One of the most versatile lenses available for Leica M-mount rangefinders, the black Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH. is a general wide-angle lens characterized by its sophisticated optics and bright f/1.4 maximum aperture. The fast lens is well-suited for available light photography and also affords greater control over depth of field for selective focus shooting. The optical design incorporates one aspherical element to control spherical aberrations and distortion for improved sharpness and clarity, and a floating elements system is used to maintain performance throughout the focusing range.
- Leica M-Mount Lens
- Aperture Range: f/1.4 to f/16
- One Aspherical Element
- Floating Elements System
Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH. Overview
Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH. Specs
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Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH. Reviews
Worth the premium it commands
When purchasing the new M11 I considered other lenses to keep the cost down a bit but part of the magic of shooting with Leica is their glass. Rather than penny pinching I decided to bite the bullet and purchase this lens. I can say with absolute certainty that I have zero regrets. Wide open at f1.4 I've found it to be incredibly sharp and resolves very well even with the new 60 megapixel sensor on the m11. Wide open it does vignette a good bit but I actually love the look it gives. It's part of the lens' character. My only gripe is the minimum focusing distance but it's easily overcome by cropping in a little in post. Other than that this lens is perfect. Made extremely well and will last a lifetime.
A do everything lens for your Leica
This really is the most versatile lens Leica makes. Low light, day light, etc will all work well with this lens. Same goes with street, travel, portraits, etc. Rendering is beautiful at F1.4 and the only downside is the price.
Astonishing right out of the box
I've got a lot of vintage Leica glass, including a circa 1963 35mm Summicron. But having recently bit the bullet on the stellar M10 Monochrom, it's inspired me to invest in some modern optics. This gorgeous thing has my my hands shaking, the first pictures making me feel much better about the seemingly exorbitant costs. These lenses are expensive for a reason. Wow, Just wow.
Fast and sharp
Like said in the title I think this lens really give the best (balance) of both worlds.
I wonderful glass
Mouted on a demanding Leica M10 Monochrom this lens leaves nothing to be desired. Extremely pleased with everything about it. A joy to own and use.
Distinctive at full aperture, and if so inclined: magical !
I have owned the previous model Summilux M 1:1.4 35mm for 25 years. The aspheric version is a worthwhile upgrade for me, I use it on the Monochrome type 246. If you can forget about the $$$ for a moment, you are buying a work of art, Leica glass at its best, for decades to come. I do own 9 additional Leica M lenses, my favorite is the Noctilux. This Summilux 35mm lens weighs less, is less conspicuous, is ideal for travel, and is half the price of the latter. If you are new to Leica M this could be an ideal first and perhaps only lens. The older Summilux M 1:1.4 35mm is quite comparable stopped down, the newer aspheric version is supersharp and distinctive at full aperture - wide open (this is what you are paying for) and, if so inclined, you may find it : magical !
Fabulous lens
Really eye opening performance. Virtually no detectable distortion, fabulous contrast and sharpness, with great bokeh. Pricey but worth it.
I love it.... but!
I waited a long time to purchase this lens as it is THE most expensive lens I have ever purchased. I had owned the 35mm summicron (latest version) and was pretty content with it so the lux really needed to prove it's worth to me. I did not but it just because it's one stop faster, but rather because I kept hearing about the phenomenal magic and 3D look this lens produces when wide open. This lens can nail focus wide open at 1.4 all day long but, it is not tack sharp and also vignettes pretty heavily. Both can add to that magical look.. and I am totally ok with it, but it is something people should know. Close down to 2 - 2.8 and the lens is amazingly sharp, the vignette fades away, and it still has an amazing pop to the images. I use this lens on my M10 monochrome and I am getting great results. The slightly larger size and weight does not bother me at all. So overall, and a fantastic lens for sure! just know that while the lux is not perfect at 1.4, it can produce amazing images wide open.