Leica 11819 (1979–1994)
A manual focus 50mm f/2 M-mount lens, part of Leica’s 70 Years Anniversary Edition, made in Canada with a focusing tab and no built-in hood.
Overview
The Leica 11819 is a manual focus normal lens designed for M-mount rangefinder cameras. Released in 1979 as part of the 1913–1983 70 Jahre / 70 Years Anniversary Edition, it is an Early Version IV of the Summicron-M 50mm f/2. Manufactured in Canada, this compact lens features a focusing tab and lacks a built-in hood. It is fully compatible with every Leica M camera from the M3 onward, including the M7, MP, and M9.
Specifications
| Focal length | 50mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2 |
| Lens mount | M-mount |
| Optics | 6 elements in 4 groups, double-Gauss variant. Five surfaces are planes. Mostly single-coated in magenta. |
| Diaphragm | 8 blades, stops down to f/16, half-stop clicks. |
| Close focus | Marked 0.7m / 2.5 ft; measured 0.66m (26″ / 2.17 ft). |
| Maximum reproduction ratio | 1:11.5 |
| Extension from flange | 43.5 mm (1.713″) at infinity (specified) |
| Maximum diameter | 53 mm (2.09″) |
| Filter | 39 x 0.5mm screw-in (E39) |
| Weight (measured) | 197.6g (6.970 oz) in black |
| Weight (specified) | 195g (6.9 oz) in black |
| Hood weight | 12 538 plastic hood: 12.6g (0.445 oz) measured |
Design
This lens uses a manual focusing mechanism with a focusing tab and does not include a built-in hood. It accepts the 12 538 plastic hood and is designed for M-mount rangefinder cameras. The lens is part of the Early Version IV series and was made in Canada.
Context
Introduced in 1979, the Leica 11819 was produced until 1994 and marks the beginning of the oldest optical design in Leica’s Summicron-M 50mm f/2 catalog. It was released as a 70 Years Anniversary Edition (1913–1983). The optical formula is identical to the later version produced from 1994 to 2013.
Market
Claimed to be "the world's best 50mm lens," it delivers stunning sharpness even at f/2 with no distortion. Its compact size and full compatibility with all Leica M rangefinder cameras since 1954 make it a sought-after lens among collectors and photographers.
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