Leica APO-Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH.

Leica APO-Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH.

When Leica announced this lens in March 2021, it joined the small family of apochromatic Summicron-M primes as the fourth such lens, following the 90mm, 75mm and 50mm APO-Summicron-M designs [1][3]. Reviewers framed it not as a replacement for the long-running Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH. but as a separate, higher tier that aims for the best optical performance attainable at the focal length, in much the same way the 50mm APO-Summicron-M sat above the standard 50mm [2][3]. Its launch price, around 8,195 US dollars, reflected the difficulty of producing it [3].

The optical formula uses ten elements in five groups, an unusually complex arrangement for a compact 35mm rangefinder lens [1][3]. The design combines three aspherical elements carrying four aspherical surfaces, six elements made from glass with anomalous partial dispersion for apochromatic correction, and three high-refractive-index elements, with part of the assembly working as a floating group [2][3]. Leica also fitted a new focusing mount that brings the lens to a 0.3 m minimum focus, giving roughly a 1:5.6 reproduction ratio [3]. Rangefinder coupling operates from 0.7 m to infinity with a focus throw similar to other classical 35mm M lenses; below 0.7 m the rangefinder no longer couples, so close focusing relies on live view or an electronic viewfinder, or on an SL-series body [2]. The barrel is all metal with a focusing tab and an 11-blade aperture, and unlike the 50mm APO it uses a short screw-in hood and a 39mm filter thread [2][5]. Reviewers describe the build and finish as exceptional, while noting the lens is not rated as weather sealed [2].

There are no documented optical-formula or coating variants of this lens; it has been offered in a single black anodized finish under order number 11699. Identification is straightforward from the engraving and the distinctive short screw-in hood, which resembles the hoods used on the later Summarit-M lenses and the Leica Q rather than the longer hood of the standard 35mm Summicron [2].

Optical qualities

Rendering Across multiple reviews the lens is described as delivering very high, consistent resolution from f/2 across the frame, with apochromatic correction that suppresses colour fringing and yields clean, saturated colour [1][2]. The transition from the sharply rendered focus plane to out-of-focus areas is reported as smooth, with bokeh that is described as gentle rather than harsh [2].

Sharpness Reviewers report that the lens is sharp into the corners wide open, with little fall-off across the frame, and that its measured MTF performance approaches that of the larger SL 35mm APO [2].

Distortion and vignetting Users note only mild vignetting at f/2 and otherwise few obvious optical flaws across the aperture range [2].

Digital use The lens is regarded as well matched to high-resolution M and L-mount sensors, with testers finding it resolves comfortably on bodies such as the 40MP M10-R and considering it suited to future higher-resolution sensors [2].

History

Development and Launch The lens was announced in March 2021 as the latest in Leica's program of apochromatic Summicron lenses, a line traced back to the company's long experience with low-dispersion glass and APO designs for the R and M systems [2][3]. The optical lead associated with the modern APO-Summicron family is Peter Karbe, and the 35mm continued the design philosophy of prioritizing reference-grade image quality and compact size over a wider maximum aperture [2]. Its key practical innovation, the 0.3 m close-focus capability achieved through a new focusing mount, was highlighted as a first for a standard M lens of this type [3].

Collector Notes Buyers and reviewers have raised a few practical points worth checking. Some owners report that the focus ring on certain copies feels stiff, which one reviewer attributed to lubrication rather than a design fault [2]. At least one account describes a case of a rear element detaching, linked to the adhesive used in assembly [5]. As with any current high-value Leica lens, it is worth confirming the order number 11699, verifying the original short screw-in hood, and checking for clean optics and smooth focus before purchase [3][5].

Sources

• [1] Red Dot Forum. Leica APO-Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH. https://www.reddotforum.com/content/2021/03/leica-apo-summicron-m-35mm-f-2-asph/
• [2] Macfilos (Jonathan Slack). Review: Leica APO-Summicron-M 35 f/2. https://www.macfilos.com/2021/03/05/review-leica-apo-summicron-m-35-f2/
• [3] Red Dot Forum. Leica APO-Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH. (announcement details). https://www.reddotforum.com/content/2021/03/leica-apo-summicron-m-35mm-f-2-asph/
• [5] Tahusa. Leica APO-Summicron 35mm f/2 ASPH Lens Review. https://tahusa.co/lens-review/leica-apo-summicron-35mm-f-2-asph-lens-review-a-fine-piece-that-makes-your-heart-skip-a-beat/