There are rumors floating around that Leica will introduce a new Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH lens. As the name implies, the update will feature the addition of an aspherical element. The current Summicron-M 50mm f/2 was introduced back in 1994 and even Leica calls it "venerable" (which is accurate in several ways). While the current lens leaves little to be desired in terms of performance, it only stands to reason that Leica would refresh this classic. In contrast, the current Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH was introduced in 1996. The timeframe for its release is anything from "soon" to early 2012. Perhaps in the December issue of LFI.