Leica has reached deep into its military archives for its latest M-mount release, resurrecting one of the rarest lenses in the company’s history with the new Leica Summicron-M 66 f/2.
Joining the Leica Classic Line, the unusual 66mm lens is a modern reinterpretation of the Elcan 66mm f/2, a specialist optic originally developed by Ernst Leitz Canada for the US Navy during the late 1960s. Only around 200 examples of the original were reportedly produced, making it one of the rarest lenses associated with the Leica M-System.
The original Elcan was designed by legendary optical designer Dr Walter Mandler following a commission for a compact lens capable of delivering exceptional resolving power for covert reconnaissance photography. According to Dr Mandler, Head of Development and Vice-President of Ernst Leitz (Canada) Ltd. in Midland, Ontario, at the time:
“The Naval Intelligence Service wanted a lens that looked like any other but delivered an unparalleled level of resolution.” The strange 66mm focal length was therefore anything but arbitrary, instead representing a carefully calculated compromise between resolution, fine contrast and a body compact enough for discreet photography.
The lens also comes with a fascinating Cold War backstory. Historical accounts suggest that examples were used beyond the original US Navy commission by Western allied partners, while many Elcan 66mm f/2 lenses were paired with the Leica KE-7A, a military version of the Leica M4.
Perhaps most remarkably, the original camera and lens sets were supplied with instructions explaining how to destroy the equipment in the event that the photographer was captured, which gives some indication of just how sensitive the assignments involving these cameras could be.
Sample images
For the new Summicron-M 66 f/2, Leica has retained the character of the original optical design while updating it to meet modern standards. There are some wonderfully unusual historical touches too, including an aperture ring that turns in the opposite direction to conventional M lenses, a military-style distance scale and engravings inspired by the original Elcan.
The tiny engraved “60” on the side indicates a precisely measured focal length of 66.0mm, while Leica says the f/2 maximum aperture combines soft bokeh with strong contrast before delivering maximum resolution and fine detail when stopped down. Sitting neatly between a traditional 50mm and longer portrait focal lengths, it should also offer a natural perspective with just a little additional compression.
Naturally, something this unusual was never going to be produced in huge numbers. Leica will make just 660 examples of the Summicron-M 66 f/2, each carrying a special serial number alongside the optical calculation number B1047 and Leica’s internal material number.
The Leica Summicron-M 66 f/2 will be available worldwide from September 3, 2026 from Leica and authorized dealers, priced at $10,900 / £8,410.
Collectors may also want to keep an eye on the Leitz Photographica Auction in Wetzlar in November 2026, where the very first example, serial number 001, will go under the hammer.
Check out our full guide to the best Leica M lenses
