Leica announces limited edition Summicron-M 66 f2 lens

Leica is releasing a limited edition of the Summicron-M 66 f2 lens, a modern reinterpretation of the historic Elcan 66 mm f2. Originally developed in the late 1960s by Dr. Walter Mandler at Ernst Leitz Canada, the original Elcan lens was a specialized tool designed for the United States Navy for espionage photography.

Only approximately 200 units of the original Elcan were ever produced, making it one of the rarest lenses in the Leica M system. The new production run is limited to 660 units. The first unit, bearing serial number 001, is scheduled to be auctioned at the Leitz Photographica Auction in Wetzlar in November 2026.

The new lens features a 66mm focal length designed to provide a natural perspective with a slight telephoto compression. It is designed for the Leica M mount and can be used on Leica SL systems via an adapter. The design pays homage to the original by utilizing the Leitz Wetzlar name and retaining the inverted aperture ring rotation found on the military version.