Leica looks back on more than 150 years of experience in optical design. Since then, numerous legendary lenses have been introduced, setting photographic standards and redefining what is technically possible.
One of these iconic lenses returns today: The Leica Summilux-M 35 f/1.4.
The Leica Summilux-M 35 f/1.4. was the world’s fastest wide-angle lens in 1961, distinguished by its compactness while also being extremely light, weighing only 7.05 ounces. Furthermore, this lens provided new creative opportunities with its unique image rendering.
Photographing with a wide-open aperture creates pictures with an especially soft, almost magical bokeh. Its extraordinary rendering earned the Summilux-M 35 f/1.4 the title of “True King of Bokeh”. Photographing at maximum aperture in backlit conditions creates intended lens flares that can be used for specific artistic effects. When stopping down past f/2.8, it produces very sharp and particularly distortion-free pictures which meet modern requirements for image quality.
The new edition is made in the original vintage design and with the identical optical calculation of the first Summilux-M 35 f/1.4. Additionally, the stainless-steel front ring known as “Steel Rim”, the lockable focus ring and the black attachable lens hood are also modeled after the original. What is new, however, is the second round lens hood with E46 thread which enables the use of filters, also included with this lens.
1961: The Fastest Wide-Angle Lens
When Leica first introduced the Summilux-M 35 f/1.4 back in 1961, it was the fastest wide-angle lens in the world. Various versions of the lens were produced for over 35 years, but it is now a sought-after rarity. Now that production is starting up again at our factory in Wetzlar, this classic lens is experiencing a revival that is worthy of its reputation.
A true M-classic: Together with the Summaron-M 28, the Summilux-M 50, the Thambar-M 90, and the Noctilux-M 50, the Summilux-M 35 takes its place in the Leica Classic Line and is once again setting the bar for quality and lasting value.
Elegance in Its Most Compact Form
Just picking up the Summilux-M 35 f/1.4 for the first time immediately reveals why countless renowned photographers have made a conscious choice to keep this lens on their cameras. And now Leica is bringing it back to life. The vintage look remains largely unchanged, featuring an optical design identical to the lens launched in 1961. The stainless steel front ring, lockable distance ring, and black clip-on lens hood are all modelled after the original. However, it includes a new innovative feature: A second lens hood, which is also included in the scope of delivery. This new, round version with its E46 thread enables filters to be screwed on.
Design of the Summilux-M 35 f/1.4
The Summilux-M 35 f/1.4 is one of the most iconic M-Lenses, marking a milestone in Leica’s lens history. With its classic construction of seven lenses in five assemblies, it epitomizes the unmistakable Leica look. The combination of gentle vignetting, a slight “glow” created with a wide aperture, and creamy bokeh gives images warm, atmospheric aesthetics. When it comes to combining it with modern digital M-Cameras, this lens is particularly appealing: Classic image characteristics converge with the precise resolution provided by state-of-the-art sensors. With its low weight and compact design, the Summilux-M 35 f/1.4 is the perfect companion for photographers who are not only looking to achieve technical precision, but also to create a visual language that is full of emotion.
Highlights:
- Original Optical & Product Design with Modern Production Processes
- Stainless Steel Front Ring
- Focus Lock on Focus Ring
- Ultra Compact and Fast Wide-Angle Lens
- True “King of Bokeh” with Iconic Lens Rendering
- Made in Germany
Features:
- Ultra-fast f/1.4 wide-angle lens—world's fastest when introduced in 1961
- Legendary "King of Bokeh" with soft, magical bokeh at wide apertures
- Seven premium glass elements in five groups for iconic Leica rendering
- Gentle vignetting and creamy bokeh create warm, atmospheric aesthetics
- Produces sharp, distortion-free images when stopped down past f/2.8
- Stainless steel front ring ("Steel Rim") with classic vintage design
- Lockable focus ring prevents accidental focus shifts during shooting
- Two lens hoods included: clip-on rectangular and screw-on E46 round
- E46 filter thread enables use of standard photographic filters
- Focus range from 1 m to infinity for versatile composition
- 62.5° diagonal field of view ideal for environmental and street photography
- Leica M bayonet with 6-bit encoding for seamless camera compatibility
- Original 1961 optical design combined with modern production precision
- Made in Germany at Leica's Wetzlar factory
- Perfect for creative backlit photography with intentional lens flares
- Combines classic image characteristics with modern digital sensor resolution
Compatible With:
Cameras:
Filters:
Dimensions:
Without Rectangular Lens Hood: ø: 2.6 x L: 1"
With Rectangular Lens Hood: ø: 2.6 x L: 1.9"
With Round Lens Hood: ø: 2.6 x L: 1.7"
Weight:
Without Rectangular Lens Hood: 0.44 lbs
With Rectangular Lens Hood: 0.49 lbs
With Round Lens Hood: 0.47 lbs
Materials:
Metal
Manufacturer SKU:
11301
In The Box:
Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Lens
Leica Front Lens Cap
Leica Rear Lens Cap
Leica Clip-On Rectangular Lens Hood
L:eica Screw-On E46 Round Lens Hood
Limited 2-Year Manufacturer Warranty
