Leica has announced an updated version of its Summilux-M 35mm F1.4 ASPH lens, bringing improvements to one of its most popular lenses. The bright prime Leica lens is now available in black and silver for $5,395/$5,595 (the previous version was priced at $5,995).
Two of the most notable changes made to this updated model is the use of 11 aperture blades (instead of nine in its predecessor) and a closer focusing distance, which is now 40cm (15.8”) instead of 70cm (27.6”).
The size of the updated lens is roughly the same, with one notable exception: it’s now 2mm shorter in length and 2mm larger in diameter than the original version.
Leica Summilux-M 35 f/1.4 ASPH Lens Specs
- Diagonal angle of view: 63 °
- Working range: 0.4 m to infinity
- Biggest scale: 1: 17.4
- Number of lenses/groups: 9/5
- Length: 1: 46 mm
- Weight: 1: 320g
- Lens hood: integrated, round
- Filter/filter thread: E46
- Made in Germany
Comparison with the current version:
| FLE II | FLE I | |
| Closest Focus | 0.4 meters | 0.7 meters |
| Aperture Blades | 11 | 9 |
| Weight | 338 g | 320 g |
| Lens Hood | Integrated | Thread-on |
| Length | 46mm | 46mm (58mm with hood) |
| Diameter | 58mm | 56mm |
| Reproduction Ratio | 1:8.9 | 1:17.4 |
Press release:
Leica Summilux-M 35 f/1.4 ASPH. – Redesign
Teaneck, September 15, 2022
Now even more versatile and more flexible.
The history of Leica optical design dates back more than 150 years and speaks to innovative engineering, uncompromising precision and outstanding quality. It is a story about legendary tools which rank among the best in the world. This applies especially to Leica M lenses. One of the most versatile among them has now been redesigned and refined to provide even more flexibility for creators around the world: the Leica Summilux-M 35 f/1.4 ASPH.
The lens combines subtle wide-angle characteristics with natural-looking dimensions and is thus particularly versatile. Whether for detailed landscape shots, high-contrast pictures in difficult lighting conditions or subjects in close-up range with shallow depth of field: the Summilux-M 35 f/1.4 ASPH. produces extraordinary results. Now, eleven instead of nine aperture blades are used for a visibly improved bokeh. In addition, the closest focusing distance was reduced from 70 to 40 centimeters. This extended range is made possible by the pending double cam unit patent newly developed by Leica engineers. As a result, the rotation angle of the focus ring is almost doubled to 176° in comparison to the previous model – with the same compact size of the lens. This ensures reliable, precise control over the entire focusing range. When shooting up to 70 centimeters, this works as usual via the rangefinder on all digital and analogue M cameras. After a slight perceptible resistance, the extended close-focus range between 70 and 40 centimeters can be controlled via Live View on the screen, the Visoflex viewfinder or the Leica FOTOS app.
The industrial design has been brought up to date with almost unchanged dimensions – the new Summilux-M 35 f/1.4 ASPH. is 2 millimeters shorter while 2 millimeters have been added to the diameter. As with the Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 ASPH., the lens hood is now round, directly integrated in the lens and can be easily available at any time. For an even faster and more flexible handling and for even more freedom when taking photos.
Two color variants of the Leica Summilux-M 35 f/1.4 ASPH. are available globally at all Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store, and authorized dealers. The retail price of the black variant is $5,395 and the retail price of the silver variant is $5,595.
