Leica 40mm Summicron-C f/2 (1973–1977)

Name: Leica 40mm
Brand: Leica

A compact, high-contrast 40mm prime lens made specifically for the Leica CL rangefinder camera.

Overview

The Leica 40mm Summicron-C f/2 is a standard prime made only for the Leica CL, a smaller and cheaper rangefinder camera Leica introduced in the 1970s. It is the smallest and lightest M-mount lens Leica ever made, at just 126g, and it suits the CL's compact body. Optically it is identical to the Minolta Rokkor 40mm f/2. The optical and mechanical specs are the same, only the branding differs. The lens gives sharp, high-contrast images with excellent detail, though some users find it too contrasty on digital M cameras, especially next to the 35mm Summicron.

Specifications

Focal length	40mm
Maximum aperture	f/2
Filter size	39 x 0.75mm
Weight	126g
Production years	1973–1977
Original price	US$170
Serial number range note	11 542
Size comparison	smaller and lighter than a Leica 35mm Summicron
Size comparison	about as small and light as a 35mm Summaron f/2.8
Identification claim	identical in all important optical and mechanical respects (though not in name) to the Minolta Rokkor 40mm f/2 lens

Design

The 40mm Summicron-C was built for the Leica CL, with its mechanics and optics tuned to the Minolta CLE's 0.58x viewfinder. That viewfinder shows accurate 40mm frame lines only when this lens is mounted. It has an M-mount and is manual focus only, as you would expect from a Leica rangefinder lens. The construction is minimal and lightweight, which is how it ended up the most compact M lens Leica ever produced.

Context

Leica wanted a more compact and affordable rangefinder system, and the 40mm Summicron-C was paired with the Leica CL to reach a broader market. The lens works perfectly on the Minolta CLE, where it is the one that brings up the correct 40mm frame lines in the viewfinder. It was produced only for the CL and CLE systems. No other variants were made for different platforms.

Market

The 40mm Summicron-C was once overlooked. It has since gained a following among Leica enthusiasts for its compact size and exceptional optical performance. Prices have risen significantly in recent years, driven by photographers who want its focal length and its sharp, high-contrast rendering. The optically identical Minolta Rokkor 40mm f/2 is often available at a lower price, with the same image quality.