| The optical structure of the LEICA SUMMILUX-M
50mm f/1.4 ASPH. consists of eight lens in 5 groups. Glass
with anomalous partial dispersion (elements 2/3) was used
to ensure correct color rendition. Lens element 2 is made
of a fluorite-type glass while lens element 3 is made
from glass originating from the former Leitz glass laboratory.
Lens element 4 has an aspherical surface. Lens elements
1, 6 and 7 are made of glass with a very high refractive
index to minimize monochromatic aberrations. In all every
innovation currently available in lens technology - aspherical
lenses, glass with anomalous partial dispersion (APO),
glass with a high refraction index and a floating element
- has been combined to create a lens that will set new
imaging standards.
This is the first Leica M lens with a specifically
patented 'floating element' used to maintain imaging
performance at a very high level even in close-focus
ranges down to 0.7m. During focusing, the rearmost optical
component (elements 7/8) moves relative to the rest
of the optical system and produces brilliant image quality
in near focus ranges. To maximize the benefits of the
'floating element' an extremely precise adjusting mechanism
has also been utilized that had to fit into the restricted
space inside this compact M-lens
At full aperture, the LEICA SUMMILUX-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH.
offers high contrast rendering even for the finest structures.
This performance can only be raised slightly by stopping
down. Another notable feature of this lens is that it
is virtually distortion-free. The normal vignetting
for such high-speed lenses at full aperture is strongly
reduced by stopping down slightly. Furthermore, the
use of the most advanced coating technology ensures
a high degree of anti-glare.
The LEICA SUMMILUX-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. also offers special
features in terms of its handling: The built-in lens
hood not only provides protection against stray light
and dust, it can also be locked in the extended position
to guard against accidental retracting. In addition
to the familiar knurled ring, the lens is equipped with
a finger grip that allows easy focusing using one finger.
The balanced proportions of the lens also provide comfortable
usage for longer periods of time |
