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First 35mm for Leica M

JMPerona
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p.1 #1 · First 35mm for Leica M

I recently got the M10-P, and now I'm looking for my first 35mm for this camera. The budget is of course limited, having acquired the camera first (rookie mistake). But done is done.

The thing is that I saw a 35mm summicron v2 (made in Germany) for a good price. The other ones I have seen are always priced over my budget. I've got recommended a voigtlander lenses, the Ultron f2. But then I have also seen that the Nokton is one of the most recommended lenses, very comparable to the Leica's (don't kill the messenger here). Now I'm hesitating. What should I get?

Dec 02, 2025 at 03:37 AM

markhout
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p.1 #2 · First 35mm for Leica M

The gents over at philipreeve.net are always a good start for your research, where you can review the differences between the various lenses on offer. Note that for some photographers the differences are more tangible than for others!

https://phillipreeve.net/blog/lenses/leica-lenses/

Dec 02, 2025 at 04:40 AM

gammarART
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p.1 #3 · First 35mm for Leica M

An absolute hidden gem to start with: the Voigtl�nder 35mm f/1.7 Ultron for 300�400 euros.
Razor sharp at 1.7, lovely bokeh, 0.5 m close focus, and the handling is just wonderful

The lens to the right:

MFD closer than 0.5 m? Yes! by Oliver Gross, auf Flickr

Dec 02, 2025 at 05:24 AM

burchyk
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p.1 #4 · First 35mm for Leica M

Voigtlander has a few great 35mm lenses at a great price. Which one is the best is up to the personal preference:
- f/2 APO Lanthar: best optics technically, large, can be a bit boring;
- f/2 Ultron v2: still great modern optics, sharp, compact;
- f/3.5 Color Skopar: extremely compact and good optics, a bit slower;
- f/1.4 Nokton II: fast, compact, vintage draw but sharp enough at f/2+, dreamy at f/1.4;
- f/1.2 Nokton: fastest, big, modern rendering;
- f/1.5 Nokton: fast, medium size, modern;
- f/2.5 Color Skopar: very compact, optics good but not great, bargain;

Dec 02, 2025 at 05:30 AM

wolfloid
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p.1 #5 · First 35mm for Leica M

The Voigtlander 35mm f2 Ultron II is optically slightly better than the Leica Summicron 35mm f2 asph. Yet it is smaller and lighter. It comes highly recommended as a sharp, modern lens by many, and a bargain.

Unfortunately, it has not been reviewed either here in Fred Miranda (though I think he owns it) or on Philipreeve.net. - seems like an important omission.

Dec 02, 2025 at 06:58 AM

panos.v
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p.1 #6 · First 35mm for Leica M

My experience is with the ZM 35/2 and the VM 35/1.4 v2 Single Coated. The ZM is an ok lens but for the price and size I don't care for it. The VM is simply excellent. First, it is tiny. At f/1.4 it is a bit glowy (but nothing like the Leica 35/1.4SR) but stop down to f/2 and it is great. It can get you some weird bokeh at times, especially if you have foreground objects really close. But it is part of the charm. Stop down to f/4 or more and it becomes just a modern excellent lens.

Also had the Voigtlander 35/2.5P and wide open it is an ok lens but nothing great. My main issue is that it is a bit too small to handle comfortably and at f/2.5 it is just ok. The Nokton is a tiny bit bigger and a much better lens. Not that much more expensive either.

I should add, there's also the VM 40/1.4. That's a bit like the Nokton, maybe a bit more glowy wide open but f/2 down it behaves the same. If you cannot decide 35 vs 50 and want a single lens it does the job! I haven't found the lack of framelines an issue, you get a bit more than the 50 framelines it brings up.

Dec 02, 2025 at 08:11 AM

pmeheut
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p.1 #7 · First 35mm for Leica M

wolfloid wrote:
Unfortunately, it has not been reviewed either here in Fred Miranda (though I think he owns it) or on Philipreeve.net. - seems like an important omission.

And it has just been discontinued. I am waiting for mine I found 2nd hand but there are not many on the market.

I'm in the process of moving to smaller and lighter lenses but till now, I've been using the Voigt 35mm/1.5 and I have nothing to complain about. Quite the opposite.

Dec 02, 2025 at 08:44 AM

JMPerona
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p.1 #8 · First 35mm for Leica M

I think I will try the Ultron. Its compact and seems to be of good quality. I would always like to save for a summilux or summitron (not sure which one though). I have always wanted to try one.

