Ancient Standard Lens 3: LEITZ SUMMITAR 5cm F2

Ancient Standard Lens 3: LEITZ SUMMITAR 5cm F2

A review and Photo example of the SUMMITAR 5cm F2.

Table of contents

Gallery

Sample photo taken with the LEICA M9.

Review

1.Overview

The Summitar 5cm f/2 is a standard lens released by Leica in 1938.

Its main specifications are listed below, with details in the table.

  • Aperture: f/2
  • Lens Construction: 7 elements in 4 groups
  • Aperture Blades: 6
  • Minimum Focus: 1.0m
  • Leica M Rangefinder Camera Rangefinder Coupling: 1.0m
  • Hood: “SOOPD” and “SOOFM.” The two hoods have the same dimensions; the only difference is the lens name engraved on them.

2.Usability

The Summar 5cm f/2 has the same Gaussian lens construction as its predecessor, the Summar, but the front element is a cemented lens, which means it has one more piece of glass than the Summar.

The resulting image quality is comparable to the Summar in the center, but the edges are more refined, suggesting a more advanced lens than the Summar. Still, it doesn’t quite compare to the slightly more expensive retractable Summicron. Therefore, if you’re looking for a practical 50mm f/2, we recommend the slightly more expensive Summicron.

The filter thread on the Summar is recessed slightly from the front of the lens, with a unique 36.5mm diameter, meaning regular filters cannot be used.

Leica sells specialized filters, which can sometimes be found on the used market.

Third-party manufacturers also sell 36.5mm to 39mm conversion rings, which allow you to use standard 39mm filters. Furthermore, the filter part uses the same standard as the Steinheil Orthostigmat 35mm, so the Summitar’s filter adapter ring can be used.

Of course, if you want to try out a variety of lenses, there are many available on the used market, making it easy to choose the condition of the lens, and since the lenses are inexpensive, it’s great to try them out and find one you like.

The number of Summitars produced is 170,000, exceeding the 120,000 produced by its predecessor, the Summar. The lens with a higher production number is the original Summicron 50mm f/2, with a total of 250,000 units. However, since Summicrons come in a variety of types, such as retractable, fixed, and eyeglass-mounted, the production numbers for each type would likely be in the tens of thousands. It is estimated that this lens is the most produced of any lens with a retractable lens barrel, which is its distinctive feature.

3.Summary

In conclusion, to sum up the SUMMITAR 5cm F2 can be summed up as a standard lens that could not become a Summicron. Since the Summitar was produced in large numbers, if you search patiently, you may be able to find a lens in good condition, although it may be expensive.

Specifications, considerations, etc.

Leica experimented with f/2 standard lenses until the Summicron was released in 1951, and the lens configuration was seven elements in four groups. The Summicron was a high-performance lens thanks to the addition of spacers called air lenses to the four groups and seven elements.

ItemsHektorSummarSummitarSummicron
Focal length5(cm)
Max aperture2.5222
Min aperture1812.512.5/1616
Leaf blade66/10610/16
Lens Construction6elements in 3groups6elements in 4groups7elements in 4groups
Min distance(m)1.0
Lens length(mm)32
レンズ最大径(mm)4747.847.847
Filter size(mm)A3636.539
HoodFIKUSFIKUS/SOOMPSOOPDSOOFM / IROOA / ITDOO
Weight(g)190
130
205
180
240
Release date1930193319381951
Production number5,600127,950172,390253,314

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Update history

  • 2024.06.06

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