The vintage Leica lens that changed rangefinder photography

In the late 1950s Leica introduced a lens that in many ways they have yet to surpass. A lens that fundamentally changes how and what you can photograph with a rangefidner, yet it was a one off design.
In this video we explore the interesting history and legacy of the Leica Summicron 50mm f/2 with close focus capabilities or the "Summicron DR" as it is often referred to.

*a note on Leica close focus lenses*
There is something I wish I knew about before making the video;
The Leica APO-SUMMICRON-M 35mm f2 ASPH actually has impressive close focus capabilities for a rangefidner lens beating the Summicron DR by going down to 0.3 meters! This is more of a digital focused feature as there are no goggles for use on an analog M, but it does offer the functionality if you need it just without the visual compensation. There are a few wide angle M mount lenses that can also physically focus closer you just loose the rangefidner patch at 0.7 meters.
The APO summicron m 35mm was not on my radar, as the 35mm summicron asph. is one of my favorite lenses I never thought about replacing it (and admitedly the price tag will keep it off the radar for most people). At The Whole Picture we strive for comprehensive and thoughtful videos but as things go, you inevitably miss something!

00:00 Intro
00:40 Summicron DR overview
01:25 What's so special?
03:15 Details and sample images
03:46 Close focus with goggles
04:07 Mirrorless application
04:36 Why don't we have more DR lenses?
05:58 Right place right time
06:26 Form and function