Leica announces LEICA SUMMILUX-M 35mm/f1.4 ASPH. for Leica ‘M’ camera series

Leica Camera AG has announced a new version of its wide-angle LEICA SUMMILUX-M 35mm/f1.4 ASPH. lens for the Leica ‘M’ series of rangefinder cameras.

Thanks to the latest developments in the fields of optics and precision engineering, the LEICA SUMMILUX-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH. sets a new standard in the fast wide-angle lens category. Whether used for selective focus in the close-up range, high-contrast available light applications or landscape shots with extensive depth of field, the lens delivers incomparable results.

The new LEICA SUMMILUX-M 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH. differentiates itself from its predecessor by incorporating 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. This ensures outstanding imaging performance at closer focusing distances.

In addition, the lens features a full-metal, rectangular, screw-mount lens hood that contributes significantly to the compact dimensions of the lens.

The new LEICA SUMMILUX-M 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH. has been optimised for use on digital Leica M models, and has been designed to perform particularly well with the LEICA M9. The lens also delivers excellent results on analogue M models, and is destined to become an indispensible component of every Leica M system.

Stefan Daniel, head of product management at Leica Camera AG, commented, “Thanks to the qualities of this 35mm lens, it is a universal tool for every photographer. Its moderate wide-angle characteristics and natural reproduction of perspectives make it ideal for a particularly broad spectrum of photographic uses ranging from portraiture to landscapes. Having produced countless iconic images in the history of photography, lenses of this focal length are counted among the classic entry-level lenses for building an M camera outfit.”

Even wide open, the LEICA SUMMILUX-M 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH. offers an optical quality without precedent in the field of compact 35mm lenses: outstanding imaging performance over the entire focusing range, from infinity to minimum focus, excellent contrast even in the finest structures, superb rendition of details across the entire image field, good field flattening and, stopped down to f2 and onwards, almost complete freedom from coma effects.

The LEICA SUMMILUX-M 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH. has a nine-lens design, five of which are manufactured from glass with a high refraction index. One lens element has an aspherical (non-spherically formed) surface that makes a significant contribution to the compact construction of the lens. These features, in addition to the lens’ low weight of only 320 grams, make it an ideal choice when travelling light, or for reportage assignments.

As with all Leica lenses, the LEICA SUMMILUX-M 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH. was designed and developed by Leica’s optical specialists in Solms, Germany, and represents a perfect combination of optical and technical expertise. A particularly reliable product with enduring value, it is manufactured from the highest quality materials and is assembled completely by hand. The combination of cutting-edge technologies and meticulous manufacturing procedures guarantees the consistently excellent quality of every single Leica lens.

The LEICA SUMMILUX-M 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH. is sold with a high-quality, all-metal lens hood, which protects the lens effectively against reduction of contrast by extraneous light, and also against damage and accumulation of dirt on the front lens element. The lens hood should always remain mounted whenever the lens and camera are in use.

Pricing and availability

The LEICA SUMMILUX-M 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH. will be available in the UK at the end of June 2010 at a suggested retail price of £3,375 including VAT.

LEICA SUMMILUX-M 35mm/f1.4 ASPH.: Technical Data