SUMMARY
Leica has resurrected one of its rarest lenses, the Elcan 66mm f/2, as the new Summicron-M 66 f/2 for its M-mount system. Originally developed for covert reconnaissance by Ernst Leitz Canada in the late 1960s, the original Elcan was designed by Dr. Walter Mandler for exceptional resolution in a compact form. The new Summicron-M 66 f/2 retains the original's unique 66mm focal length and incorporates historical design elements like an opposite-direction aperture ring and military-style distance scale. Leica will produce only 660 examples of this limited edition lens, which will be available starting September 3, 2026.
TAKEAWAYS
Leica introduces the Summicron-M 66 f/2, a modern recreation of the rare 1960s Elcan 66mm f/2 spy lens.
The original lens was designed for covert reconnaissance photography by Ernst Leitz Canada.
Only 660 units of the new Summicron-M 66 f/2 will be manufactured.
The lens features historical design elements, including a unique focal length and aperture ring direction.