Leica 66mm f2 Summicron-M Lens - Black Anodised

What’s new?

The Leica 66mm f2 Summicron-M revives the rare Elcan 66mm f2 developed by Dr Walter Mandler for a classified US Navy commission in the late 1960s, bringing its unusual focal length into Leica’s current Classic Line. Based on the original 6-element, 5-group optical design, the lens has been optimised and adapted to current standards, with an M bayonet and 6-bit encoding for today’s Leica M-System. Rather than being a predetermined specification, the 66mm focal length resulted from Mandler’s work to balance high resolution, f2 lens speed and compact dimensions, bridging the gap between classic standard and longer portrait focal lengths.

Leica has also deliberately retained aspects of the original Elcan’s operation rather than bringing every control in line with current M-Lenses. The aperture ring rotates in the opposite direction to standard M-Lenses, while the distance scale follows the original military specification and the engravings reference its historic identification markings. Each lens carries a unique three-digit special-edition number, along with the B1047 optical calculation number and material number, and production is limited to 660 units worldwide. These details make the 66mm f2 Summicron-M a particularly unusual addition to the Classic Line, giving photographers the opportunity to use a modern interpretation of one of the rarest lenses in Leica M history.

66mm optical design

The Leica 66mm f2 Summicron-M uses six elements arranged in five groups, with the original optical calculation adapted to meet current Leica standards. On full-frame, its 66mm focal length produces a 36.3° diagonal angle of view, sitting between the familiar perspective of a 50mm lens and longer portrait focal lengths. This provides a slightly tighter field of view with subtle compression, without moving into a more pronounced telephoto perspective. At f2, the lens provides shallow depth of field and soft bokeh for subject separation, while stopping down draws out the high resolving power central to the original design, which allowed negatives to withstand substantial enlargement and close examination.

Aperture and focusing

A 9-blade diaphragm controls the aperture from f2 to f16, with half-stop click settings providing repeatable exposure adjustments directly from the lens. Manual focusing extends from 1m to infinity, with distance markings provided in both metres and feet. At its 1m minimum focusing distance, the lens reaches a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:13.4 and records an object field of 321 x 481mm on full-frame. These specifications favour considered framing at conventional working distances rather than close-up photography, with the 66mm focal length providing tighter composition without requiring the photographer to move substantially closer.

Distinctive mechanical operation

Several controls intentionally differ from standard Leica M-Lenses to preserve the operating arrangement of the original design. The aperture ring rotates in the opposite direction to conventional M optics, while the distance scale follows the military specification used for the Elcan. These differences directly affect how the lens is read and operated, particularly for photographers accustomed to the control direction and scale layout of current M-Lenses.

M-System integration

A Leica M bayonet with 6-bit encoding adapts the design for use within the current M-System. The coded mount allows compatible Leica M cameras to identify the fitted lens, while focusing and aperture control remain fully mechanical. The lens can also be used with Leica SL cameras via an adapter. An E49 front thread accepts compatible 49mm screw-in filters, and the supplied screw-on hood provides additional shielding around the front element. At approximately 60.1mm long, 60mm in diameter and 456g, the lens retains relatively compact dimensions while providing the handling expected from a manual-focus M prime.

Engravings and construction

The lens body features a black anodised finish and identification markings that follow the layout of the original design. Each front ring carries its unique three-digit special-edition number, the B1047 optical calculation number, and Leica’s 12-digit internal material number. ‘Leitz Wetzlar’ replaces the Elcan designation, while a finer engraving typeface differentiates the 66mm lens from current Leica optics. The barrel also carries a ‘60’ engraving indicating the individually measured 66.0mm focal length, continuing the precision-lens marking convention used for the original Elcan. These markings provide specific production and optical information while retaining the unconventional visual detailing associated with the source design.

What’s in the box?

• 1 x Leica 66mm f2 Summicron-M Lens - Black Anodised
• 1 x Front Cap
• 1 x Rear Cap
• 1 x Lens Hood
• 1 x Leather Case
• 1 x Certificate of Authenticity