LEICA SUMMILUX R 50mm (I) E55

Review of using the large aperture standard lens for Leica R, SUMMILUX 50mm F1.4 (Type I), with a digital camera.

Gallery
Impression
Lens Specifications
Reference links

Gallery

EOS-1DsMKIII / LEICA SL / LEICA Digital Module R

Review

The Summilux R 50mm is a bright standard lens for the Leica R. This lens, called Type I, has several variations due to minor differences in costume, but the biggest difference is between the early type with a hood attached later and the later type with a built-in hood. It can be broadly classified. The lens configuration is the same for both the early and late models. Lens coatings are thought to vary depending on the age.
For the filter, the earlier model has a series filter inserted inside the hood, and the later model has a 55mm (E55) screwed into the front. The built-in hood of later models is short and not very practical.

Early models were manufactured with 1, 2, and 3 cams, and only modified lenses had ROM terminals.
Late models include 3 cam, R cam, and ROM terminal.
Since the rear element of this lens is in almost the same position as the ROM terminal, there were no lens errors when using it with the EOS-1Ds MKIII.

The one I own is a 1989 model with a ROM terminal, and the Summilux lens coating from around that time is amber and beautiful. The M-type Summilux final aspherical surface, which I had already sold, had a similar coating color and was beautiful. However, the coating is not perfect, and purple fringes may be noticeable around the subject when backlit.

Despite its flaws, it’s one of my favorite lenses, just as much as the E60’s Summilux R 50mm. Compared to the Summicron R50mm, the lens is heavier due to the larger number of lenses, and it feels comfortable when held in the hand. It has a quality that cannot be enjoyed with recent plastic-based lenses.
When I bring out my three standard 50mm lenses, I usually choose one of the Summilux lenses, so I rarely use the Summicron lenses.

Specification

Item	Value	note
focal length(mm)	50
Maximum aperture	1.4
Minimum aperture	16
Lens configuration	6groups 7elements	Gauss-type
Minimum distance(m)	0.5
Lens length(mm)	50.6
Lens max diameter(mm)	68.5
Filter diameter(mm)	55
Weight(g)	395