The moniker “Rigid” is not merely a catchy tag but holds historical significance. It denotes the groundbreaking fixed barrel design. They have different coating and appearance of barrel.
Left: Leica Summicron-M 50mm f/2 Rigid Ver.1
Right: Leica Summicron-M 50mm f/2 Rigid Ver.2
The Ver.1 sports a narrower scallop, while the Ver.2 presents a flat and wider focusing scallop. The size of the focusing tab follows suit, with Ver.1 featuring a slightly larger tab compared to Ver.2.
Noteworthy are the differences in focusing scales and knurling patterns. Ver.1 offers scales in meters or feet, while Ver.2 presents a dual scale system. Both versions share a minimum focusing distance of 1 meter. They both share compatibility with a 39mm filter.
Some enthusiasts argue that Ver.1 exhibits a distinctive Leica glow, adding a unique character to its photos, while Ver.2 tends to deliver slightly sharper images. The Leica Summicron-M 50mm f/2 Rigid Ver.1 and Ver.2 stand as remarkable chapters in the legacy of Leica lenses.
