Leica’s Revamped Summilux-M Lens is Worth Exploring

Iconic camera maker Leica has redesigned and improved its Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH lens into a newer edition that it’s now releasing. The brand claims that the revamp improves this lens model in several ways that help maintain its high versatility.

According to Leica, the new version will improve upon the older Summilux-M’s wide-angle characteristics and natural image-creating qualities to make this model even more flexible for multiple types of use. The new design has an increased number of aperture blades in the lens, from the original 9 to 11 in the new edition. This improves bokeh and overall aperture quality.

Furthermore, the rotation angle of the focus ring in the lens is twice that of the original version, now letting it move 176 degrees. Despite this, the lens body remains compact and keeps its original form factor. This expansion will also be made reliable and precise enough to ensure firm control for the entire focus range.

Another upgrade is the lenses focusing distance. It’s been reduced from 70 centimeters (28 inches in the older version to just 40 centimeters (roughly 14 inches) in the newer edition. Leica achieved this range expansion with a new patent-pending double cam technology that its engineers have only recently developed.

As Leica explains, “When shooting up to 70 centimeters, this works as usual via the rangefinder on all digital and analog M cameras. After a slight perceptible resistance, the extended close focus range between 70 and 40 centimeters can be controlled via Live View on the screen, the Visoflex viewfinder, or the Leica FOTOS app,”

Externally, the dimensions of the new Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH are nearly identical to those of its older version. The main differences in shape are that it’s 2 millimeters wider but also 2 millimeters shorter. These are barely noticeable size changes. Another modification is a new, round lens hood that’s integrated with the lens body.

Image Credits: Leica

Leica’s track record of superb quality has made it a favorite brand among some of the world’s most renowned photographers for decades. Even older-model Leica cameras sell for very high prices, but they’re almost always worth their cost. The brand is also one of the only ones still producing and servicing professional cameras for fans of film shooting.

Given the typical pricing of Leica products, it should come as little surprise that the new  Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH retails for $5,395 in its black variant and $5,595 in its silver-colored version. It’s already available for purchase.

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