Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 Classic in Glossy Black

Today, Leica has announced a new addition to the Classic Line of M lenses. The newly released Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 in Glossy Black Paint takes the silver chrome reissue of the classic pre-ASPH 50mm Summilux released earlier this year and dresses it in one of Leica’s most coveted finishes. The lens combines the classic optical character of the second-generation Summilux from 1962 with mid-century styling cues and a deep, piano-black paint over brass construction.

Like the silver chrome version, the black paint Summilux retains the solid brass barrel, pre-ASPH optical design, 0.7m close focus, and E46 filter size. For 50mm Summilux aficionados, the lens offers the same faithful recreation of the vintage lens, now in a finish that will develop a distinctive patina as the black lacquer gradually wears to reveal the brass underneath.

With its glossy black paint over brass, the Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 weighs in at approximately 417 grams, essentially matching the silver version and coming in about 100 grams heavier than the original early-1960s lens. The scalloped focusing ring, red distance scale in feet, and clip-on ventilated hood preserve the lens’s mid-century character. Leica includes a black metal lens cap and a black plastic push-on hood cap for a period-accurate presentation.

The seven element optical design is directly based on the second-generation Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4, produced from 1962 to 2004 with little change over its four-decade run. Renowned for its exceptional image quality and signature rendering, the lens delivers a beautifully soft, luscious bokeh wide-open, making it a go-to choice for portrait photographers and anyone looking to create striking subject isolation. When stopped down, the lens offers improved sharpness and contrast, benefitting from modern optical coatings and manufacturing precision while preserving the unique character of its predecessor.

Because the minimum focus distance remains 0.7m, the entire focusing range is fully rangefinder coupled. This makes the black paint Summilux well-suited for film photographers and rangefinder purists who prefer to work solely through the optical finder without switching to Live View for closer distances. The handling, balance, and focusing feel are all tuned to deliver a traditional M shooting experience with classic rendering and modern reliability.

Like the Thambar-M 90mm f/2.2, Summaron-M 28mm f/5.6, Noticlux-M 50mm f/1.2 ASPH and Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ‘Steel Rim' lenses already reintroduced in the Leica Classic Line, the Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 offers a faithful recreation of the original, while benefiting from modern manufacturing, mechanics, and coatings.

Pricing and Availability

The Leica Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 in Glossy Black is available immediately in a silver chrome finish, priced at $3,895. As with other recent Leica Classic Line lens launches, supply will be limited at launch. To purchase the Leica Summilux-M 50 f/1.4, you can visit Leica Store Miami by clicking the button below, calling 305-921-4433, or sending an email to info@leicastoremiami.com. If you’re interested in trading in other Leica equipment toward this lens, please note it during the pre-order process.

Proof of Performance Samples

Leica has provided some proof of performance sample images. Click on the thumbnails to see a larger size.

Tech Specs

MTF Comparison Chart