35 mm lenses are the most popular in the M-System. Their mixture of moderate wide angle characteristics paired with natural dimensions make this focal length extremely versatile. Often, it is the first choice on a new M camera, and therefore many famous pictures have been taken with a 35 mm lens.
The Leica Summilux-M 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH. is a further revised version of this popular wide-angle lens for the Leica M rangefinder system. Thanks to the latest developments in the fields of optics and precision engineering, the new 35mm lens sets a whole new standard in the fast wide-angle lens portfolio. Whether it's a matter of selective focus in the close-up range, high-contrast available light applications or landscape shots with immense depth of field, the lens delivers persuasive arguments in any situation.
In comparison with its predecessor, the new Leica Summilux-M 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH. now incorporates a floating element: the lenses behind the aperture blades are constructed as a floating group that changes its position relative to the front lens group during focusing to ensure that the Leica Summilux-M 1:1.4/35 mm ASPH. achieves outstanding imaging performance at closer focusing distances.
Another new feature is a full-metal, rectangular, screw-mount lens hood that contributes significantly to the compact dimensions of the lens.
The optical design of the Leica Summilux-M 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH. has also been optimized for use on the digital Leica M models. It reveals the full extent of its outstanding performance particularly when mounted on a full format digital M body. The Leica Summilux-M 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH. also delivers excellent results on analogue M models and is destined to become an indispensable component of every M system outfit.
Even wide open, the Leica Summilux-M 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH. reveals performance characteristics without precedent in the field of compact 35 mm lenses: outstanding imaging performance over the entire focus range, from infinity to minimum focus; excellent contrast, even in the finest structures; superb rendition of detail across the entire image field; good field flattening and, stopped down to f/2 and onward, almost complete freedom from coma effects. It is almost impossible to improve this excellent optical performance by stopping down.