Leica Summicron-R 50mm f/2
The Leica Summicron-R 50mm f/2 is a 50mm f/2 manual-focus lens for the Leica R mount, made by Leica from 1964-2009. It uses 6 elements / 4 groups, Double Gauss. Typical used value is $350 to $900, with most examples near $550, and it adapts to Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and L-mount with a plain mechanical adapter.
Leica Summicron-R 50mm f/2 specifications
Leica Summicron-R 50mm f/2 specifications
Why collectors want it
A reference-grade standard lens with high sharpness, neutral color and refined bokeh. It is the most affordable entry into Leica R glass and adapts well to full-frame mirrorless. Three-cam and later ROM versions vary in price and adapter compatibility.
Mount and adapters for the Summicron-R 50mm f/2
The Leica Summicron-R 50mm f/2 has a native Leica R mount. Leica R is the 1964 bayonet with a 47.0mm register used by the Leicaflex and R3 through R9 SLRs until 2009. Every mirrorless mount has a shorter register than 47mm, so a plain mechanical adapter puts the lens at its design distance and infinity focus is preserved. Plain adapter ring. Choose one with clearance for the meter cams and ROM contacts so nothing binds; Leica's own R-Adapter L and most current third-party adapters are fine.
| Camera system | Adapter | Infinity focus | Frames like | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony E | Plain mechanical, 29mm | Yes | 50mm on full frame; 75mm on APS-C (1.5x) | Leica R to Sony E |
| Fuji X | Plain mechanical, 29.3mm | Yes | 75mm on APS-C (1.5x) | Leica R to Fuji X |
| MFT | Plain mechanical, 27.75mm | Yes | 100mm on Four Thirds (2x) | Leica R to MFT |
| Canon RF | Plain mechanical, 27mm | Yes | 50mm on full frame; 80mm on APS-C (1.6x) | Leica R to Canon RF |
| Nikon Z | Plain mechanical, 31mm | Yes | 50mm on full frame; 75mm on APS-C (1.5x) | Leica R to Nikon Z |
| L-mount | Plain mechanical, 27mm | Yes | 50mm on full frame; 75mm on APS-C (1.5x) | Leica R to L-mount |
Frequently asked
What mount is the Leica Summicron-R 50mm f/2?
The Leica Summicron-R 50mm f/2 has a native Leica R mount. Leica R is the 1964 bayonet with a 47.0mm register used by the Leicaflex and R3 through R9 SLRs until 2009. With a plain mechanical adapter it fits Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and L-mount bodies and keeps infinity focus.
How much is the Leica Summicron-R 50mm f/2 worth in 2026?
A used Leica Summicron-R 50mm f/2 typically sells for $350 to $900, with most clean working examples near $550. Basis: eBay sold listings, KEH and MPB, 2024-2025. This is an estimate, not an appraisal; condition, variant, and service history move the number.
Does the Leica Summicron-R 50mm f/2 work on Sony E, Fuji X, and MFT?
Yes. Leica R has a 47mm register and every mirrorless mount is shorter (16mm to 20mm), so a simple Leica R adapter reaches infinity with no optics. On a full-frame body the Leica Summicron-R 50mm f/2 frames as a 50mm lens; on APS-C (1.5x) it frames like a 75mm, on Canon APS-C (1.6x) like a 80mm, and on Micro Four Thirds (2x) like a 100mm. Plain adapter ring. Choose one with clearance for the meter cams and ROM contacts so nothing binds; Leica's own R-Adapter L and most current third-party adapters are fine.
When was the Leica Summicron-R 50mm f/2 made?
Leica made the Summicron-R 50mm f/2 from 1964-2009. It launched the same year as the Leica R mount itself (1964).
What is the optical design of the Leica Summicron-R 50mm f/2?
The Leica Summicron-R 50mm f/2 uses 6 elements / 4 groups, Double Gauss. Double Gauss designs are near-symmetrical six- or seven-element formulas that support fast apertures with good correction; fast versions show glow from spherical aberration and swirl from mechanical vignetting wide open.
Which lenses are similar to the Leica Summicron-R 50mm f/2?
Close alternatives in the same focal class are the KMZ Jupiter-8 50mm f/2 (50mm f/2, $30 to $120), the Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/1.8 (50mm f/1.8, $70 to $260), and the Pentacon auto 50mm f/1.8 (50mm f/1.8, $20 to $90). The KMZ Jupiter-8 50mm f/2, The Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/1.8, and The Pentacon auto 50mm f/1.8 cost less on the used market. The Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/1.8 and The Pentacon auto 50mm f/1.8 are faster.
Alternatives to the Summicron-R 50mm f/2
Lenses within 15mm of 50mm from other makers, ranked by how close they sit in focal length, aperture, and price.
Side-by-side comparisons
- Leica Summicron-R 50mm f/2 vs Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/1.8
- Leica Summicron-R 50mm f/2 vs Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50mm f/1.4 (C/Y)
- Leica Summicron-R 50mm f/2 vs KMZ Industar-61 L/Z 50mm f/2.8
- Leica Summicron-R 50mm f/2 vs KMZ Jupiter-8 50mm f/2
- Leica Summicron-R 50mm f/2 vs Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f/1.7
- Leica Summicron-R 50mm f/2 vs Pentacon auto 50mm f/1.8