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Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH. Lens (Black)

BH #LE3514MB • MFR #11663
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Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH. Lens (Black)
Key Features
  • Leica M-Mount Lens
  • Aperture Range: f/1.4 to f/16
  • One Aspherical Element
  • Floating Elements System
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.
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Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH. Overview

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.

Versatile general wide-angle prime features a bright, fast f/1.4 maximum aperture to benefit working in low-light conditions and for greater control over depth of field.
One aspherical element controls spherical aberrations and distortion for improved sharpness.
Floating elements system achieves consistent image quality throughout the focusing range, even at the minimum focusing distance of 2.3'.
The front of the lens has 46mm-diameter threads to accept optional filters and the lens is male threaded to accept the included lens hood.

Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH. Specs

Color
Black
Focal Length
35mm
Maximum Aperture
f/1.4
Minimum Aperture
f/16
Lens Mount
Leica M
Angle of View
63°
Minimum Focus Distance
2.3' / 70 cm
Macro Reproduction Ratio
1:17.4
Optical Design
9 Elements in 5 Groups
Diaphragm Blades
9
Focus Type
Manual Focus
Filter Size
46 mm (Front)
Dimensions (ø x L)
2.2 x 1.8" / 56 x 46 mm
Weight
11.3 oz / 320 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
1.27 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
5.7 x 4.75 x 4.65"

Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH. Reviews

Worth the premium it commands

By Daniel
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-09-25

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

By Chad
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-07-01

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

By Peter Michael
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-08-07

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

By Chao
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-06-25

Like said in the title I think this lens really give the best (balance) of both worlds.

I wonderful glass

By Robert
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-06-08

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 !

By Hermann
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-05-17

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

By David
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-12-06

Really eye opening performance. Virtually no detectable distortion, fabulous contrast and sharpness, with great bokeh. Pricey but worth it.

I love it.... but!

By John
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-09-03

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.

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Why should someone think about using a 35mm lens ...

Why should someone think about using a 35mm lens for portraits. from the time I started my photography years ago I learned that a lens for portrait photography should be anything from 75mm up to about 105mm.?
Asked by: Michael D
The Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH. Lens (Black) may be used for environmental portraiture when you are trying to capture the location in which you are photographing your subject as a major component of the image. A 75mm to 135mm or 200mm lens may be used for headshots, bust shots, or 3/4 shots if you are focusing on the person by themselves as a main component of the image, but for environmental portraits or street photography, the wider 35mm lens would be a better option.
Answered by: Manzell
Date published: 2022-09-08

When using the Leica CL with the adapter, and ...

When using the Leica CL with the adapter, and using using this lens, would the camera be set at M? And will I be able to to see shutter speed/aperture settings in the viewfinder? Thank you so much!
Asked by: Lucy
The Leica CL with an adapted M lens can be used in Aperture priority and manual. You will see the shutter speed in the EVF or on the LCD, but the aperture is only displayed on the lens. It will show as – in the EVF or on the LCD.
Answered by: Richard
Date published: 2021-02-14

Does this lens block any part of a .72 or .73 ...

Does this lens block any part of a .72 or .73 viewfinder?
Asked by: Kelvin
It is not a lot, but there is a slight bit of blockage when using this on a .72 or .73 viewfinder.
Answered by: Zachariah
Date published: 2021-02-15

Is there a significant difference between the ...

Is there a significant difference between the newer lenses and one 60 years old?
Asked by: Brook
Newer lenses have better coding's for sharper images and better color saturation
Answered by: vilson
Date published: 2021-01-12

question

Is the original lens hood with the 11663 Summilux part number 12465 or 11874? Thank you!
Asked by: Anonymous
The original lens hood included with this Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH. Lens (B&H # LE3514MB MFR # 11663) is the Leica Hood for 35mm f/1.4 M Lens (B&H # LELH3514M MFR # 12589).
Answered by: James B.
Date published: 2023-04-16

question

Is the aperture on new serial numbers of this lens still loose? I have an earlier serial number and the aperture ring is really loose and bumps easily. I would consider selling mine and buying one built more recently if the problem has been fixed. Thank you.
Asked by: Ryan
Still loose. Bumps easily.
Answered by: Neal W.
Date published: 2018-08-28

when using this lens with this adaptor ...

when using this lens with this adaptor https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1455279-REG/kipon_leica_viso_eos_adapter.html on Canon C500 will it reach infinity and will it cover the Full Frame? Thanks
Asked by: Matthew
Sorry, it is not possible to mount a Leica M mount lens on a EF mount camera. The flange depth of the Leica is 27.8 while on the EF camera it is 44mm. Even if you succeed in mounting it, the focus plane would be 16.8mm in front of the sensor resulting in an hopelessly out of focus image.
Answered by: Dennis A
Date published: 2021-01-23

What Brand of the 46mm UV filter will correctly ...

What Brand of the 46mm UV filter will correctly fit and the lens ? I just purchased B+W 46mm XS-Pro UV Haze MRC-Nano 010M Filter and outside diameter (to big) of this filter prevent to install the hood.
Asked by: Igor
Using the Leica UV filter is your best option, other brand filters may or may not fit with the hood. It is difficult to know unless you try different ones.
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2020-03-18
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