Leica Summicron-M 66mm f/2 lens

Leica Summicron-M 66mm f/2 lens - Limited edition of 660 pieces

The Leica Summicron-M 66 f/2 is not just a lens, but a piece of photographic history. It is a modern interpretation of the late 1960s Cold War-era Elcan 66mm f/2 spy lens, originally designed for covert missions by the US Navy. Only a couple of hundred of the original models were produced and were never sold publicly. Now, the Leica Classic Line is bringing this rarity back in a strictly limited and numbered edition of 660 pieces.

Note: Because this is such a rare and sought-after special edition, availability is very limited. Please contact us by email to confirm delivery time and availability!

Dr. Walter Mandler, the chief designer of many of Leica's classic lenses, wanted to create a lens that was as small, fast and sharp as possible. The client, the navy, had not required a specific focal length, but calculations showed that with the cutting-edge technology of the time, 66mm was the most suitable focal length for the best image quality.

In keeping with Leica tradition, the number "60" is engraved on the lens barrel. This is not a printing error, but a historical way of indicating the actual focal length, individually measured to the nearest millimetre at the factory: exactly 66.0 millimetres.

• Limited edition of 660 pieces worldwide
• Each lens is numbered (unique three-digit serial number) and includes a certificate of authenticity
• Exceptional 66mm focal length sits between a standard and portrait lens
• The aperture ring rotates in the opposite direction to normal M lenses, in line with the original model.

Pictorial performance and character

The image quality and character are exceptional. This 66mm focal length sits interestingly between the familiar 50mm normal lens and the 75mm portrait lens. It compresses the image area slightly, creating a natural perspective. At full f/2, the subject separates from the background beautifully and softly, making this a great tool for portraits or for extracting details. The 66mm focal length is therefore quite versatile, although the lens itself is far from ordinary.

This is certainly an interesting focal length for someone shooting with a Leica M body today, as crop circles are only available at 50mm and 75mm settings. But with a Leica SL camera and adapter, there is no problem.

Dimming the image creates razor-sharp resolution that can withstand huge magnifications - just like the original spy lens was supposed to. While this is clearly a collector's item, it's a full-fledged tool that demands to be used.

Mechanical implementation and history

Mechanically, the Summicron-M 66mm F2 is pure Leica. The finish is top-notch and the feel is impeccable. In keeping with the original design, the aperture ring turns in the "wrong" direction compared to other M-series lenses. Legend has it that this was done so that the ring would turn in the same direction as the Nikon lenses used by the Navy, so that muscle memory wouldn't fail in tight situations. The front ring shows the lens' serial number, special batch number, and material number.

The original Elcan 66mm spy lens was made to order in the 1960s, with only about 200 units ever offered for public sale. It was used in covert operations by the US Navy during the Cold War. One original is known to have been on board the guided missile cruiser USS Little Rock.

The lens is an interesting piece of history brought into the modern world, and it also takes great photos.

Specifications:

• Compatibility: Leica M bayonet (6-bit encoding)
• Focal length: 66mm
• Aperture: f/2 (min. f/16)
• Aperture ring: Snap-on, half-aperture intervals (note: reverse direction of rotation)
• Optical construction: 6 elements in 5 groups, 9 diaphragm blades
• Closest focusing distance: 1 m
• Focus: Manual (scale in meters and feet)
• Filter thread: 49 mm (E49)
• Dimensions: approx. 60 x 60.1 mm
• Weight: 456g

The sales package includes:

• Leica Summicron-M 66 f/2 lens
• Certificate of authenticity
• Rotating lens hood
• Metal protective plugs
• Leather storage case