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Leica Summicron-M 66mm f/2 Lens
Just launched!
Product Code: L242660M
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The Leica Summicron-M 66 f/2 is a limited-edition M-System lens based on Walter Mandler’s rare ELCAN optic developed for the US Navy in the late 1960s.
Key Features
- Limited edition of 660 examples
- 66mm f/2 manual-focus M-System prime
- Optical design based on the historic ELCAN 66mm f/2
- Six elements arranged in five groups
- Reverse-turning aperture ring
- Military-style distance scale and original-inspired engravings
- Soft bokeh and high contrast at maximum aperture
- Nine-blade diaphragm with polygonal highlights at half-stop settings
Product Summary
Limited to 660 individually numbered examples, this Classic Line release brings an unusual piece of Leitz Canada history to current M-System photographers. Its optical design takes inspiration from the original ELCAN 66mm f/2 but has been optimised for modern rangefinder cameras. Distinctive details include the reverse-turning aperture ring, military-style distance scale and period-inspired engravings have been retained.
At maximum aperture it creates soft bokeh and high contrast, with resolution increasing when stopped down for fine detail. The 66mm focal length also provides a unique perspective between the more familiar 50mm and 75mm choices in the M range.
Backstory
A rare commission from Leitz Canada
Dr. Walter Mandler developed the ELCAN 66mm f/2 at Ernst Leitz Canada during the late 1960s for use by the US Navy. According to Mandler, the requirement was for an optic that appeared unremarkable while delivering an exceptional level of resolution. The unusual focal length resulted from balancing resolving power, fine contrast and compact dimensions. Around 200 were produced, and surviving examples are now among the rarer M-mount optics from this period.
Reinterpreted rather than reproduced
The modern version uses a design based on its predecessor but optimised and adapted to current manufacturing standards. Some of the original’s unusual handling characteristics are deliberately preserved. The aperture control turns in the opposite direction to standard M models, while the metre and feet markings are inverted compared with the conventional arrangement.
The front ring carries the optical calculation number B1047 alongside an individual edition number and 12-digit internal material number. Engraving details also reference the historic design.
Two sides to its rendering
At f/2, Leica describes the image character as combining soft, creamy bokeh with high contrast. Stopping down shifts the emphasis towards the quality central to the original military application. That means high resolution and clearly reproduced fine detail. The nine-blade diaphragm also creates polygonal highlights at intermediate half-stop settings.
Discover more about this in our Summicron-M 66 launch news post, which includes sample images.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will it work with digital and film M cameras?
It uses the M bayonet and is compatible with suitable digital and film M-System rangefinder cameras.
How does 66mm compare with 50mm and 75mm?
It provides tighter framing than 50mm without the narrower view of 75mm, offering an interesting middle ground for portraits, details and more selective compositions.
Do the unusual aperture and distance markings affect handling?
Yes. The aperture control turns in the opposite direction to standard M models, while the metre and feet scales are inverted, so existing users may need some time to become accustomed to the different operation.
Specifications
|
Angle of view (diagonal/horizontal/vertical) |
36.3° / 30.5° / 20.6° |
|
Optical construction |
6 elements in 5 groups |
|
Entrance pupil position before bayonet |
31.40mm |
|
Minimum focus distance |
1m |
|
Aperture blades |
9 |
|
Filter thread |
E49 |
|
Length |
60.1mm |
|
Diameter |
60mm |
|
Weight |
456g |
What's in the Box
- Leica Summicron-M 66mm f/2 Lens
- Front and rear caps
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Representative example:
Buy a £1,200.00 camera and pay a 10% deposit of £120. You'll borrow £1,080 over 24 months with an annual interest rate of 14.9% (fixed) with a first payment of £52.04 followed by 23 monthly repayments of £51.83. The total amount payable will be £1,244.13 14.9% APR Representative.
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To be considered for finance, you will need to meet all of the following criteria:
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Condition guide
Our used products are subject to wear and tear in comparison to brand new products. This also applies to accessories that are supplied with the camera including batteries which may have a lower optimum performance level/life expectancy.
- Like New – The equipment is in a condition as if you have just bought it from the manufacturer. The item is still considered to be ‘Like New’ even without the original packaging and accessories. The product has been fully tested and is in perfect working order. Lenses are optically clear. There may be light dust present that will not effect the imagery.
- Excellent – The equipment should be close to being ‘Like New’ but there may be some small cosmetic blemishes that lower its grade. The product has been fully tested and is in perfect excellent order.
- Cameras – Should have no marks on the LCD screen
- Lenses – Should have no marks on the elements and optically clear. There may be light dust present that will not effect the imagery.
- Very Good – The equipment may have some slight cosmetic wear to the paintwork and cosmetic blemishes with only light signs of use and the product has been fully tested and is in great working order.
- Cameras – The LCD screen may have small signs of wear that does not affect its display
- Lenses – The mount of the lens will start to show signs of wear
- Good – The equipment is showing more obvious signs of cosmetic wear and blemishes, but the product has been fully tested and is in great working order.
- Cameras – LCD screen may have scratches or wear that is starting to affect the display.
- Lenses – May have slight dust inside that does not affect images. The mount shows signs of use.
- Well Used – The equipment will show significant signs of wear. The paintwork will be coming away in large areas exposing the metal work, but the product has been fully tested and is in great working order.
- Cameras – LCD screen is heavily worn either by de-lamination or has scratches to it. Rubber grips are starting to come away from the body.
- Lenses – The lens has dust inside that may affect images. The rubber zoom/focus ring is coming away from the barrel of the lens.
*All of our used items are listed with the accessories that are included. If they are not listed, then they will not be supplied at the point of purchase.
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