Today, Leica has announced a new special edition lens, the APO Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH “LHSA” to commemorate the International Leica Society's 50th Anniversary. Limited to 500 pieces worldwide, the special edition will be available in black paint (300 pieces) and silver chrome (200 pieces).
The LHSA 50 APO uses modern optics with the look and feel of a vintage 1950's Rigid Summicron. The lens is going to be heftier than the standard 50 APO, thanks to its machined brass construction, rather than the standard aluminum in modern Leica M lenses. All other technical specifications are identical to the regular-production APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH lens.
Old 1950's rigid Summicron (left) and new LHSA 50 APO Summicron (right)
Featuring a classic knurled focus ring and fluted mount design, the lens looks strikingly similar to its 60-year old predecessor. Also included is a push-on metal lens cap and a clip-on circular lens shade, both machined from solid brass. The distance scale in feet is engraved in red numbers, rather than the standard orange. On the silver chrome lens, all other markings are in black. On the black paint version, markings are in contrasting white. Overall, the LHSA 50 APO is very attractive in either finish.
The APO Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH “LHSA” will start shipping in January 2018 for a price of $9,595. You can pre order the lens at Leica Store Miami, by clicking the link below, calling 305-921-4433, or by email at info@leicastoremiami.com.
Press Release
To commemorate the International Leica Society’s 50th Anniversary, Leica Camera is pleased to announce a special anniversary edition lens, the Leica APO Summicron-M 50 f/2 ASPH “LHSA”. This special edition lens will be available in two classic finishes, Silver Chrome and Black Paint. Limited to a total of 500 units worldwide (300 black paint finish and 200 silver chrome finish), this lens will be available to all Leica Stores, Boutiques and Dealers.
Leica Camera AG has collaborated with the LHSA on several special editions since 1978. Founded in 1968, the LHSA is the largest independent, non-profit organization dedicated to the study, history and use of the Leica System. The organization publishes a quarterly journal, Viewfinder, and holds annual meetings. The most recent annual meeting was held in Chicago, and next year the group will be meeting in Wetzlar, Germany. For more information on the organization and membership, visit www.lhsa.org.
Combining the design cues of the original classic M lens with the top performance of the state-ofthe-art Leica APO Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH, this special edition lens offers the Leica enthusiast the best of both worlds. The Leica APO Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH “LHSA” offers the look and feel of the classic Leica Summicron lens with cutting edge performance. The APOSummicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH is the first lens to optimize the capabilities of modern, high resolution camera systems, making no compromise in image sharpness, achieving previously unattainable values in all technical performance characteristics.
The Leica APO Summicron-M 50 f/2 ASPH “LHSA” has the feet scale engraved in red, while all other engravings are inlaid either in white on the black paint finish model and black on the silver chrome finish model. The special edition serial numbers are on the aperture ring, while the LHSA logo is inscribed (without inlay) on the bayonet rings, just above the ‘Made in Germany’ lettering. The Leica APO Summicron-M 50 f/2 ASPH “LHSA” lens comes with a separate lens shade and a lens cap, both machined of solid brass.
Dear David, What are your feelings about this new 50 APO Limited Edition?
Do you prefer this vintage edition or the current 50 APO, lighter, sleek and smaller with a very practical hood?
I guess it depends on your personal aesthetic. I like both!
…but I can only buy just one!
What to go, David?
Can’t go wrong with either, although the LHSA version might prove difficult to get at this point. You’d be surprised how quickly 500 pieces become spoken for.
… but I can only buy one!
What to go, David? The Vintage or the Modern?
Thank you, David!
David, can we use filters with the hood in the 50 APO LHSA Limited Edition?
Yes, you can use E39 screw-in filters.
Hi David,
I am going to buy one of these LHSA models. Which color do you think will carry more
value in a few years? I like both colors. I am not a collector and I will be using the lens
most days. Since I am buying it anyway, I may as well buy the one that will retain the most value.
Paul
Get whichever one you like better. Both finishes should hold their value.
Hi David, thank you for the Review. In terms of practicality for fast and accurate focus would you go for the LHSA or the normal APO? Thanks in advance.
They are the same lens, with the exception of the focus ring. The LHSA version has a knurled focus ring, while the standard lens has a focus tab. I don’t think you’d see much of a difference in the speed or accuracy of focus between the two.