One of the brightest stars in the Leica M lens lineup, the 35mm Summilux, today gets a complete redesign and a new 40 cm close-focus capability — this compares with the 70 cm closest focus of its predecessor.
While the lens remains optically identical to the current model, it features a new 11-blade diaphragm (compared with the 9-blades of the current model) which is claimed to improve the bokeh effect. The close-focus distance of 40 cm has been made possible by a patent-pending double cam unit newly developed by Leica engineers. As a result, the rotation angle of the focus ring could be almost doubled to 176 degrees in comparison with the previous lens, all without sacrificing the compact size.
The outer casing design is modernised and features an integrated rotating and sliding lens hood. It is available from today and comes in black (£4,950 including tax) and silver (£5,100).
Traditionally, the minimum focus distance of M-mount lenses has been limited to 70 cm to match the capability of the rangefinder mechanism. Some current M lenses, such as the Noctiluxes and Summaron, have even longer minimum focus distances. There are rumours that a close-focus version of the 50mm Summilux is on the cards for the future, and perhaps in time, we can expect close-focus versions of other lenses in the range.
While it has been suggested that Leica’s move to close focus hints that a new EVF-only M camera is in the pipeline, the more likely reason is the increasing popularity of M-mount lenses on mirrorless cameras such as the SL2 and SL2-S. The close-focus ability of this new lens will also be realised when using the electronic Visoflex on rangefinder cameras.
35mm Summilux — the history
For a detailed expert rundown on the 35mm Summilux over the past decades, see this article by Thorsten Overgaard.
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I was in the right place at the right time, a bit like my M11, to get one on the first day of launch. I already had the venerable 35lux FLE which I part-exchanged. The allure of close focus was too much for me after borrowing a 35APO from a friend so I jumped in with both feet. It’s a nice redesign with the built in hood and the overall smaller form factor compared to the square hood fitted on the FLE was another huge improvement to me.
Not much to say on image quality. As expected it’s spot on just like it’s sibling. The close focus certainly adds another dimension and the extra diaphragm blades go some way to create pleasing bokeh when stopped down and in close.
On the close focus, I remember some of Jono’s close up shots comparing different lenses with the 35APO. Whilst not macro, it’s certainly possible to get a much larger image on the 35APO… I was a little disappointed that the new lux is 40cm and not 30cm. I suppose they have to justify the cost of the APO and make it just a little better. Having done a few close in shots myself with other lenses, I realise that 30cm is quite a lot better. I was surprised to see that the 75APO produces larger images at min 0.7m focus than my lux, the difference 10cm makes eh !
I’m pleased with the new lens, but in hind-sight would have been just as happy to keep the old one given it’s general application in my hands.
I hear a 50lux close focus is on the cards. As someone who favours 50mm, this might be more appealing and more useful to me but I’m inclined to wait a while this time and think it out.
Hi Mike, this is great news for this core m lens. The built in hood is a wonderful upgrade. i differ on the “complete redesign “ as you point out it remains optically identical. I consider the optical design the main part of the lens. Hopefully, the 11 blade aperture truly improved the out of focus rendering.
Agreed. While pointing out that the optics are the same, Leica does call it a redesign. As you say, the integral hood (which I have always preferred to a removable hood) does constitute a major change. For the better. Question is, is it worth upgrading if you already own the 25 Liz. The smoother bokeh is welcome, but nothing else changes other than the focus distance.
Wow, 6000 €. That’s MAGICAL
Must be good for €6000.
Yeah, but silver better (white magic)