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A fast 35mm wide-angle lens in 35mm format is considered the classic reportage lens – and so in combination with a Leica rangefinder camera. Now Leica has revised its Summilux-M 35mm f1.4 ASPH. 2022 lens, which is now supposed to be even more versatile and flexible. The redesign ensures a nice bokeh and expands the close-up range, which can only be precisely focused with electronic viewfinder images from digital M viewfinder cameras.
The 35mm lens combines a slight wide-angle characteristic with natural-looking dimensions and therefore is versatile. Whether for detailed landscape shots, high-contrast images even in difficult lighting conditions, or close-up subjects with selective sharpness; the new Leica Summilux-M 35mm f1.4 ASPH. 2022 achieves optimal results.
Eleven aperture blades are now used for a visibly improved bokeh instead of the previous nine. There is also an extended close-up limit, which has been reduced from 70 to 40 centimeters. The latter is made possible by a double cam mechanism newly developed by Leica engineers and for which a patent is pending.
As a result, the rotation angle of the ring has almost doubled to 176° compared to the previous model – while the lens has remained compact. That ensures safe, precise focusing over the entire adjustment range. Up to 70 centimeters, this is done as usual via the rangefinder of all digital and analog M cameras. What is new is that after a slightly perceptible resistance, the extended close-up range between 70 and 40 centimeters via live view on the integrated rear LCD.
The exterior of its industrial design has been brought up to date with almost unchanged dimensions. The new lens has become 2 millimeters shorter, while the diameter has increased by 2 millimeters.
The lens hood is now round, integrated directly into the lens, and can be easily screwed in and out at any time. It enables faster and more flexible handling than with clip-on or even screw-on lens hoods.
Price and availability
The Leica Summilux-M 35mm f1.4 ASPH. 2022 is now available to pre-order on the Bhphotovideo.com online store in two color versions. The black variant is available at $5,395, and the silver one is for $5,595.
Leica Summilux-M 35mm f1.4 ASPH. 2022 specifications
- Focal Length: 35mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
- Minimum Aperture: f/16
- Lens Mount: Leica M
- Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
- Angle of View: 63°
- Minimum Focus Distance: 40 cm
- Optical Design: 9 Elements in 5 Groups
- Diaphragm Blades: 11
- Focus Type: Manual Focus
- Image Stabilization: No
- Front Filter Size: 46 mm
- Weight: 11.9 oz / 338 g
Recently, Venus Optics has unveiled the Laowa 12-24mm F5.6 wide angle zoom lens for full-frame cameras: Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, and Leica M mounts. The zoom lens offers an angle of view of 84-121.9°, a fixed aperture of f/5.6, manual focus, and a minimum focusing distance of 15cm. The Leica M version costs $699.
