335 Feel free to reach out via email listed in the about section.

[@janjasiewicz9851]

I have only two Leica lenses for my M3 - a 1.5 Summarit and a M-mount f3.5. Of the two I prefer the Elmar .. because it is sharp, light and compact. Anyway great review.. keep up the great work.

[@HaakonOdinsson]

I use a Summicron 50mm f2 v5 silver on my typ 246….love them both

[@joerg_koeln]

Excellent review as usual. What is that interesting little book at 1:45 min?

[@AnalogInsights]

That is the latest edition of the Leica Pocket book. Highly recommended for all collectors and those who would like to better understand their gear’s roots.

[@NoosaHeads]

Summilux 50mm F1.4 (2nd version) ... Best lens ever.

[@ejorbe]

Interesting timing to your video as I was looking into Leica cameras for the first time. For a film range finder camera as a first time purchase, which body and lens would be a good purchase? I usually shoot land/cityscape with the occasional portrait here and there. Thank you for the work that goes into these videos!!

[@paulbatlan6584]

What is the Leica reference manual you have in your video and which edition is it? Great overview of the 50 Summicron from 76-2015. Picking up a version 5 for a M262; and already have a version 2 on a ‘76 M4 and a 50 dual range Summicron on a ‘56 dual stroke M3. Cannot afford an APO/M11 for now. But all good..

[@superkrell]

Really enjoyed your video and am considering the Summicron 50mm type four for my Leica MD 262. Wondering is there any chance of you sharing what lense book you used for this video? I would love to have a copy for a reference...!

[@josephlai1078]

Great video. Have you tried this on a 60mp Leica such as the M11-P? I am looking for a 50mm, but most of the current Leica lenses are a bit out of my budget. Would you also recommend 3rd party lenses such as Voigtlander, Thypoch Eureka? Thanks.

[@thedarkslide]

8:44 I never understood why Leica reduced the distance markers on their lenses next to useless when they decided to pack them so tightly together that it's basically impossible to quickly and reliably setting them for zone focusing. The 50mm f/2 Summicron DR has usable distance markers, so do other Leica lenses from that era like the 35mm f/3.5 Summaron.

[@jls2975]

Ultimate perfection is the APO 😊 Cron v4 can create harsh bokeh in some lightning conditions For overall better image quality i prefer the Mandler's Lux v2

[@iM-mf1ke]

I always struggle with the choice of the 35mm and the 50mm.

[@StymyParsley]

I’ve always stuck with 50mm since I first got into photography. I remember using a friend’s 35mm and it just seemed weird to me. Finally last month I tried 35 a bit more and it’s really interesting having just a bit more of the surroundings in the frame if it’s a portrait. I’ve never had a zoom lens but I’d be curious to try a 35-50mm lens though it’s such a small range nobody would ever make it lol.

[@ruben619448]

I have the tiger claw and I’ve owned a previous 4 and 5 versions. I don’t notice a difference with flare.

[@wilfredshum3703]

The 50 mm v.5 Safari came with my M10-P which I seldomly use. I typically use the 35 mm Summicron FLE for landscape and street photography, and the 50 mm Summilux ASPH and version 2 lenses for portraits. However, I agree with you that the non-APO Summicron lenses are the timeless standard ones for both the film and digital M cameras.

[@sunark302]

What is the book you show that has descriptions of the Leica lenses along with their MFT performances?

[@GeorgiosKalaydjian]

Very informative review Max, thank you. Is the yellow coating due to thorium, is this lens radioactive?

[@AnalogInsights]

Thank you for your kind feedback. No, the lens is not radioactive. It is just an amber colored coating as on some other Leica lenses from the time.

[@cameronrramos]

The point about buying quality once (obviously keeping in mind the privilege to be able to make that decision) and gaining long term use is a good one. Nice to see an objectively good product being reviewed - still laughing at that polaroid video ;)

[@thedarkslide]

So, I just watched Eduardo Pavez Gomez' last video, yours just played in my watchlist right after his - you're using the same jazz track which SEAMLESSLY played blended as the player transitioned from one video to the next.

