When Leica reintroduced the 28mm F5.6 Summaron, they didn’t just revive a lens—they revived an icon. Originally produced from 1955 to 1963, the Summaron has been reborn with modern refinements while retaining its vintage charm. After three months of real-world use, here’s why this lens has quickly become a staple in my kit. Don’t forget to checkout my initial review and unboxing.
My Experience with the Leica 28mm Summaron
First Impressions: Small, Lightweight, and Beautifully Crafted
The first thing you notice about the Leica Summaron is its size. It’s incredibly small and lightweight, making it a perfect companion for street photography or casual outings. The build quality is everything you’d expect from Leica: solid, precise, and a joy to handle.
Despite its unassuming appearance, the lens is packed with character. It’s designed to replicate the optical properties of the original, delivering images with a vintage aesthetic that’s impossible to recreate digitally.
Performance: Sharpness and That Vintage Look
In terms of sharpness, the Summaron holds its own against some of Leica’s more modern lenses. The level of detail it can render is exceptional, particularly when stopped down. However, the lens truly shines in its ability to produce images with natural contrast, pleasing vignetting, and a film-like quality.
When used wide open at F5.6, the Summaron creates a subtle vignette that adds character without overpowering the shot. For me, this is where the lens feels most “alive”—it’s perfect for creating images with a nostalgic, analog vibe.
Simplicity at Its Best: Zone Focusing and the Sunny 16 Rule
One of the Summaron’s standout features is its simplicity. With a maximum aperture of F5.6, it’s not designed for low-light performance but instead thrives in bright daylight. Pairing it with the sunny 16 rule is a dream.
Set the lens to F16, zone focus for everything from a few meters to infinity, and match your shutter speed to your film ISO. This setup is perfect for quick, spontaneous shooting without the need for a light meter.
Real-World Usage: My Go-To Daylight Lens
Over the past three months, I’ve taken the Summaron everywhere—from the bustling streets of Adelaide to quiet beachside landscapes. I’ve shot it on ProImage 100 and Ultramax 400, and the results never fail to impress.
The 28mm focal length is incredibly versatile, providing a wide-enough angle to capture the scene without excessive distortion. It’s also a natural choice for storytelling, giving your subjects context and room to breathe in the frame.
Comparing It to the Summilux: Value and Character
While my favorite lens remains the 28mm Summilux for its low-light capabilities and shallow depth of field, the Summaron offers something entirely different. It’s a simpler, lighter option designed for daylight shooting—and it costs about a third of the price.
Leica lenses are investments that hold their value, and the Summaron is no exception. Its timeless design and unique optical qualities make it a collector’s item that’s also practical for everyday use.
Not Sure about the Weather Sealing
If I had to find a fault, it would be the shallow lens mount. This design choice likely impacts weather sealing, which may not be up to par with Leica’s other M lenses. While this hasn’t been an issue for me so far, it’s something to consider if you frequently shoot in challenging conditions.
A Must-Have for Leica Enthusiasts
The Leica 28mm F5.6 Summaron isn’t just a lens—it’s an experience. From its impeccable build to its unique optical signature, it offers a shooting experience that blends nostalgia with practicality.
After three months of real-world use, it’s become my go-to lens for daylight photography. Its compact size, sharpness, and vintage charm make it a standout addition to any Leica photographer’s kit.
