A prototype of the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH. from the M for (RED) project by Jony Ive and Marc Newson has surfaced at Wetzlar Camera Auctions. It brings a rare piece of Leica and design history back into view.
According to Leica Rumors, the prototype was created during development of the unique Leica M for (RED), the charity project for which Leica collaborated with designers Jony Ive and Marc Newson.
Prototype without a serial number
Interestingly, the auction information indicates that this is not the final lens, but an earlier design version. The prototype reportedly has no serial number and also differs visibly from the lens later supplied with the finished Leica M for (RED).
That makes the lens particularly relevant to collectors and camera-design enthusiasts. Design has long played a special role within the Leica M system, including in special editions of Leica M lenses. The object offers a glimpse of the development process behind one of Leica's most striking projects of recent years.
Auction in October
Wetzlar Camera Auctions states that its next auction will take place on 10 October 2026 in Wetzlar. No clear estimate for this lens is currently available.
This makes it a small but interesting piece of news: not because it is a new Leica lens for photographers, but because it is a rare prototype at the intersection of photography, design and collecting.
