The Leica Summaron 28mm f5.6 is a lens that bridges decades, offering the optical precision Leica is known for alongside a character that feels straight out of the 1950s. It’s not just another lens; it’s a work of art, a homage to a bygone era where craftsmanship and simplicity reigned supreme.
During a recent few weeks off in sunny Adelaide, I took this lens on my Leica M-A, paired with Kodak Pro Image 100 ISO and Kodak Ultra Max films. Exploring the backstreets and the vibrant Adelaide Central Market, I discovered why this lens is so beloved among Leica enthusiasts.
Let’s dive into the details of the Leica Summaron 28mm f5.6 and explore what makes it such a unique gem in the world of photography.
I happily bought mine at PhotoCo Adelaide, where I buy all my Leica bodies and lenses. In Australia, PhotoCo is easily most competitive on price for Leica, making it more accessible, and can get stuff in quickly. On the rare occasion when I have needed support, their after sales service dealing with Leica and service techs has been second to none.
Let me say, this is ridiculously sharp and highly detailed lens. This was shot on Kodak Ultramax and scanned at 8 megapixel equivalent. I was about 8 meters away from the sign. Sharp enough for you?
Leica Summaron 28mm Build and Design
Compact and Meticulous
The Leica Summaron 28mm f5.6 is the smallest M Mount lens Leica offers, with a length of less than 2 cm. It’s remarkably compact, making it discreet and perfect for street photography. This minimalistic design ensures that the lens doesn’t draw attention—ideal for capturing candid moments.
Despite its small size, the Summaron is packed with precision. Its brass construction, combined with a silver chrome finish, exudes quality and durability. The accompanying brass lens hood is a work of art in itself, designed with grooves on the interior to prevent flare and ensure optimal performance.
Unboxing the 28mm Summaron
You know, it is just like unboxing a piece of jewellery. There is a vintage silk lined box the lens is neatly presented to you in.
You will be struck by just how tiny this pancake lens really is. Here it is to scale with the back cap on.
The lens hood is equally huge, but it needs to be to be practical.
Modern Updates to a Classic
While the Summaron is based on the original screw-mount version from 1955-1963, Leica has updated it with modern touches. The M-bayonet mount with 6-bit coding allows seamless communication with digital Leica M cameras, while maintaining the optical formula of the original.
The focusing tab on this lens is unique—compact and easy to operate with two fingers rather than one. Additionally, the infinity focus lock is a thoughtful feature for those who enjoy hyperfocal or sunny 16 rule shooting.
Available generally in classic silver, you can also get it in black, but that is more of a limited edition it seems.
Optical Performance
Tack-Sharp with Vintage Character
The optical design of 6 elements in 4 groups remains true to its original formula, and it shows in the images. At f5.6, the lens delivers stunning sharpness across the frame with a delightful vignette that adds a sense of depth and drama. The contrast is natural yet striking, elevating details in both shadow and highlight areas.
Stopping down to f16, the Summaron achieves breathtaking clarity, producing perfectly clean images without distortion. Whether capturing textures in the market stalls or intricate details in Adelaide’s backstreets, this lens consistently impressed me.
Vignetting and Contrast
Vignetting is a hallmark of this lens, especially at its widest aperture of f5.6. While some might see this as a flaw, it’s an intentional design choice that enhances the lens’s vintage aesthetic. The visible vignette frames the subject beautifully, giving images a timeless, analog feel.
At smaller apertures, the vignette disappears, and the lens delivers a clean, modern look. This dual personality—vintage at wide apertures, precise at smaller ones—makes the Summaron a versatile tool for any photographer.
Perfect for Street Photography
Discreet and Quick
The Leica Summaron 28mm f5.6 was born for the streets. Its small size and inconspicuous design allow you to blend into the environment, capturing moments without drawing attention. The 28mm focal length is familiar and intuitive—close to what we perceive with the human eye, and similar to smartphone cameras.
I like the way the vignetting leads you into the picture.
With the depth of field scale prominently displayed and a long focus throw, I found it easy to pre-focus and shoot instinctively. This lens is perfect for hyperfocal focusing, enabling me to snap sharp images without needing to adjust focus constantly.
My Experience in Adelaide
Taking the Summaron out on my Leica M-A was nothing short of magical. Exploring the backstreets of Adelaide, I captured intricate details of weathered brick walls, graffiti, and bustling alleyways with ease. At the Adelaide Central Market, the lens brought vibrant produce and colorful storefronts to life, with its natural contrast and sharpness adding depth to each shot.
The Kodak Pro Image 100 ISO film paired beautifully with this lens, emphasizing its analog-inspired rendering. On sunny days, I used the infinity focus lock and shot at f5.6 to enjoy the unique vignette and sharpness. When I wanted cleaner, more modern results, stopping down to f16 gave me flawless clarity.
This lens is all about the experience. It feels like stepping back in time while still enjoying the benefits of modern precision engineering.
Why the Leica Summaron 28mm f5.6 Stands Out
A Unique Vintage Look
The Summaron isn’t just a lens; it’s an artistic statement. Its images carry a character that’s nearly impossible to replicate digitally. The combination of sharpness, contrast, and vignette creates a distinct, nostalgic aesthetic reminiscent of analog photography.
Built for a Lifetime
Leica’s craftsmanship is second to none, and the Summaron 28mm f5.6 is no exception. Every component, from the lens body to the brass hood, feels meticulously designed and built to last. This is a lens you can pass down through generations.
Technical Highlights
- Focal Length: 28mm
- Aperture Range: f5.6 to f16
- Optical Design: 6 elements in 4 groups
- Mount: Leica M-Bayonet with 6-bit coding
- Weight: 165g
- Lens Hood: Machined brass, painted black
- Depth of Field Scale: Colored in red
Is the Leica Summaron 28mm f5.6 Right for You?
This lens is perfect if you:
- Love vintage aesthetics and analog-inspired images.
- Enjoy street photography and need a discreet, lightweight lens.
- Value precision engineering and timeless design.
A Love Letter to the Summaron
The Leica Summaron 28mm f5.6 isn’t for everyone—and that’s its charm. It’s unapologetically vintage, delightfully compact, and incredibly sharp. For me, it brought a sense of joy and nostalgia, turning every outing into an adventure.
If you’re a Leica enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of analog aesthetics in a modern package, the Summaron is a lens worth cherishing.
