Leica launches Summicron-M 66mm f/2 lens, limited to only 660 pieces, priced at $10,900

This lens is based on the prototype of the Leitz 6.6cm f2 Elcan lens, which Leica produced specifically for the US Navy in the 1960s with an estimated quantity of only about 200 pieces. This is an extremely rare tube worth up to $50,000 and can be up to $100,000 if accompanied with a Leica KE-7A body

Coming back to the newly released version, this is also the first time Leica has commercialized the Summicron-M 66mm f/2 lens. The lens belongs to the Classic Line, a series of famous lens products from the company that has been revamped to better suit modern sensors.

The lens will remain on the glass formula developed by Dr. Walter Mandler at Ernst Leitz Canada in the late 1960s. According to him, this distinct 66mm focal length was not a random choice, it is the ideal balance between maximum resolving power, exquisite contrast and compact size required for a discreet reconnaissance lens.

The new version retains the unique details of the original lens in the new design including a reverse aperture ring compared to conventional Leica lenses and a distance scale in meters and feet. The front is engraved with the optical calculation code B1047, Leica's internal material code and the lens serial number from the limited production run of 660 pieces.

The traditional "Leitz Wetzlar" text replaces the name Elcan on the original version. In addition, the number 60 is also engraved on the lens body as a testament to the precision and careful measurement of each lens.

Made in Germany with a structure of 6 elements divided into 5 groups, 9 aperture blades with a minimum focusing distance of 1 meter, E49 filter and screw-in sun hood. Lens weighs 465g, diameter is 60mm.

Leica said they will hold a lens auction with serial number 001 this coming November.