Ms-optics VARIO PRASMA 1.5/50(SA)
This is a record of using the RASMA 50mm F1.5 (MS-Optics / Miyazaki Optical) with a Leica M digital camra.
Table of contents
Gallery
VARIO PRASMA 50mm F1.5 Photo example (with LEICA M-P)
Impression
A bright and playful lens that delivers the same performance as the old Summarit 50mm.
On the Leica M, the lens produces sharp images from the widest aperture when using position 6, which is linked to the rangefinder.
With a mirrorless camera, you can check the result of the position change directly on the EVF while shooting, and fully enjoy the benefits of having the variable mechanism mounted on the lens barrel.




Lens specification
This lens with a variable mechanism is the culmination of the MS-Optics (Miyazaki Kogaku) historical series (4th series) and pays homage to the kino-plasmat.
The variable mechanism adjusts the spherical aberration of the lens by moving a specific lens back and forth to change the image. This lens has the variable mechanism on the front-most lens, making it easier to operate than conventional variable lenses because the control unit is located on the lens barrel.
The rangefinder’s rangefinder can be linked to the lens at position 6, which is the most common position. At other positions, the rangefinder does not function properly, and the closer the lens is to position 2, the softer the halo appears on the subject.
The lens is available in a wide range of colors, and in addition to the red metallic lens that I own, the company has released many other barrel colors, including blue metallic, green metallic, brown metallic, gold, black paint, black, and silver.
Item | Value | note |
focal length(mm) | 50 | |
Maximum aperture | 1.5 | |
Minimum aperture | 16 | |
Lens configuration | 4groups 6elements | |
Minimum distance(m) | 0.5 | In position 6, linked to the camera’s rangefinder between 0.8m and ∞. |
Lens length(mm) | 43 | |
Lens max diameter(mm) | 50 | |
Filter diameter(mm) | 40.5 | The filter is mounted in the reverse direction of normal. |
Weight(g) | 135 |
Reference links