Leica 50mm APO-M with Close Focus?

[Jan1985]

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Do you expect that we can expect a close focus 50mm APO this year?

[SiggiGun]

I don’t think so. It’s a very complex lens with very rare glass. We will see probably a 50 summicron close focus as a 70 anniversary version. 

[ghflow]

I sincerely hope so, as I've been waiting for something like that. Honestly, there's not much technical difficulty involved. While the 50-APO-M is a great lens, its optical design is not particularly complicated. It is largely based on the 50 Summilux, which uses a Double Gauss design. Plus, the newest iteration of the 50 Summilux includes close-focus functionality. On the other hand, the APO 35, which I own and find to be a truly remarkable lens, offers a smaller overall package and a much more modern and complicated optical design. It also includes close-focus functionality and comes at a lower price point. From that perspective, the APO 50 is really in an awkward position. Thus, from a logical and business standpoint, an updated 50-apo-m with a close-focus function and a lower price tag makes sense, but I am not Leica.

Leica used to be a dominant force in optical design in the 90s and was among the first few companies to adopt ASPH design. However, we need to realize that to this date, terms like 'complexity in design' or 'rare materials' are largely marketing speak. With the aid of computational optimization and improved manufacturing abilities, even much smaller companies, such as Cosina, can produce optically perfected lenses. Leica, on the other hand, has remained top-of-the-line with their SL lenses. However, many of the M lenses are quite old in terms of their optical design. I'm not sure why Leica is so hesitant to update their M lenses, but I truly hope more impressive lenses will emerge in the future.

[jimtong]

I prefer a CF 50 Summicron.

[Alberti]

I prefer a Summicron CF too.

Quote

Thus, from a logical and business standpoint, an updated 50-apo-Cron-m with a close-focus function and a lower price tag makes sense.

Yes, an ApoCron is what I'm after, after all . .  🤔 A new crony. My 50mm Summicron I bought in 2007 came along with me most of the time.

And by the way, I don't like a sliding hood. They always slide out of their extended state.

I like the 35APO  and Summarit-35 hoods.

Edited February 17, 2024 by Alberti

[snz]

On 1/30/2024 at 1:55 PM, SiggiGun said:

I don’t think so. It’s a very complex lens with very rare glass. We will see probably a 50 summicron close focus as a 70 anniversary version. 

If Leica can do a close focus 35mm APO it can do a close focus 50mm APO. I'm sure it's already in the making.

[Alberti]

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So I’m correct in holding out on a classified offer . . 😮‍💨
But then - exit the rare glass - that might be a reason for it’s great signature.

Edited February 17, 2024 by Alberti

[SiggiGun]

Am 17.2.2024 um 17:50 schrieb snz:

If Leica can do a close focus 35mm APO it can do a close focus 50mm APO. I'm sure it's already in the making.

Yes, no doubt they’re able to build it, but it will be bigger and more expensive. 

[snz]

2 hours ago, SiggiGun said:

Yes, no doubt they’re able to build it, but it will be bigger and more expensive. 

Expensive, yes. Bigger? The 35mm APO is tiny.

[padam]

https://leicarumors.com/2025/09/28/whats-next-for-leica-updated-rumors-recap-sl3-reporter-q3-monochrom-m-ev1-and-more.aspx/
Looks like it's finally coming in a few months' time.