Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2003/01/29
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Dear Lug'ers-- I am happy to bring some exciting news to you from Leica USA, from President Roger Horn: "I am very pleased to announce the introduction of the M 50mm f/2.0 50 Year Summicron. After 50 years of history-making breakthroughs, we would like to pay homage to this famous lens construction and offer a special series of 1000 pieces of the "50 Year Summicron" 50mm f/2 lens. The anniversary version of the LEICA SUMMICRON-M 50mm f/2.0 comes in an exclusive box with an embossed print of the technical detail of the lens and is supplied with a clip-on type metal hood in the classic design, a protection against stray light as well as possible mechanical damage. The lens is delivered with a metal lens cap with an embossing of the Leica logo; also included is a plastic lens cap as well, also embossed with the Leica logo. The anniversary lenses are delivered with a hand-signed certificate by both corporate executives of Leica AG, Mr. Hanns-Peter Cohn, CEO, and Mr. Ralf Coenen, COO. History: Back in the mid-twenties, the standard aperture for a 50mm lens was 3.5. It was only in 1933 that a team of optic designers led by Max Berek could present a lens twice as fast as the old standard: the Summar 50mm f/2. The optical performance of this kind of lens was enhanced with the launch of the Summitar 50mm f/2 in 1939, but it was not until 1953 that Leitz could present the unanimously acclaimed first modern lens, the Summicron 50mm f/2. This breakthrough in optical performance was possible thanks to progress in optical calculation, but also thanks to major progress in the field of glassmaking, namely the "Schwerkron" Glass which could boast a uniquely high refraction index. The name Summicron was chosen as a tribute to this kind of glass, later known as LaK9. The Summicron construction itself also has a rich history and the actual version of this high performance lens is the fourth generation and the result of Leica's goal to provide a high contrast lens providing equally excellent results in all apertures. The prices for the lens is $1600 USD retail, $1400 USD MAP (minimum advertised price.) Delivery on these lenses will begin in mid-February 2003, and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis." Thank you! Kit McChesney - -- acmefoto | acme online sales, inc post office box 777 | louisville, colorado 80027 usa www.acmefoto.com | kitmc@acmefoto.com - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html