Leica Summilux M 35mm F 1 4 ASPH Review | 54 Data compared

The 2022 Leica 35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH (Close Focus) is a mechanically refreshed update to the 2010 floating-element version (the 35 FLE), retaining the exact same high-quality optical formula but introducing key ergonomic and functional enhancements. Tested extensively on the Leica M11 and SL2, the lens features a significantly expanded focusing throw of 176 degrees that enables an impressive close-focusing distance of 0.4 metres, down from the traditional 0.7-metre limit. It signals this transition with a distinct tactile resistance at the 0.7m mark, past which photographers must rely on Live View, an EVF, or the Leica FOTOS app for accurate manual focusing. Additional design upgrades include an integrated, space-saving slide-out lens hood that replaces the bulkier screw-in hood of its predecessor, and an upgraded eleven-blade aperture configuration (up from nine) designed to produce a rounder, more relaxed, and gentler bokeh at narrower apertures. The core advantage of this iteration lies in its new close-up photographic opportunities and vastly improved ergonomics, packed into a body that is practically identical in size to the previous model. Its slide-out hood successfully eliminates extra...

In his review on the L-Camera-Forum, Jonathan Slack evaluates the 2022 updated Leica Summilux-M 35 f/1.4 ASPH, highlighting key improvements including a new integrated twist-out lens hood and an upgrade to 11 aperture blades for smoother bokeh. A major advantage of this version is its extended close-focusing capability down to 0.4 meters, which significantly enhances versatility when using Live View or an EVF. However, the lens retains the same optical formula as its predecessor, meaning it still exhibits minor chromatic aberration at wide apertures. Additionally, the extended focusing throw required for the 0.4m capability can hinder rapid, instinctive shooting, and the lack of optical changes may not justify an upgrade for current owners of the original FLE lens.

The ePHOTOzine review of the Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH lens, rated "Highly Recommended," highlights exceptional optical performance with outstanding sharpness across the frame and excellent colour reproduction when tested on the 60MP Leica M11. Pros include a robust, compact metal build, low distortion (-1.20%), and well-controlled chromatic aberration, along with low, manageable vignetting at f/1.4. Limitations identified include the lack of weather sealing, image stabilisation, and autofocus, alongside a high price point and close-focusing limitations. While generally excellent, the lens may show minor flare in extreme conditions and a slightly busy, "feathered" bokeh at maximum aperture.

Lens Overview and Specifications The 2022 Leica Summilux-M 35mm ƒ1.4 ASPH (Model 11726) succeeds the 12-year-old FLE version (Model 11663), introducing modern design changes while preserving its classic 1961 "Steel Rim" heritage. Tested in the challenging, low-light environment of Singapore's Jurong Fishery Port on a Leica M10-R, this compact 46mm-length lens features 9 elements in 5 groups and handles fast-paced street photography effortlessly. Its standout mechanical improvement is a dual-focusing mechanism that shortens the minimum focusing distance to 0.4 meters—down from the previous 0.7 meters—by utilizing a physical "hard stop" to alert the photographer when they transition past the rangefinder's mechanical coupling and into Live View territory. Performance, Pros, and Cons The reviewer highlights numerous advantages, emphasizing that the lens is incredibly sharp, draws with a modern, clinical rendering, and delivers beautifully shaped "sun-stars" due to an upgraded 11-blade aperture design. Additional pros include its exceptional ergonomics, tactile aperture ring, a smooth focusing ring throw, and a built-in extendable hood that makes the overall profile noticeably more compact and smaller than its bulky FLE predecessor. Furthermore, its DNG raw files...

