The Leica Summicron-M 66mm f/2 brings one of the most fascinating lenses in Leica history into the present day. Part of the Leica Classic Line and limited to just 660 individually numbered lenses worldwide, it is a modern reinterpretation of the exceptionally rare Elcan 66mm f/2 developed by legendary optical designer Dr. Walter Mandler at Ernst Leitz Canada in the late 1960s. Originally commissioned by the US Navy for covert reconnaissance photography, only around 200 examples of the original lens were produced.

The unusual 66mm focal length was not chosen arbitrarily. Mandler arrived at 66mm as the ideal balance between maximum resolving power, fine contrast rendition and the compact dimensions required for a discreet reconnaissance lens. Positioned between the familiar perspective of a 50mm and the compression of a traditional portrait lens, the resulting focal length offers a natural perspective with subtle compression and remains unique within the Leica lens portfolio.

The new Summicron-M 66mm f/2 retains the optical character and fundamental design of its historic predecessor while being optimized and adapted to modern standards. At its maximum f/2 aperture, the lens combines high contrast with soft, harmonious bokeh and a distinctive rendering particularly well suited to portrait photography. Stopping down reveals the characteristic for which the original Elcan was created: exceptional resolving power capable of reproducing the finest details with outstanding precision.

Leica has also carefully carried the unusual details of the original military lens into the new design. Unlike conventional M lenses, the aperture ring rotates in the opposite direction, while the arrangement of the meter and feet distance scales follows the original military specification. The distinctive front engravings reference the historic Elcan and include the B1047 optical calculation number, Leica's internal material number and the lens's individual number within the 660-piece edition. The traditional "Leitz Wetzlar" engraving replaces the Elcan designation of the original lens. Even the small "60" marking on the barrel has a purpose: following a convention used for precision lenses of the era, it signifies an individually measured focal length of exactly 66.0mm.

Constructed in Germany with six lens elements arranged in five groups, the Summicron-M 66mm f/2 features a nine-blade diaphragm, 1-meter minimum focusing distance, E49 filter thread and screw-on lens hood. At approximately 60mm in diameter and 60.1mm long, it remains remarkably compact despite its distinctive optical design. More than a recreation of a historic rarity, the Leica Summicron-M 66mm f/2 makes a focal length and optical concept once reserved for highly specialized military use available to photographers for the first time.