With the goal of creating a lens that fully exploits the opportunities offered by high-resolution camera systems, Leica?s engineers have successfully redefined the limits of what is technically possible. The result is an extremely high-performance lens that sets entirely new standards, and currently represents exceptional talent amongst the standard lenses of the Leica M portfolio. This new reference lens has achieved the best test results ever seen in the Leica M-Lens programme. The MTF curves of the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH., which describe the contrast of fine details and, in turn, the image sharpness, confirm its outstanding performance.

With the goal of creating a lens that fully exploits the opportunities offered by high-resolution camera systems, Leica?s engineers have successfully redefined the limits of what is technically possible. The result is an extremely high-performance lens that sets entirely new standards, and currently represents exceptional talent amongst the standard lenses of the Leica M portfolio. This new reference lens has achieved the best test results ever seen in the Leica M-Lens programme. The MTF curves of the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH., which describe the contrast of fine details and, in turn, the image sharpness, confirm its outstanding performance.

The tried and well-proven optical design of this lens provides for a perfection of picture quality extending all the way to the extreme corners of the image field even at full aperture, as well as outstanding contrast throughout, at all apertures, even at close distances. Stopping down to f/2.8 or f/4 brings only a minimal increase in contrast. Distortion is extremely low and practically invisible. Its well-balanced design makes this ideal standard lens an outstanding choice in terms of all criteria, including image quality, speed, size, weight and price. It is also available in combination with the LEICA M7 as part of the entry-level set.

The LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50 mm f/0.95 ASPH. is not only a unique high-performance lens in the M system. It combines extremely high speed with imaging performance that can easily bear comparison with the other top lenses currently on the market. It is made of high-quality materials and intricately assembled by hand at the Solms factory to give a particularly reliable product that will retain its value for decades. The combination of state-of-the-art technology and meticulous craftsmanship based on skill and experience ensure the constant quality of every single Leica lens, once again widening the creative potential of Leica M photography.

Leica have announced they are no longer producing this lens 

The extremely shallow depth of field at open aperture produces portraits and detailed studies of unequalled aesthetic effect. The result is outstanding image quality, comparable to the Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH., which is considered the best standard lens ever produced. Even the light from one candle can be sufficient for handheld photography.

Unlike previous Silver chrome lenses, due to awareness of weight the Noctilux 50mm 0.95 and Summilux 35mm 1.4 in Silver Chrome are Aluminium based lenses, mirroring their Black Chrome counterparts.

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