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Leica 50mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M ASPH

Timeline

I tested one of the earliest samples of the Leica 50mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M ASPH in April 2013, and was the first reviewer to publicly and emphatically assert unacceptable flare behavior, a daring position disputed and rejected by many, including a well-known Leica expert and certain well-known reviewers.

The assertions of a troubling flare issue were substantiated at that time by examples on the pages that follow (each including in its title “April 2013 Sample” or “June 2013 Sample”). As far as can be known, all lenses in the production runs prior September 2013 or so are/were affected.

I continued evaluation with the flawed sample through summer. Over that time, the flare issue was documented, here in reverse chronological order:

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Diglloyd Guide to LEICA contains in-depth coverage of Leica M system cameras and lenses, with additional coverage of Leica M Monochrom, Leica Q.

Special emphasis is placed on Leica M lenses and certain Zeiss ZM lenses.

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f/2 @ 1/1000 sec
Leica M240 + 50mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M ASPH