According to a recent Instagram post, Light Lens Lab will release their 35mm f/1.4 "Aspherical" (AA) lens (based on Leica's original double-aspherical design) on October 17th, 2025.
What makes this exciting is that it's designed as a replica of the original Leica 35mm f/1.4 Double Aspherical (AA)...a truly rare and highly sought-after lens. While the full specifications of the LLL lens aren't yet known, the original Leica is famous for its smooth, organic bokeh, gentle micro-contrast, and distinctive character in highlights and edges.
The LLL version is expected to capture that classic Leica look, even though the newer Leica 35mm f/1.4 FLE is more readily available.
For anyone interested in the new Light Lens Lab 35mm f/1.4 Aspherical "11873", you can get an extra 5% off using the link below ... the discount will be automatically applied at checkout:
For anyone curious about the differences, here's an excellent comparison by @lifeandmylens between the Leica 35mm Summilux ASPH (pre-FLE) and the rarer Double Aspherical version.
Here's an older video by a smaller channel about the original AA (but he's in the same circles as gxace, alan schaller) where he covers more of the rarer stuff. He also tests LLL lenses, so most likely when it's released he'll have a comparison video as well (mentions the LLL replica at the end).
Any Idea where this would be available to purchase post release. I asked Popflash and they responded with an email saying LLL won’t cover tariffs and that they are quote “f***ed”. Just curious about what other options may be in the USA or even the EU as I have a friend there.
Uofoducks15 wrote:
Any Idea where this would be available to purchase post release. I asked Popflash and they responded with an email saying LLL won’t cover tariffs and that they are quote “f***ed”. Just curious about what other options may be in the USA or even the EU as I have a friend there.
As far as I know, LLL no longer uses Popflash as their US distributor. I recently picked up a lens directly from LLL and didn't have to pay any tariffs. I'm not sure if that's still the case, so it's best to contact Light Lens Lab directlyy.
Fred Miranda wrote:
As far as I know, LLL no longer uses Popflash as their US distributor. I recently picked up a lens directly from LLL and didn't have to pay any tariffs. I'm not sure if that's still the case, so it's best to contact Light Lens Lab directlyy.
Sounds good. I know recently new China tariffs were announced so I guess I’ll see after reaching out directly to them.
Edit: I guess it’s only tariff threats so far. It’s hard to keep up these days.
rollei35_warton wrote:
Wise words are, never buy LLL in the first couple of batches, they always have quality control issues.
Wait for a year or so and get later version cheaper, and don’t get into those “limited” edition crap, they are always available via eBay
Small package (valued less than $800) tariff exemption ended on Aug 29. Gift valued up to $100 is duty free. I guess how the sender fill out custom form would be the deciding factor on the tariff.
I spoke with their IG account yesterday and they said pre orders are not opening on Friday. Maybe Fri is just announcing the release date or date they plan to open orders, they didn’t elaborate any further.
Uofoducks15 wrote:
I spoke with their IG account yesterday and they said pre orders are not opening on Friday. Maybe Fri is just announcing the release date or date they plan to open orders, they didn’t elaborate any further.
I can confirm that's correct. The announcement is scheduled for Friday, but availability will come later.
Is the Leica AA lens very sought after just because it is very rare, or has anything to do with the image rendering? What would be the rendering differences compared to the ASPH version? I did not quite get this info from the video posted earlier.
As they used to say before wrt the 50mm Elcan, the original lens was not a one to write home about, but simply very scarce, hence the desire to create that LLL Elcan replica. Is this the same sort of case with the 35mm AA?
catacore wrote:
Is the Leica AA lens very sought after just because it is very rare, or has anything to do with the image rendering? What would be the rendering differences compared to the ASPH version? I did not quite get this info from the video posted earlier.
As they used to say before wrt the 50mm Elcan, the original lens was not a one to write home about, but simply very scarce, hence the desire to create that LLL Elcan replica. Is this the same sort of case with the 35mm AA?
Check the link in Fred's earlier post, post #3.
IMO a huge reason this LLL lens is coming is precisely because the original is so rare and extremely expensive. That has been LLL's modus operandi since the 35 Cron 8-element replica about 5 years ago. It's capitalizing on the curiosity of those who can't justify getting the original but still want a taste of that experience to scratch the itch.
Uofoducks15 wrote:
Any Idea where this would be available to purchase post release. I asked Popflash and they responded with an email saying LLL won’t cover tariffs and that they are quote “f***ed”.
A bit OT, but why should LLL cover the tariffs? I can see how from their perspective it's like being held ransom if wanting to do business with US customers. So one valid option is to not cave and cut your losses. I suspect they will have a significant market for this lens just in China. If there is US demand, people who really want it, will find ways to get it and cover the cost of the tariff on import rather than making the manufacturer cover it as a forced cost.
You also can't get those rare version in silver or other colorways. You can also use the replicas with less worry due to the relatively affordable prices and keep your collectibles at home.
The Elcan 50 is a special lens with a nice combination of ratios that create a pleasant natural feeling look. I'm all for APO MTF excellence, but there are ideal optimal qualities checklists for different shot situations.
Curious what the price point of the 35 AA will be, if it's at or under the 66 50 1.2, it's a great deal.
rscheffler wrote:
Check the link in Fred's earlier post, post #3.
IMO a huge reason this LLL lens is coming is precisely because the original is so rare and extremely expensive. That has been LLL's modus operandi since the 35 Cron 8-element replica about 5 years ago. It's capitalizing on the curiosity of those who can't justify getting the original but still want a taste of that experience to scratch the itch.
A bit OT, but why should LLL cover the tariffs? I can see how from their perspective it's like being held ransom if wanting to do business with US customers. So one valid option is to not cave and cut your losses. I suspect they will have a significant market for this lens just in China. If there is US demand, people who really want it, will find ways to get it and cover the cost of the tariff on import rather than making the manufacturer cover it as a forced cost....Show more →
I think the only way they’d (LLL) need to cover the tariff is if there wasn’t enough demand to sell it out elsewhere or in the US with the tariffs added and they wanted to increase the demand in the US. I don’t think that’s the case.
I actually found the response from Popflash pretty unprofessional as all I asked is if they were going to carry it.
I don’t really want to make this forum about politics, I think that’s already happened a few times in other threads, but personally I do think these tariffs are not benefitting the average American at all and are actually harmful to the majority of Americans.
catacore wrote:
Is the Leica AA lens very sought after just because it is very rare, or has anything to do with the image rendering? What would be the rendering differences compared to the ASPH version? I did not quite get this info from the video posted earlier.
The AA’s main advantage over the ASPH and onward is that it has straighter aperture blades that form a regular polygon when stopped down around 2-4 stops (f/2.8 to f/5.6), which affects the out-of-focus highlights. The ASPH and FLE have more curved blades that when stopped down to moderate apertures create sawtooth bokeh. At full aperture, all of these lenses can make bright ring bokeh, as per usual for a fast, moderate wide, and stopping down a bit makes it smoother.
