Leica revives rare 66mm military lens as limited-edition Summicron-M

Leica has introduced the Summicron-M 66 f/2, a new limited-edition lens based on a rare 66mm f/2 optic originally developed for the US Navy in the late 1960s.

The original Elcan 66mm f/2 was designed by renowned optical engineer Dr Walter Mandler at Ernst Leitz Canada. Around 200 examples were produced, making it one of the rarer lenses associated with the Leica M-System.

According to Leica, the lens was commissioned for covert reconnaissance photography, with the unusual 66mm focal length selected as a balance between resolution, contrast and compact size.

The lens has also been associated with the Leica KE-7A, a military version of the Leica M4, with historical accounts suggesting equipment of this type was used by Western allies during the Cold War.

The new Summicron-M 66 f/2 retains the unusual focal length and is based on the optical design of the original, but has been updated for contemporary manufacturing and performance standards.

Leica has also retained several of the original lens's distinctive mechanical details. The aperture ring rotates in the opposite direction to standard Leica M lenses, while the distance scale arrangement follows the military specification. The engraving has been redesigned to echo the original, including a small '60' marking indicating a precisely measured focal length of 66.0mm.

With a maximum aperture of f/2, Leica says the lens is designed to combine high contrast with soft bokeh, while stopping down is intended to maximise resolution and fine detail. At 66mm, it sits between the traditional 50mm standard focal length and longer portrait lenses.

The Summicron-M 66 f/2 will be produced as a limited edition of 660 lenses, with each carrying a special serial number alongside the optical calculation number B1047 and Leica's internal material number.

The lens also carries a recommended retail price of (hold your wallets) $17,500 including GST in Australia and is available from Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store and authorised dealers from 3 September 2026.

The first lens in the edition, serial number 001, is due to be auctioned at the Leitz Photographica Auction in Wetzlar in November 2026.