Leica to announce a new Summilux-M 35 f/1.4 ASPH lens.
On September 15th, Leica is rumored to announce a new Summilux-M 35 f/1.4 ASPH lens. Here is what we know so far:
Improved close focusing distance: 0.4 m
Improved bokeh stopped down (11 aperture blades)
Integrated pull-out hood
Made in Germany
Additional information:
“Whether for detailed landscape shots, high-contrast pictures in difficult lighting conditions or subjects in close-up range with shallow depth of field: the Summilux-M 35 f/1.4 ASPH. produces extraordinary results.
Now, eleven instead of nine aperture blades are used for a visibly improved bokeh. In addition, the closest focusing distance was reduced to 40 centimeters. When shooting up to 70 centimeters, this works as usual via the rangefinder on all Leica M cameras. After a slight perceptible resistance, the extended close-focus range between U and 40 centimeters can be controlled via Live View on the screen, the Visoflex viewfinder, or the Leica FOTOS app. Lastly, the lens hood is now round, directly integrated in the lens and can be easily available at any time. These new lenses will replace the current Leica Summilux-M 35 f/1.4 ASPH versions.
The optical formula and filter size (E46) remains unchanged with this new version.”
Basically the same optical formula as the current FLE, except that the new version is equipped with 11 blades (vs 9), can focus down to 0.4m (instead of 0.7m) and has a built-in hood.
Desmolicious wrote:
Hmm, if the pull out hood is as useless as the one on my Summilux 50 Asph, I'll stick with the v1 FLE.
For me it is the opposite: I'd rather have a smaller integrated hood to protect the front lens than the current big one. But I rarely need the real "hood" function.
If the bokeh is better, it will probably be a dream lens but you really need a good reason nowadays to buy a bigger, more expensive f/1.4 lens when f/2 or f/2.4 are usually more than enough because of the modern sensors.
Fred Miranda wrote:
Basically the same optical formula as the current FLE, except that the new version is equipped with 11 blades (vs 9), can focus down to 0.4m (instead of 0.7m) and has a built-in hood.
So $250 per extra blade and $50 per cm close focus, ie $2000 extra on the current price.
Desmolicious wrote:
Hmm, if the pull out hood is as useless as the one on my Summilux 50 Asph, I'll stick with the v1 FLE.
+1. Also my first thought when reading the specs. I don't like the pull-out hood in my 50/2 Vers. V Summicron either. Too flimsy and often doesn't sit straight when pulled out and the camera/lens is moved.
So exactly the same bokeh when shot wide open, which is what many didn’t like.
Good riddance to these stupid screw on hoods that greatly increase the length of the lens and look like wannabe cine matte boxes. Let all that flare hang out
highdesertmesa wrote:
So exactly the same bokeh when shot wide open, which is what many didn’t like.
Good riddance to these stupid screw on hoods that greatly increase the length of the lens and look like wannabe cine matte boxes. Let all that flare hang out
Reduced MFD is welcome.
For those who use LV a lot, it's a welcome upgrade. I do like the classic Leica hood design on wide angle lenses though.
No skin in the game on this one as I don’t prefer the 35 Lux ASPH aside from price, but pretty minor/unimpressive update. I guess current used versions will get bumped down which is always welcome.
Reminds me of the Pentax 31 update where they didn’t really address any of the lenses optical issues/shortcomings.
Thanks Fred. Over the past few days I was back and forth on ordering the 35 and his morning decided I was ready to buy but popped over to FM and I am going to hold off.
Being a Monochrom M shooter. I like the bulletin hood which makes it easier to attach a filter. I much prefer attaching filter on the Lux 50 vs the 24 Elmar having to unscrew that hood before putting the filter on. Not the end of the world but one less thing to do.
I also like the closer focusing and 11 blades.
On the other hand I just picked up an M8 my first color M(got it mainly for IR) and the new 35 won't be supported in camera, granted since the optical formula isn't changing I could shoot it coded for the current version or change it in post.
Sep 14, 2022 at 12:47 PM
Steve Spencer Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
Desmolicious wrote:
Hmm, if the pull out hood is as useless as the one on my Summilux 50 Asph, I'll stick with the v1 FLE.
I actually like the pull out hood on my 50 Lux Asph (I might be the only one who does), but this seems like a very minor upgrade in all respects: a controversial built-in hood, 11 blades instead of 9, and shorter MFD which if of course not useable with the rangefinder. Not much to recommend it really over the edition it is replacing.
Closer focusing distance kind of hints a EVF M is on the way. I don't know about yall but I never liked the external EVF on a M, just not natural. I'm sure some people love it but for me, using the visoflex 020 on my M10R gave me an incredible amount of guilt. Honestly I could just get a SL2 or S if I like the EVF so much, but for god sake, M is all about compactness and that rangefinder window. This guilt essentially made me sold the 020, and as crazy as it sounds, I used that money to purchase a 21mm metal viewfinder (current version), a second-hand unit but still cost the same amount. For those of us who still have film M bodies, I can never get over an external EVF, so bye bye closing focusing.
Looks like a nice upgrade. Hopefully the waitlist won't be years long! Closer focusing is VERY welcome and one of the primary things separating the 35 APO from the 35 Lux FLE, so this might make the decision a no-brainer if it isn't going to take years to get one.
I will get one since do not have a 35/1.4 in my cabinet. I always liked the 35 FLE in the past so I should like this too. I like the hood on the 28/2.0 from earlier this year.
