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]. Its launch price, around 8,195 US dollars, reflected the difficulty of producing it.

The optical formula uses ten elements in five groups, an unusually complex arrangement for a compact 35mm rangefinder lens. 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. 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. 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. 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[5]. Reviewers describe the build and finish as exceptional, while noting the lens is not rated as weather sealed.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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

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.

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. 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. 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.

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. At least one account describes a case of a rear element detaching, linked to the adhesive used in assembly. 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.