Dec 02, 2025 at 10:26 AM

_jim_
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p.1 #9 · First 35mm for Leica M

Goes without saying, but you'll likely get a different answer from everyone you ask.

I've had/still have a few the Voigtlander lenses. If I were to get just one, the 35/1.5 would be my pick. It has slightly better ergonomics (bigger, more comfy finger tab), more consistent/less structured/more modern image quality and closer focusing capabilities than the 35/1.4. I had two 35/2's. The ouput is more punchy/structured/nervous than the 1.5 (but that's not always a bad thing), but both of the them had a lumpy/uneven focus throw. All of this being said, you can't go wrong with any of them. I sold both of the 35/2's I had...and wish that I hadn't. Still have the 1.5 and 1.4.

Dad by Jim Fischer, on Flickr
Leica M5, Voigtlander 35mm f/1.5 Nokton, Ilford HP5+, Xtol 1:1

Coronet in the Woods by Jim Fischer, on Flickr
Leica M5, Voigtlander 35mm f/1.5 Nokton VM, Eastman-5222, Xtol 1:1

Jenny by Jim Fischer, on Flickr
Leica M7, Voigtlander 35mm f/1.5 VM, Flic Film Aurora 800

Jenny by Jim Fischer, on Flickr
Zeiss Ikon, Voigtlander 35mm f/1.4 Nokton Ver1 SC, Kodak Ektar 100

Jenny by Jim Fischer, on Flickr
Leica M7, Voigtlander 35mm f/1.4 Nokton Ver1 SC, Ilford HP5+, Xtol 1:1

Harley Quinn by Jim Fischer, on Flickr
Zeiss Ikon ZM, Voigtlander 35mm f/1.4 Nokton Ver1 SC, Kodak Tri-X 400, Rodinal 1:50

Dad by Jim Fischer, on Flickr
Zeiss Ikon ZM, Voigtlander 35mm f/2 Ultron VM, Kodak Tri-X 400, Rodinal 1:50

Dad by Jim Fischer, on Flickr
Zeiss Ikon ZM, Voigtlander 35mm f/2 Ultron VM I, Kodak T-Max 100, Rodinal 1:50

Jenny by Jim Fischer, on Flickr
Zeiss Ikon ZM, Voigtlander 35mm f/2 Ultron VM, Kodak T-Max 400, Rodinal 1:50

Dec 02, 2025 at 10:34 AM

RustyRus
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p.1 #10 · First 35mm for Leica M

JMPerona wrote:
I recently got the M10-P, and now I'm looking for my first 35mm for this camera. The budget is of course limited, having acquired the camera first (rookie mistake). But done is done.

The thing is that I saw a 35mm summicron v2 (made in Germany) for a good price. The other ones I have seen are always priced over my budget. I've got recommended a voigtlander lenses, the Ultron f2. But then I have also seen that the Nokton is one of the most recommended lenses, very comparable to the Leica's (don't kill the messenger here). Now I'm hesitating. What...Show more →

What do you want?

An all around lens? A character lens? A sharp edge to edge lens?

Lots of good options- Be helpfully to know what you are after-

Dec 02, 2025 at 10:59 AM

JMPerona
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p.1 #11 · First 35mm for Leica M

What I want is a character lens, sharpnesses not so important. Classic Leica style.

Dec 02, 2025 at 11:19 AM

ocean2059
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p.1 #12 · First 35mm for Leica M

JMPerona wrote:
What I want is a character lens, sharpnesses not so important. Classic Leica style.

I would give the Summicron 35 v2 a try. The size and haptics are perfect for M10P and the optical performances are in line with what you looking for. If you want a f/1.4, I would recommend the CV 35/1.4 V2 with SC (single coating). I have used both and really enjoy shooting both.

Dec 02, 2025 at 11:56 AM

bwcolor
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p.1 #13 · First 35mm for Leica M

Might check out this video. I�ve owned at least 15 35mm lenses, which probably disqualifies me from providing a personal perspective.

?si=63eBGffwDv2PJWiQ

Dec 02, 2025 at 12:37 PM

retrofocus
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p.1 #14 · First 35mm for Leica M

My recommendation with excellent price/quality ratio is the Leica 35/2.4 Summarit-M lens. It is one of my favorite 35 mm lenses. Leica is no longer making the Summarit-M lens line unfortunately, but you can find them here and there on the used market. This lens is flying a bit under the radar since many other good lens options are out there for example by Voigtlander (mentioned earlier here).

