Dan Kerin

 Leica 50mm F/2 Summicron v3

I have a fondness of the 50mm focal length, and always have one in my collection. Being produced between 1968 and 1979 the Version 3 50mm Summicron had a long life and while not being as sharp as ones which followed, they can be had for quite a good price at the time of writing (2022). Being designed by the famed Dr Walter Mandler the lens has a 6 element in 4 group design, giving it excellent rendering capabilities. It also features a 10 bladed aperture diaphragm allowing it to produce smooth out of focus areas. Like many of the Leica lenses I have owned this is considered as one of the last classic designed lenses which prioritised rendering capacity over overall sharpness.

The Leica Summicron is the workhorse of my camera kit being the most versatile lens in my collection. Its compact size makes it the perfect travel lens, while still being capable of capturing great photographs. Though if you have read my other reviews, you will know I mainly shoot 28mm so getting the latest greatest 50mm just didn’t make sense. I have owned most of the Voigtlander 50mm’s and although they are great value for money, I think the build and compact size of Leica lenses does grant them the higher asking price.

Image quality. Having shot with this lens for over 2 years I can say it’s a good workhorse lens. Not great, but not awful. Being a simple lens design, 6 elements in 4 groups the contrast is great out of camera and the out of focus areas are smooth and not harsh to the eye. Sharpness is good however as to be expected from a classic lens its not as sharp as more modern lenses. Anything Version 4 for higher and some of the new Voigtlander lenses are sharper. I managed to pick mine up for a great price hence why I am okay with the mediocre performance.

Who is this lens for? If you are wanting to build a classic Leica collection this is a great addition, likewise if you can get a good deal on one, I wouldn’t pass the opportunity. If you mainly shoot with the 50mm focal length and like the classic rendition I would recommend the Version 2 Summicron rigid lens as it is just as sharp however being of an older design it renders images in a more dream like way. If you are after sharpness, I would go for one of the newer ASPH lenses. I have not shot with one however have only heard good things. Third party manufactures such as Voigtlander and Zeiss make some great lenses and if you are just starting out with an M camera I would recommend experimenting with different focal lengths from these brands before you drop the big bucks on Leica glass.