Leica Summilux Overview
What Does Summilux Mean?
Leica Summilux – the name combines the Latin words summi (maximum) and lux (light), engendering an unmistakable photographic vision: extraordinary lens speed that opens up possibilities for creative freedom and overcomes the limits of classic photography. This name is given to all Leica lenses with a maximum aperture of f/1.4.
Leica Summilux lenses have been synonymous with maximum lens speed and exceptional image quality since 1959. Every Summilux is the result of precision Made-in-Germany craftsmanship: impressive sharpness, compact design and unique bokeh. A tool for photographers who are looking for something special.
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Fast & Precise
Summilux lenses combine maximum lens speed with exceptional image quality. They make it possible to take photographs even in low light and with short exposure times, especially using digital Leica M-Cameras.
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Legendary Image Effect
The Summilux look is characterised by the most minute details, harmonious bokeh and pronounced object separation. This produces particularly lifelike portraits and photographs of objects with a gently blurred background.
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Made in Germany
Every Leica Summilux-M lens is made in Germany by hand with the highest precision. These lenses are sure to be in use for decades to come. They reliably deliver outstanding image quality when paired with any current or future Leica M-Camera. These purely mechanical lenses therefore retain their value exceptionally well and are extremely durable.
From Slide Rules to Computers
Optical development has always been one of the most innovative areas right from its early inception. As a field for pioneers, work on calculations for lenses was already being carried out with the help of computers in the early 1950s. While Max Berek still worked with a slide rule, logarithmic table and notebook, a specially developed computer by Zuse KG was put into operation as early as 1953. The Zuse Z5 was one of Europe’s first commercial mainframe computers. In the late 1960s, COMO (Correct, Optimise and Minimise through Orthogonalizing) was introduced as a quality assurance system, and it is still being applied at Leica Camera AG to this day.
Summilux Today: The Diversity of the Leica M-System
Classic Line and Redesigned Lenses
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Leica Classic Line
In 1961, the Summilux-M 35 f/1.4 was hailed as the world’s fastest wide-angle lens. It was produced in various versions for over 35 years and still remains very popular today. Now this lens is being launched once again in a new edition as part of the Leica Classic Line. The lenses in the Classic Line are still based on the original optical calculations. They enthral photography enthusiasts with their classic aesthetic and image effect that brings out enormous character, especially with a wide aperture.
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Redesigned Lenses
Redesigned lenses like the Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 follow a completely new optical calculation, as well as incorporating aspects of modern lenses and components, such as the integrated lens hood. Furthermore, the optimisation of the helical focus mechanism has made it possible to almost halve the close focus distance of the new Summilux-M lenses. As a result, the high-resolution sensors of Leica M11 cameras excel at capturing images with striking detail and breathtaking quality.
On the one hand, the Classic Line is ideal for realising photographic concepts like those featured in motifs by the old masters. On the other, the redesigned lenses pursue our ambition to provide our customers with tools that enable them to take photos in ways that were previously unimaginable.
Peter Karbe, Senior Managing Expert für Optics and Platform
