Leica Brings a New Object of Desire Into Focus With the Summicron-M 66 f/2
Born from a secret US Navy commission in the late 1960s, the new Leica Summicron-M 66 f/2 reinterprets the exceptionally rare Elcan 66 mm f/2 – combining a remarkable military history with outstanding optical performance.
Dr Walter Mandler developed the Elcan 66 mm f/2 at Ernst Leitz Canada in the late 1960s. Designed for use by the US Navy, only around 200 units were produced. This makes the lens one of the rarest in the Leica M-System, giving it special optical and historical significance. To honour this lens, Leica Camera AG is presenting a reinterpretation of it by expanding its Classic Line with the new Summicron-M 66 f/2.
While the optical design is based on the original, it has been optimised and adapted to meet today’s standards. With a maximum lens speed of f/2, the Summicron-M 66 f/2 produces images with distinctive rendering, characterised by the interplay of soft bokeh and high contrast. When stopped down, its original purpose becomes apparent: maximum resolution for clearly reproducing the finest details.
The Summicron-M 66 f/2 range is being released in a limited edition of 660 units. The Leica Summicron-M 66 f/2 will be available worldwide from 3 September 2026 in Leica Stores, on the Leica Online Store and from authorised dealers.
