{
  "id": 5330780,
  "title": "The Leica Summicron-M 66 f/2 rises from the ashes, as Leica recreates its old spy lens – but only 660 will be made",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/the-leica-summicron-m-66-f-2-rises-from-the-ashes-as-leica-recreates",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-03T13:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Digital Camera World",
    "slug": "digital-camera-world",
    "url": "https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/cameras/lenses/the-leica-summicron-m-66-f-2-rises-from-the-ashes-as-leica-recreates-its-old-spy-lens-but-only-660-will-be-made"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Leica has resurrected a rare lens from its military archives, reintroducing the Leica Summicron-M 66 f/2 to the M-mount series. This unique 66mm lens is a modern interpretation of the original Elcan 66mm f/2, developed by Ernst Leitz Canada for the US Navy during the 1960s. Only a handful of original Elcan lenses are believed to have been produced, making them extremely rare within the Leica M-System. Designed by Dr Walter Mandler, the lens was created to meet the needs of covert reconnaissance photography, offering exceptional resolution and fine contrast in a discreet form factor. The 66mm focal length was specifically chosen to balance these factors while being compact enough for discreet use. The Elcan 66mm f/2 found use beyond its initial commission by Western allies and was often paired with the Leica KE-7A, a military version of the Leica M4. To reflect its history, the new Summicron-M 66 f/2 includes several distinctive features, such as an aperture ring that turns in the opposite direction, a military-style distance scale, and engravings inspired by the original Elcan. The lens features a distinctive aperture ring, a military-style distance scale, and engravings that pay homage to its historical roots. With only 660 units to be produced, the Leica Summicron-M 66 f/2 will be priced at £8,410 / €9,850 and released to the public on September 3, 2026.",
  "summary": "The Leica Summicron-M 66 f/2 revives one of the rarest M lenses ever made",
  "key_points": [
    "Leica resurrects rare military lens, Leica Summicron-M 66 f/2",
    "Only 660 units to be produced, priced at £8,410 / €9,850",
    "Designed as discreet reconnaissance lens, released September 3, 2026"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}