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Leica Announces Ultra-Compact Leica Summaron-M 28mm f5.6
19 October 2016
Leica has refreshed its classic 28mm with the Leica Summaron-M 28mm f5.6 featuring 6 elements in 4 groups just like its predecessor. "The historic optical design of the original lens has remained completely unchanged," Leica said.
Summaron-M 28mm f5.6. The original (left) with the new design.
But the outward appearance of the new Leica Summaron-M 28mm f5.6 has been "harmonized with the contemporary look and mechanics of the current portfolio of Leica M lenses," the company said. Evidence of this can be seen in the Leica M bayonet mount with 6-bit coding, the shape of the focusing lock button, the diameter of the aperture ring and the style of the knurling on the barrel and rings.
The style and construction of the lens hood reflects the original and recalls memories of the beginnings of rangefinder photography. It is machined from solid brass and finished in an elaborate manufacturing process.
SPECIFICATIONS
Specifications for the new prime include:
LEICA SUMMARON-M 28mm f5.6 LENS SPECIFICATIONS Mount Leica M quick-change bayonet
6-bit bar coding for Leica M digital camerasFocal Length 28mm Aperture f5.6 to f22 Angle of View 75° diagonal
65° horizontal
46° verticalMinimum Focus 1m Magnification 1:33.4 Optical Design 6 elements in 4 groups Autofocus No Image Stabilization No Filter Thread Inner thread for E34 screw-mount filters, non-rotating Dimensions 51mm x 18mm Weight 165g AVAILABILITY
Leica did not announced when the lens would be available but is now taking pre-orders at Leica outlets for delivery "according to the sequence in which the orders are received." Supply will be restricted in the first few months, the company added.
The Return of a Classic: The Ultra-Compact Leica Summaron-M 28mm
A f5.6 Wide-Angle Lens for Unobtrusive Reportage Photography With a Vintage Look
With the Leica Summaron-M 28mm f5.6, Leica Camera expands the lens portfolio of the Leica M rangefinder system with the modern reincarnation of a classic Leica lens. First introduced as a screw mount lens in 1955, the predecessor of this new lens is still one of the most compact wide-angle lenses in the Leica M-System and is famed for its characteristic visual signature. The new Summaron-M 28mm f5.6 takes its lead from the classically compact construction of its ancestor and brings the unique, analog look of its pictures into the age of digital photography.
The optical design and mechanical construction of the Summaron-M 28mm f5.6 are identical to those of its predecessor, which was manufactured at the Leitz factory in Wetzlar until 1963. The perfect fusion of the latest optical developments, such as the highest quality finishing and manufacturing techniques, with this classic optical design make this new edition of the Summaron-M 28mm f5.6 much more than a reconstruction of an existing lens. While only slightly modernizing the shape and design of the lens, the new version of the Summaron-M 28mm f5.6 is reduced to the essentials but loses none of the character of its legendary ancestor. Its exceptionally short length of less than two centimeters makes it incredibly unobtrusive and together with the inherent unassuming nature of a Leica M it is an ideal lens for street photography. The combination of a clearly laid out depth of field scale and long focus throw allow for very precise and easy zone focusing.
The optical design of 6 elements in 4 groups, arranged symmetrically around the iris of the new Leica Summaron-M 28mm f5.6, is identical to that of its ancestor. The historic optical design of the original lens has remained completely unchanged. When shot at wide-open aperture, the new Leica Summaron-M 28mm f5.6 renders subjects with rich contrast across nearly the entire image field. The combination of a large depth of field, natural contrast rendition, excellent resolution of details and a slight visible vignetting create a unique visual signature and lend pictures a special classic look reminiscent of earlier days of analog photography.
The outward appearance of the new Leica Summaron-M 28mm f5.6 has been harmonized with the contemporary look and mechanics of the current portfolio of Leica M-Lenses. This is exemplified in the Leica M bayonet mount with 6-bit coding, the shape of the focusing lock button, the diameter of the aperture ring and the style of the knurling on the barrel and rings. The style and construction of the lens hood reflects the original and recalls memories of the beginnings of rangefinder photography. It is machined from solid brass and finished in an elaborate manufacturing process.
As is the case for all other Leica lenses, the Leica Summaron-M 28mm f5.6 was designed and developed by the precision engineers and optical specialists in Wetzlar. As a product made to stand the test of time with enduring value, the lens is made in Germany from only the finest materials and assembled entirely by hand. The combination of cutting-edge technologies and painstaking manufacturing processes guarantees consistently excellent quality and long-lasting reliability.
Customers wishing to purchase a Leica Summaron-M 28mm f5.6 lens must place a pre-order with a Leica Store, Boutique or Dealer. Deliveries will follow according to the sequence in which the orders are received. Due to the strong demand, long delivery times must be taken into account, especially in the first few months.