Leica has officially introduced the Summicron M 66mm f/2 lens for rangefinder photographers and collectors. The new release is an authentic reproduction of the rare Elcan 66mm f/2 developed for naval reconnaissance during the 1960s. Leica is producing just 660 copies worldwide, each carrying a retail price of $10,900.
The original Elcan optics rank among the rarest M mount pieces in photographic history. Leica initially designed the lens for the US Navy, pairing it with the rugged military KE 7A camera body for high detail tactical surveillance. Only about 200 copies ever left the factory floor during that production run. This modern release revives that vintage formula while updating mechanical tolerances for current digital and film rangefinder cameras.
The internal optical structure relies on 6 glass elements arranged across 5 groups. Aperture settings range from f/2 to f/16, controlled by a 9 blade diaphragm designed to shape background highlights. The physical body measures roughly 60.1 millimeters by 60 millimeters and weighs 456 grams. Physical handling mirrors the vintage military specifications. The aperture ring turns in the reverse direction of standard Leica production lenses, and the barrel engravings follow classic defense contract layouts.
Leica tuned the glass to deliver distinct rendering styles across the aperture range. Opening the lens to f/2 produces gentle background blur while retaining punchy subject contrast. Stopping down sharpens fine surface details and cleans up peripheral rendering across the entire frame.
