How Much Is a Used Leica APO-Summicron-M 90mm Worth? (2026 Price Guide)

If you want the highest optical quality, yes: the APO version is sharp and essentially fringe-free wide open at f/2, where the older <a href="/price-guide/summicron-m-90/">pre-APO Summicron</a> shows softer rendering and some color fringing. The trade-off is cost, since the APO commands a large premium. Portrait shooters who prefer a gentler classic look may be happier with the older lens at much lower cost.

These are modern lenses, so check the built-in retractable hood for a firm lock, confirm the aperture is dry and clicks cleanly, and run focus through to the 1 meter close limit for smoothness. Look for any internal dust or haze and confirm the 6-bit coding is present and intact if you want automatic lens recognition. Front and rear glass should be free of cleaning marks given the lens's value.

At f/2 on a 90mm lens, depth of field is shallow, so precise rangefinder calibration matters; on digital M bodies many users add a 1.4x magnifier or use Live View and focus peaking for portraits. The lens resolves so much detail that small focus errors are visible, making body and lens rangefinder alignment worth checking. It performs superbly when focus is nailed.

Yes, with an M-to-L or M-to-mirrorless adapter it works well on Leica SL and other bodies, and its high resolution suits modern sensors. On mirrorless you focus via the EVF, which sidesteps rangefinder calibration concerns and lets the lens deliver its full sharpness. On digital M cameras the 6-bit coding lets the body apply the correct lens profile automatically.