Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH. FLE

Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH. III

This version of the 35mm Summilux is most often identified by collectors and reviewers as the "FLE," a reference to the floating lens element Leica added to address the focus shift that had become the chief complaint about the earlier aspherical 35mm Summilux. [1][4] Introduced in 2010, it continues a long line of fast 35mm rangefinder lenses that many photographers regard as a cornerstone of the M system, and it is frequently described as version seven, or the fourth optical generation, in that lineage.[5] Across the family the lenses had grown larger and heavier over time, and the FLE is noticeably more substantial than the near-pancake designs of the earliest 35mm Summilux versions.

Optically the lens uses nine elements in five groups with an aspherical surface, and Leica revised the placement of the aperture diaphragm together with a floating group behind it so that close-focus performance and focus accuracy improved over the predecessor. The barrel and mount are metal, with finely machined knurling on the focus and aperture rings and engraved, paint-filled markings, and the focusing action is smooth, traits consistent with the build standard expected of the M line. [7] It is a coupled rangefinder lens that focuses to 0.7 m, a limit set by the rangefinder mechanism of the M cameras of its era, and it takes 46 mm filters. The lens carries six-bit coding (011101) so digital M bodies can recognize it for in-camera corrections. At its weight of about 320 g and its compact dimensions, it remains small for such a fast wide angle, though with its hood extended some rangefinder blockage can occur. [2][8]

The FLE supersedes the earlier single-aspherical 35mm Summilux-M ASPH, which despite being a strong optic was hampered by focus shift, and that earlier lens was itself preceded by a rare double-aspherical (AA) version produced in small numbers. Leica initially presented the changes as a modest update, though the floating-element redesign was a meaningful optical change. The lens has been offered in black and silver finishes, and the verified record for this entry lists a silver version under model numbers 11663 and 11675. Some sources describe a later 2022 35mm Summilux ASPH with closer focusing and a different aperture-blade count, which is a separate, newer lens and should not be confused with this FLE.

Optical qualities

Rendering Reviewers generally describe the FLE as delivering high sharpness and strong contrast even at f/1.4, with a rendering often called "cinematic," along with pleasing color. [3] Its central wide-open performance is regarded as excellent, a clear step up from the pre-FLE version.

Bokeh and transitions The nine-bladed diaphragm contributes to its out-of-focus rendering. Out-of-focus highlights show some outlining toward the edges, a faint onion-ring texture from the aspherical surface, and a pronounced cat's-eye shape toward the corners, while the transition zone between sharp and blurred areas can look somewhat busy depending on focus distance, which reviewers note is common among fast 35mm lenses.

Distortion and aberrations Distortion is comparatively high for a premium 35mm lens, a point raised especially for film use where software correction is not available. Coma correction wide open is limited, so the lens is not ideal for astrophotography at f/1.4, though stopping down to around f/2.8 improves matters considerably.

History

Development and Launch The first aspherical 35mm Summilux arrived in 1991 with two aspherical elements, but it was difficult to manufacture and fewer than about 4,000 were made before it was replaced in 1994 by a version with a single aspherical element. That 1994 design remained in production until 2010 and was well regarded but prone to focus shift. To resolve this, Leica introduced the floating-element 35mm Summilux in 2010, the lens generally known as the 35 FLE, which went on to anchor many photographers' kits for more than a decade.

Collector Notes The FLE is distinguished from the pre-FLE chiefly by its floating element and revised diaphragm placement, and reviewers note it largely eliminates the focus shift that defined the earlier lens. Buyers comparing versions should be aware of the distinct earlier generations: the rare double-aspherical (AA) version commands high prices, the single-aspherical pre-FLE is more common, and the 2010 FLE is the floating-element model described here. A slim 46 mm filter such as a brass-mounted slim protector is commonly recommended to avoid binding on the thread, and the screw-and-lock plastic hood is a known weak point relative to the metal barrel. As with any used fast Leica lens, verify smooth focusing, clean glass free of haze, and intact six-bit coding before purchase.