Zeiss's M-mount 50mm f/2 — Planar formula for Leica rangefinders with T* coating.
The Zeiss Planar T* 50mm f/2 ZM is a standard prime from Zeiss's ZM lens line for Leica M-mount rangefinder cameras. The Planar formula is Zeiss's classic symmetric normal prime design. T* anti-reflection coating. Manual focus with rangefinder coupling. Leica M mount.
f/2 maximum aperture. 50mm focal length (full-frame). Planar optical formula. T* anti-reflection coating. Manual focus with rangefinder coupling. At approximately 240g. 43mm filter thread. Leica M mount.
The Planar formula produces classic Zeiss rendering — smooth out-of-focus gradation and neutral colour rendering. Zeiss ZM lenses provide high optical quality in M-mount at a substantially lower cost than Leica's own Summicron-M 50mm equivalent. The ZM series enables M-system shooters to choose Zeiss optics in the Leica M mount.
On the used market the Zeiss Planar T* 50mm f/2 ZM is a well-regarded affordable alternative to the Leica Summicron-M 50mm. Condition checks: 43mm front element for marks, focus ring damping, rangefinder coupling accuracy. Leica M mount — manual focus with rangefinder coupling.