Lens · prime
Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH
Leica · Current production
Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH: 9 elements in 5 groups, 11 aperture blades, 0.7m minimum focus, 46mm filter thread, 338g.
- Focal length
- 35mm
- Max aperture
- f/1.4
- Mount
- Leica M
- Format
- 35mm
- Elements / groups
- 9 / 5
Known for
- Street photography
- Documentary
- Reportage
- Low light
Considerations
- Manual rangefinder focus only
- Pre-ASPH versions show focus shift
Optical characteristics
Silverlog's editorial rating: our own judgement, not measured data.
Bokeh: Beautiful, smooth
Rendering: Modern Leica look - clinical yet organic
Colour: Neutral, superb accuracy
Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.
Versions
Pre-ASPH (first series, 'steel rim')
1961-1966
7 elements/5 groups, E41
See the separate pre-ASPH entry
Pre-ASPH
1966-1995
7 elements/5 groups, E41
See the separate pre-ASPH entry
ASPH FLE
2010-2022
9/5, floating element, 9 blades, 0.7 m
See the separate FLE entry
ASPH (2022 redesign)
2022-present
Same 9/5 optics as FLE; 11 blades; integrated hood; 0.4 m close focus with live view
Current production
The current lens (2022) keeps the 9-element FLE optics but adds a double-cam focus mount for 0.4 m close focus with live view (0.7 m via rangefinder), an integrated hood and 11 aperture blades.
Common issues
- Focus shift (pre-ASPH)
- Aperture ring wear
Buying guide
Check rangefinder coupling accuracy. Pre-ASPH versions show focus shift; Leica also sells a modern reissue of the first-series lens (11301).
Specifications
| Mount | Leica M |
| Focal Length | 35mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.4 |
| Min Aperture | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 11 |
| Min Focus | 0.7m |
| Filter Size | 46mm |
| Weight | 338g |
Optical design
| Formula | Retrofocus |
| Elements | 9 |
| Groups | 5 |
| Coating | Multi-Coated |
| Special | 1 aspherical surface, floating element |
Pricing
- Typical used price
- £3000 - £4500
- Mint
- ~£5000
Indicative, no dated source.