Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 Lens Glossy Black Paint Finish

Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 Lens Glossy Black Paint Finish Summary

The Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 Lens Glossy Black Paint Finish is a design variant of the classic Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH, which features the same optical performance, focusing behaviour and close-focus capability.

The difference is the exterior design, which features Leica’s desirable glossy black paint. This develops a patina over time as the brass gradually shows through the paint, giving each lens an individual look, which is unique to the owner the longer it is used.

This version is from Leica’s Classic line which has a matching round lens hood in the same glossy black paint. The finish has been part of Leica’s design language for decades and is often appreciated by photographers who want a lens that not only performs well but also develops unique character through everyday use.

The lens has the same optical design as other Summilux 50 versions, with an aspherical element, floating elements and an extended close-focus distance down to 45cm. A double cam system controls the focusing movement, which gives a longer rotation angle than older Summilux 50mm lenses, making small adjustments easier to control. The aperture also has 11 blades instead of nine, which renders smoother background blur at wider apertures.

The 50mm focal length is extremely popular for M cameras because of its versatility for portraits, street photography, low-light and general purpose photography. With a compact size, fast f/1.4 aperture and easy handling, this glossy black paint version provides Summilux performance with a classic glossy finish that has been part of Leica’s history for generations.

Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 Lens Glossy Black Paint Finish Key Features

• Classic glossy black paint finish lens
• Matching round lens hood
• 11-blade aperture renders smoother bokeh
• Close-focus distance down to 45cm
• Aspherical element and floating design
• Double cam focusing system
• Compact size and 337g approx. weight
• Same optical performance as the standard version

Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 Lens Glossy Black Paint Finish in More Detail

What does ‘Summilux’ mean?

Summilux lenses have been made since the late 1950s, and the word comes from the Latin words summi and lux, meaning “maximum light.” Any Leica lens with an f/1.4 aperture is named Summilux, although the name has come to represent more than just the aperture value. These lenses are made by hand in Germany and are known for their high sharpness, clean rendering and gentle falloff between the subject and background. The combination of speed and character is what makes this range so widely used. The glossy black paint finish changes only the exterior, with the internal characteristics remaining the same.

How does the optical design affect image quality?

The lens has eight elements in five groups, including an aspherical element, and it keeps the same floating element system as the standard model. This design maintains high sharpness across the frame and clean contrast, even when shooting wide open at f/1.4. Fine details remain well defined, and the background separation feels natural without becoming harsh. The eleven-blade aperture gives smoother bokeh than the older nine-blade version, especially in images with strong highlights.

Is the 45cm close-focus distance useful on rangefinders?

The close-focus distance of 45cm is achieved through Leica’s double cam gearing, which increases the rotation angle of the focusing ring. You focus through the rangefinder normally down to 70cm, and then a small resistance marks the point where the extended close-focus range begins. From there, you can focus between 70 and 45cm using Live View, the Visoflex viewfinder or the Leica FOTOS app. This closer distance works well for details, small objects or tighter framing, and the floating element design keeps image quality consistent even at the minimum distance.

What is unique about the glossy black paint finish?

This version features Leica’s glossy black paint, which has been part of the company’s design heritage for decades. With use, the paint gradually wears at the edges and begins to reveal the brass underneath. This patina develops differently on each lens, giving every example a more individual appearance over time. The lens hood also uses the same glossy black paint and shares the same finish. The construction, mechanics and handling remain unchanged from the standard Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH.

Is the 50mm Summilux good for everyday photography?

A 50mm lens is widely used on M cameras because it suits portraits, street photography, low-light scenes and general everyday subjects. The perspective feels natural and the fast f/1.4 aperture works well in low light or when experimenting with shallow depth of field. Despite the lens’s speed, it remains compact and weighs just 337g, so it is practical to carry daily. This glossy black version behaves exactly the same as the standard lens, but offers a finish that will age uniquely with use.

What’s in the box

• Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 Lens Glossy Black Paint Finish
• Cover for lens hood
• Lens back cover
• Soft case
• Instructions