Together with the Leica M11-P, Leica introduced the new generation of its wide-angle prime lens, the Summicron-M 28mm F2 ASPH.
The lens has been updated to take into account the development of new sensor technologies and has an updated minimum focusing distance. The previous version of the lens could focus at a distance of 0.7 meters. However, the new version, which is still limited to this distance when used as a rangefinder lens, can focus up to 0.4 meters in real time, either when using the Leica Visoflex 2 viewfinder or the Leica FOTOS app. Leica notes that when moving into the extended close-up range, the user will feel a “slightly perceptible resistance” when rotating the focusing ring.
Leica Summicron-M 28mm F2 ASPH.: new version (left) and old (right)
Although at first glance the difference in focusing distance is small, it changes the maximum magnification factor from 1:22 to 1:11.3, which is significant.
New Leica Summicron-M 28mm F2 ASPH. received a built-in hood, the previous version had a removable, rectangular one. The diameter of the thread for the filter remained the same – 46 mm.
The similarities don’t end there. The new version has the same number of optical design elements (nine), organized into the same number of groups (six). Like its predecessor, the new lens has a single aspherical element.
In other dimensions, the new lens is similar to the older version. The updated Summicron-M weighs about five grams more, possibly due to the built-in lens hood.
Lens Leica Summicron-M 28mm F2 ASPH. features a 10-blade diaphragm, aperture locking ring and classic Leica design. It is made in Germany, as evidenced by the engraving on the case.
Specifications
- Focal length: 28mm
- Aperture range: f2 – f16
- Mount: Leica M
- Sensor format: full frame
- Focus: manual
- Stabilization: no
- Thread diameter for filter: 46 mm
- Viewing Angle: 74°
- Minimum focusing distance: 40 cm
- Maximum magnification: 0.09x
- Reproduction ratio: 1:11.3
- Optical design: 9 elements in 6 groups
- Aperture: 10-blade
- Dimensions: Ø58 x 55 mm
- Weight: 275 g
What about the prices?
New Leica Summicron-M 28mm f/2 ASPH. available for pre-order at a price of $5,295, which is $200 more than the current version. It will go on sale on November 30th.