Dec 02, 2025 at 01:01 PM

catacore
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p.1 #15 · First 35mm for Leica M

Another vote for the Nokton Classic v2 (be it SC or MC). Small, cheap and plenty character at WO. I guess it's a good start. Then you can refine, if need.

Dec 02, 2025 at 01:19 PM

_jim_
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p.1 #16 · First 35mm for Leica M

If you want classic Leica character, there's also the Artizlab 35mm f/1.4 or the Light Lens Lab 35mm f/2 '8-Element.'

The Artizlab reallllly pushes the classic appeal (though, I think it's rendering is actually more restrained than the Steel Rim Reissue)

Coronet in the Woods by Jim Fischer, on Flickr
Leica M7, Artizlab 35mm f/1.4, Fomapan 100, Xtol 1:1.

Mathieu by Jim Fischer, on Flickr
Nikon Zf, Artizlab 35mm f/1.4

The LLL is more expensive, but by all accounts is faithful replica of the first Summicron.

Mona by Jim Fischer, on Flickr
Leica M5, Light Lens Lab 35mm f/2 8-Element, Kodak T-Max 400, Xtol 1:1

Jenny by Jim Fischer, on Flickr
Leica M5, Light Lens Lab 35mm f/2 '8-Element,' Fomapan 100, Xtol 1:1.

Between the two, I much prefer the LLL.

Dec 02, 2025 at 01:27 PM

JMPerona
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p.1 #17 · First 35mm for Leica M

So much incredible photos here and so much to choose from. my dream is to have a complete Leica setup. Yes, I know its a little bit dumb if there are nearly as good lenses as the Leica's for less, but well, choosing Leica in first place wasn't either a logical choice.
I will play with the Ultron first and save for a Summitron. But I also need to add a 28mm and a portrait lens (Which one?).

Dec 02, 2025 at 01:48 PM

Desmolicious
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p.1 #18 · First 35mm for Leica M

Whichever 35mm lens I happen to be selling coincidentally is also arguably the best 35mm lens money can buy.

Dec 02, 2025 at 02:41 PM

bwcolor
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p.1 #19 · First 35mm for Leica M

JMPerona wrote:
So much incredible photos here and so much to choose from. my dream is to have a complete Leica setup. Yes, I know its a little bit dumb if there are nearly as good lenses as the Leica's for less, but well, choosing Leica in first place wasn't either a logical choice.
I will play with the Ultron first and save for a Summitron. But I also need to add a 28mm and a portrait lens (Which one?).

Why save for the Leica? Zeiss, Voigtlander, Leica and others make great lenses. Lenses each have different strengths and weaknesses regardless of brand. 28mm is a very popular focal length, but for me it doesn�t work in an �M� camera unless I have a 0.58 viewfinder. I love the Leica 90mm APO Asph, but it is heavy and I rarely use it. The 75mm APO Asph is smaller, lighter and easier to focus and the Leica 90mm Macro-Elmer-M f/4 is slower, but collapsible and great optics..very small.. as is the Voigtlander 35mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar. The Leica 21mm Super-Elmer f/3.4 is one of my favorite lenses, but requires an external viewfinder, or Visoflex. Also, the Zeiss 21mm Biogon C f/4.5 is every bit as good and much less expensive. The Zeiss ZM 35mm f/1.4 Distagon is probably the best fast 35mm that I have ever used, but the Voigtlander Norton f/1.2 is much smaller, but not the absolute degree of resolution at f/1.4 as the Zeiss, but I keep it mounted on some of my film �M�, especially when shooting slower ISO film. You really can�t go wrong, so don�t think that buying the Ultron means you will need to save for another lens. Give it a chance. It is a great choice for a beginner, or an experienced shooter. Have fun.. and by the way the Version IV 35mm Norton f/1.2 is on sale in the U.S�maybe same in your country.

Dec 02, 2025 at 03:17 PM

slee915
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p.1 #20 · First 35mm for Leica M

JMPerona wrote:
What I want is a character lens, sharpnesses not so important. Classic Leica style.

I recommend the Artralab 35mm f/1.4 similar steel rim

https://www.artralab.hk/products/artralab-similar-steel-rim-35mm-f1-4-full-frame-m-mount

Edited on Dec 02, 2025 at 07:46 PM · View previous versions

Dec 02, 2025 at 03:32 PM

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