[@AnalogInsights]

Haha. Great. Seems like he is using epidemic sound for music as well.

[@dansmouse7393]

How do the R mount Summicron’s compare to the M mount versions?

[@on_philm]

which book is that, where all leica lenses are listed?

[@AnalogInsights]

The Leica Pocket book 9th edition which was released relatively recently.

[@on_philm]

@@AnalogInsights vielen lieben Dank :)

[@peterebel7899]

Gut gemacht!

[@RogerHyam]

Focusing is quicker than autofocus because you pre-focus. When Yo-Yo Ma hits a note on his cello he does not have to find where to place his finger each time he knows where to put it. As you bring the camera to your eye you move the tab to the correct position without thinking - if the force is with you that is!

[@AnalogInsights]

So true. Great comparison to the realm of music.

[@janjasiewicz9851]

Hello Max!

[@AnalogInsights]

Hey Jan. ;)

[@ChristianLaurenz030]

Hi Max, tolle Bilder und schöner Bericht. Stimme Dir voll zu! Welchen Film hast Du in der M6 genutzt? Selbst entwickelt? Gruß Christian

[@AnalogInsights]

Hi Christian, vielen Dank. Die verwendeten Filme sind am Ende und in der Beschreibung gelistet. Entwickelt und gescannt wurden die Filme vor Ort vom Gelatin Lab.

[@RogerHyam]

I ❤ my Canadian tiger claw. Never been bothered with flare. M6 + 50mm Summicron + HP5 is all I really need - that doesn't stop me buying stuff though 😂

[@AnalogInsights]

Oh nice. And yes, I can imagine. A very special lens among collectors as well.

[@siggimac]

Max, I must stop watching your videos. It‘s just getting too expensive.😉 I‘ve just bought myself the summicron for a very good price st the Leica shop in Konstanz. So far I am very very happy with the results. Maybe I should just carry on watching and liking your videos. 👌Cheers

[@thedondeluxe6941]

Word of warning: If you get this lens, you will be a Leica enthusiast for all foreseeable future... at least that's what happened to me😄

[@AnalogInsights]

So true. 😅

[@dtroix]

Wait what Marc Rebillet doing in ur lens review 😂😂 nice portrait though

[@AnalogInsights]

We met for lunch during the production of an earlier video (Lomography ColorChrome 1992) and quickly took some portraits of each other. It was about time to release this one. :)

[@dtroix]

Wow That's super cool !!!

[@tsuijoyce9741]

Candadian version is type4!

[@tadwolujewicz3923]

OK yes, we always welcome lens porn. Had my fix, held the two versions I have of this lens in my hand, just to fondle them, but now nothing beats getting out there and making the photos. Gear is great, but like racehorses, you never keep them stabled, you have to let them free, let them perform and let them carry you to incredible places and make the unforgettable experiences and document the world you see.

[@inahaase889]

👍❤😎

[@flynnbrowning5685]

I'm going to assume that no one here could tell apart any 50mm rangefinder lens apart from each other in a blind test without resorting to "microcontrast" or "pop". Save your cash, or don't, this lens wont change your life, and you wont take better photos.

[@cameronrramos]

There’s something to be said to the emotional attachment to gear which can make you head out more. Otherwise yeah, we’d all be shooting on anything from the 60’s / 70’s by Nikon

[@flynnbrowning5685]

@@cameronrramos Leica lenses simply do not have a monopoly on emotional attachment, and also leans into my prior point of many defenses of the lens leaning into and on intangible and loosely defined concepts. They’re inarguably great products, but singling them out specifically and fetishizing them is like someone who raves about how amazing their Ferrari is. I’m glad, but it’s just simply boring. I expect expensive and luxury goods to in some way reflect those qualities, it’s like buying eggs and being shocked that there’s eggs.

[@cameronrramos]

I agree with all that :) @@flynnbrowning5685

[@_o__o_]

why

[@_o__o_]

i farted