LEICA SUMMARIT 40mm F2.4(Ms-Optics)

Reviews and photo examples of LEICA SUMMARIT 40mm F2.4 Modified by Ms-optics

Gallery

LEICA M typ240.

Review

The Summarit 40mm is a LEICA MINILUX lens taken out by Ms-optics and equipped with an M-mount Helicoid MS-35.
It has a rangefinder linkage mechanism unique to Ms-optics, and can be used to measure distance with an M-type rangefinder camera.
The image quality is incredible, and you wouldn’t expect it to be a compact camera lens, and the resolution in the center is so good that Leica has given it the Summarit name, so I’m glad I switched to the M mount.

The lens configuration appears to be almost the same as the Summicron C 40mm (6 elements in 4 groups) for the LEICA CL (film camera) released in 1972. The apertures are almost the same, and the MINILUX lens seems to be able to use F2, but it seems that they are hesitant to offer the Summicron name to a compact camera, so they have adopted the Summarit name of F2.4. The Summarit 40mm lens is a 1995 lens, so it has good backlight resistance, which is natural given the 20-year difference, but you can really feel that the lens coating has improved since the Summicron C.

This modified lens uses Ms-optics’ 35mm common helicoid, and the viewfinder frame displays a 35mm frame. A focal length of 40mm can be used without problems as long as you are aware of the inside of the 35mm viewfinder frame.
Also, the lens I own is a later version of the 35mm helicoid that has been improved, making it easier to attach and detach the lens. The earlier version of the 35mm helicoid used in the CONTAX G 35mm that I own does not have a good grip on the lens, making it difficult to attach and detach, but this later version has an improved shape of the detachable part, making it easier to attach and detach. .

At the suggestion of Mr. Miyazaki, the remodeler, a groove part with a diameter of 37 mm and a pitch of 0.5 mm was installed at the tip of the lens to screw the hood into. From the appearance of the lens, it is better not to have this part, but it is safer to have it in order to prevent scratches on the front lens.

The compact camera Minilux cost tens of thousands of yen when I bought it, but as of 2023, the price has increased and it has become unaffordable. Film prices are also rising, so what kind of people are buying and using them? It’s strange. Considering the rise in camera prices, it might have been better to keep it as is, but by converting to the M mount, it can now be used with a variety of cameras, so I think it’s a good thing.

SUMMARIT lens configuration diagram (quoted from MINILUX manual)

Specification

Items	SUMMARIT	NOKTON	SUMMICRON-C
Focal length(mm)	40	40	40
Max aperture	2.4	1.4	2
Min aperture	16	←	←
Lens Construction	6elements in 4groups	7elements in 6groups	6elements in 4groups
Leaf blade	12(Ms-Optics add)	10	←
Min distance(m)	0.8	0.7	0.8
Lens length(mm)	21	29.7	23.5
Max diameter(mm)	49	55	50
Filter Size(mm)	37	43	39
Hood	Cylindrical screw-in hood	bayonet hood LH-6	Wrapper type screw-in hood 12518
Release date	1995	2004	1972
Production numbers	120,000(Minilux camera)	–	54,350(Leica M lens)
Weight(g)	54	175	120