Question 1

What is the difference between Leica 11729 and 11728?

Accepted Answer

The Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH 11729 is the silver chrome version, while the 11728 is the black version of the same lens. Both share identical optical construction, the same f/1.4 maximum aperture, 11-blade iris, and 0.45m minimum focus distance. The choice is purely about aesthetics and how the lens pairs visually with your body.

Question 2

Is the Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH 11729 sharp at f/1.4?

Accepted Answer

Multiple independent reviewers consistently describe centre sharpness at f/1.4 as excellent, with strong contrast and well-controlled chromatic aberration even wide open. Corner performance improves as you stop down, but for portraits and street work the centre rendering at maximum aperture is considered one of the strengths of this lens.

Question 3

What is the difference between older Leica Summilux-M 50mm ASPH versions and the current 11729?

Accepted Answer

The 11729 silver and 11728 black are widely referred to as an updated 'ASPH II' generation compared to earlier ASPH variants. The filter thread remains 46mm and the mount is still Leica M, so older accessories remain compatible. If you own filters or a hood from a previous version, they will fit directly.

Question 4

What does the 11-blade aperture mean in practice?

Accepted Answer

An 11-blade aperture creates a near-perfectly circular opening at intermediate f-stops, which produces smooth, round bokeh highlights rather than the polygonal shapes you get from lenses with fewer blades. For portrait, street, and wedding work where out-of-focus backgrounds are part of the image, this results in a more organic, less distracting background rendering.

Question 5

Can I use the Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH on a mirrorless camera via adapter?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Leica M mount has a short flange distance, and M-mount adapters exist for Sony E, Nikon Z, Fujifilm X, and other mirrorless systems. When adapted, you lose rangefinder coupling and shoot in stop-down manual mode, but the optical performance of the lens itself is unchanged.

Question 6

What are the main alternatives to the Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH in M mount?

Accepted Answer

For photographers who want a native M-mount 50mm lens at a lower price point, there are several manual-focus options worth considering. The key is to look for lenses that share the M-mount flange standard so they couple directly with rangefinder bodies without an adapter. Compared to those alternatives, the Summilux stands out for its 11-blade iris, which is unusually high for a lens in this category and contributes directly to the quality of its out-of-focus rendering.

Question 7

Is buying a used Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH worth it?

Accepted Answer

Leica lenses are built to exceptionally tight mechanical tolerances and the optical elements are highly resistant to wear, so a used copy in good condition performs identically to a new one. Buying pre-owned through a platform that offers professional inspection and a minimum 12 months warranty removes the main risks of the used market. The 11729 is a relatively recent release, meaning second-hand copies available today are typically young enough that condition is rarely a concern.

Question 8

What filter size does the Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH 11729 use?

Accepted Answer

The filter thread is 46mm. This is a relatively uncommon size, so it is worth checking your existing filter collection before buying. A 46mm UV or polarising filter will fit directly; step-up rings are available if you want to use larger filters you already own.

Cart (0)

Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH Silver (11729)

Get notified when available

Do you have a Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH Silver (11729)?

About the Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH Silver (11729)

Key Specifications

Who is the Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH Silver for?

Buying a used Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH Silver

Frequently asked questions