Dan Kerin

Leica 50mm Summicron V5

A lens which Erwin Puts regarded as “simply the best “, the version 5 50mm Summicron, was developed towards the end of the film era and is still being sold unchanged, for Leica’s latest digital cameras. Introduced in 1994 the V5 Summicron is regarded as a modern classic. The simple lens design of 6 elements in 4 groups allows for great rendition and extraordinary sharpness. Having 8 aperture blades this allows for some very clean bokeh albeit not as dreamy as older Summicron’s.

When I was using this lens, the first thing I noticed was how well balanced it felt on the camera. It felt perfectly balanced and the focus was very smooth making focusing very easy. It did take a moment to get used to the lack of a focusing tab which is a feature I have come to like on lenses which feature one. Having a 39mm filter threat means it shares the same filter size as many other older Leica lenses which is ideal if you have a filter collection and don’t wish to use step up/ down rings. Another nice addition is the built in lens hood which can be extended from the barrel of the lens.

Once I developed my film I could see why Erwin Puts spoke to highly of this lens. Essentially if you are after the sharpest most modern looking Leica 50mm Summicron without paying the hefty price tag for an aspherical model this is your lens. I found that the lens did render on the cooler side compared to my older lenses which I expected from a newer lens. Another characteristic of this lens is the high contrast. Many modern lenses are designed with contrast in mind as film emulation developed and software like Photoshop and Lightroom makes it very easy to ‘add’ contrast to an image.

f you like older lenses this may not be the lens for you. However, if you are after one of the best 50mm Summicrons without breaking the bank this could be a great option. Typically, you can find these lenses going for between £1200 - £1500. Though you can get the version 3 and 4 Summicrons for less, this lens is a fraction sharper and does have higher contrast.