Just out of interest, how much would that particular make of lens cost to buy brand new? I know Leica are pretty expensive, so its impressive they just write such an expensive product off by cutting it in half. 

Awesome Idea though – I’ve never seen the inside of a lens before. Very fascinating. 

Leica is one of a few camera makers in the world that always maintain their product in high quality not quantity. 
The cut-out of the lens is the way to give their loyal Leica users the confident and feeling that they were well spending their money!
By the way, I wish I were one of them!
Ha..Ha..! Just dreaming!!!!

 I guess they would work for a half frame camera? Maybe Leica is coming out with a new model? :^)

Actually they should technically still fill the frame (if I learned anything in high school optics)

Well played, sir… well played. :)

No, no, no…  It should be “Leica lenses, half off!”

 While cool and all, I have to ask WHY oh WHY? Such beauty… gone! (wipes a tear)

@google-2e6e54e47095923e59d5c354edfae13c:disqus
“how does one cut a laser in half like that?”  you just answered that. LASER, very powerful, very effective. don’t look right into the beam….

it’s not a waste, it’s a technology marvel. very neat, but hell of a price even for the half of it.

 Came here to ask the same question, the cut does look exceptionally clean, I wish there was a video to show the process.

Will it work on 1/2 frame camera? 

Brand new these lenses cost around $4000. 

In Germany there is a heavier emphasis on apprenticeships. I would say they are new employees.

I don’t think they used a laser. You can see machining marks on all the metal surfaces and many of the glass elements are chipped. In the 50 ASPH you can also see dark marks within the metal suggesting high heat associated with a saw blade.