Summitar 50mm f/2

The Summitar replaced the Summar in 1939 with a revised seven-element formula that addressed the worst of the Summar's field curvature and soft corners. Leitz also applied single-layer coating to many examples, reducing flare significantly. Production continued through World War II and into the early 1950s, making the Summitar the standard Leitz fast lens of the war and reconstruction years.

For beginners: the Summitar is often overlooked between the more famous Summar and the Summicron that replaced it, but it is a capable performer. Coated examples are preferable and identifiable by a "T" engraved on the barrel. The rendering sits midway between the characterful Summar and the more corrected Summicron — a good starting point for those exploring barnack-era glass without collector pricing.