The Leica Summilux 35mm f/1.4 ASPH FLE is a highly praised, compact 35mm lens that delivers a distinct, three-dimensional "cinematic look" featuring superb micro-contrast, vibrant color rendering, and sharp subject separation with smooth bokeh. A notable advantage is that its silver anodized version is made of aluminum rather than heavy brass, meaning it weighs the exact same 315 grams (without the hood) as the black version. Furthermore, the lens proves to be highly flare-resistant during normal use, allowing photographers to comfortably shoot without the bulky included metal hood. However, the lens has several usability and optical drawbacks, starting with heavy vignetting at f/1.4. It exhibits a minor but persistent focus shift at mid-distances between f/2.8 and f/4, along with mild field curvature and 1% distortion at infinity, making it less ideal for dedicated landscape or architectural photography. Ergonomically, the floating lens element (FLE) makes the focus mechanism heavier and less smooth to operate than non-FLE lenses like the Summicron, and the loose aperture dial can easily be changed by accident. Finally, the background bokeh can occasionally look busy or double-edged...

The 2010 Leica 35mm Summilux-M ASPH f/1.4 FLE (Version V) is hailed as a highly versatile "moneymaker" lens that excels at separating highlight from shadow with tight control over light rays, making it a reliable workhorse for professional assignments. Key advantages include exceptional contrast, stellar resolution of fine shadow details, and an overall balance that sits comfortably on Leica M bodies. A major technical achievement highlighted in the review is the addition of the Floating Element (FLE) system. The FLE mechanism actively prevents focus shifting when changing the aperture—a prominent flaw visible on older lenses paired with sharp digital sensors. Furthermore, second-hand market pricing of around $3,000 makes this 2010 variant a compelling, high-performance alternative to newer or highly-priced vintage iterations. However, the lens presents clear disadvantages, notably a razor-sharp rendering style that produces hard, clinical edges in out-of-focus bokeh areas compared to the smoother background rendering of older models. Shaking the lens also causes a minor internal rattle. While this is an intentional byproduct of the unlinked floating elements and not a manufacturing defect, it may concern unfamiliar users....

The Leica 35mm f/1.4 Summilux FLE (specifically comparing the FLE V1 and close-focus V2) is highly praised as a premier 35mm lens that uniquely balances a fast f/1.4 aperture, excellent image quality, and a compact, solid aluminum build ideal for rangefinder cameras. The reviewer notes that its center sharpness is nearly perfect wide-open at f/1.4, and its rendering offers a unique "character" with beautiful subject isolation and pleasant background bokeh. The newer V2 version brings substantial mechanical and optical refinements, including a built-in slide-out hood, an increased number of aperture blades, and a vastly improved minimum focusing distance of 0.4m (compared to the V1's restrictive 0.7m limit), making it highly versatile for close-up work like food photography. However, the lens has notable drawbacks, chief among them being its astronomical retail price tag of $5,995, which makes used copies expensive as well. Optically, it is not flawless; it exhibits a slight amount of barrel distortion, moderate green-magenta longitudinal chromatic aberration (spherochromatism), noticeable corner coma at f/1.4, and a "soap-bubble" bokeh that can sometimes create harsh, contrasty edges. Furthermore, the FLE V1...

This review highlights the Leica 35mm f/1.4 Summilux ASPH FLE (Model 11663) as an exceptional, high-performance lens that continues the brand's legacy with major optical improvements. The reviewer praises its superb handling, noting a buttery smooth focusing tab and a perfectly aligned screw-on hood. Optically, the lens delivers a crisp, natural rendition with excellent micro-contrast, minimal chromatic aberration, and a unique three-dimensional pop that makes subjects stand out. It provides consistent sharpness across the frame when stepped down slightly, exhibits almost nonexistent coma or visible distortion, and transitions smoothly between focused and out-of-focus zones. Additionally, it effectively resolves the notorious focus shift flaw found in its immediate predecessor and adds floating elements to enhance image quality at close distances. Despite these stellar attributes, the lens has several notable drawbacks. The most significant barrier is its staggering retail price of USD $5,895, making it a highly restrictive luxury investment. In terms of handling, it is heavier and physically larger than Leica's Summicron alternatives, which requires a period of adjustment for users. Its ultra-shallow depth of field at f/1.4 makes precise manual...