Leica has announced a special edition APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH in red anodized finish. Limited to just 100 pieces worldwide, the special edition lens will come with a unique gray leather lens case and will set you back $9,750, about $1,700 more than a silver and $1,900 more than a black one.
New Special Edition APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH, Red Anodized
I first saw a one-of-a-kind 50mm APO at Photokina 2014, where Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, the Chairman and majority shareholder of Leica Camera AG, was sporting one on his also custom white M240. We chatted about the color anodization process and he told me they had tried several different colors, but that red was his favorite. I'm guessing after hearing how many people loved his red 50, Dr. Kaufmann figured he'd offer a limited number of them up for sale. Here are photos of his lens from
Dr. Kaufmann's original red anodized 50mm APO-Summicron-M at Photokina 2014
Dr. Kaufmann's original red anodized 50mm APO-Summicron-M at Photokina 2014
Dr. Kaufmann's original red anodized 50mm APO-Summicron-M at Photokina 2014
Of course, the special edition lens has a couple differences with Dr. Kaufmann's one-off. On his lens, all the numbers and engravings are black, whereas the markings on the special edition are mostly in white with just the feet scale and the 50 focal length engraving set in black. Both feature a black mounting dot. Also different is the front of the lens. Kaufmann's lens has a red anodized front ring. The special edition has a contrasting black ring. Otherwise, these are remarkably similar. Having seen the original lens in person, I can say that the red anodization looks awesome. Personally, I think I prefer the contrasting white markings as they are easier to read than black on red.
New Special Edition APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH, Red Anodized
The special edition APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH is available for pre-order for $9,750 and will start shipping December 2016. Just be aware that at just 100 units worldwide, this one won't last long. Call Leica Store Miami at 305-921-4433 or email info@leicastoremiami.com with any questions.
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Press Release
Leica Camera is pleased to announce the special edition Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH, red anodized finish with a red anodized lens cap and gray cow hide leather lens case. There will be only 100 units of this special edition lens available worldwide.
The APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH is an ultra high-performance lens, considered to be the reference lens among standard focal lengths, with exceptional imaging performance and sharpness that captures and resolves amazingly fine details. The combination of its groundbreaking design, choice of materials and elaborate manufacturing make the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH a popular lens among customers demanding the highest levels of image quality Leica is known for.
The technical features of this lens are identical to the black and silver versions. The Leica APO- Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH, red anodized finish will be available exclusively at Leica Stores and Boutiques next month.
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