Used Leica Summilux-M 1: 1.4/35mm ASPH lens

Condition:

• The condition of the lens is very good and although 2nd hand looks great
• The lenses are scratch and fungus free
• The lens comes in its original box, with soft leather Leica branded case

Warranty: The lens comes with 3 moths warranty

The Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH is one of Leica’s most celebrated lenses, known for its exceptional optical performance, build quality, and compact design. It’s part of Leica’s M-mount lens lineup, compatible with their rangefinder cameras such as the Leica M series. Here’s an in-depth look at this high-performance lens:

Key Features:

1. Aperture:
   • With a maximum aperture of f/1.4, the lens is excellent for low-light photography and creates beautifully shallow depth-of-field effects.
   • The large aperture makes it perfect for achieving creamy bokeh, especially for portraits, street photography, and any scenario where subject isolation is important.
2. Focal Length (35mm):
   • The 35mm focal length is considered one of the most versatile. It’s wide enough for landscape and street photography but also useful for portraits and general-purpose shooting.
   • On full-frame cameras, the 35mm focal length provides a natural, wide perspective, close to human vision.
3. ASPH (Aspherical Lens Elements):
   • The ASPH designation indicates the use of aspherical lens elements, which significantly reduce optical aberrations such as distortion and spherical aberration.
   • Aspherical elements contribute to the lens’s sharpness, contrast, and overall clarity, even when shooting at wide apertures like f/1.4.
4. Compact Size and Build:
   • Despite its fast aperture, the Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH is relatively compact, making it a favorite for travel, street photography, and discrete shooting.
   • It’s built to Leica’s legendary standards, with all-metal construction, ensuring durability and a premium feel.
5. Optical Performance:
   • The lens delivers exceptional sharpness across the frame, even when shot wide open at f/1.4.
   • It produces minimal distortion and vignetting, and its optical design, including 9 elements in 5 groups, helps maintain excellent color accuracy and contrast.
   • Its bokeh is smooth and pleasing, with out-of-focus areas rendered beautifully, making it a great tool for subject isolation.
6. Manual Focus:
   • Like all M-mount lenses, the Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH is manual focus, designed for use with Leica’s rangefinder focusing system.
   • The focus throw is smooth and precise, providing excellent tactile feedback.

Versions:

The Summilux 35mm f/1.4 has gone through several versions over time, with improvements in optical design and coatings. The most recent versions incorporate advanced technologies like improved aspherical elements and modern coatings for even better performance.

• Pre-ASPH: Older models that don’t feature the aspherical lens element but are still sought after for their character and rendering.
• ASPH Versions: The modern version with superior sharpness and contrast.

Use Cases:

• Street Photography: The 35mm focal length, compact size, and fast aperture make it ideal for capturing fleeting moments in low-light conditions.
• Portraits: While not as tight as a 50mm or 85mm, the f/1.4 aperture allows for strong subject isolation and beautiful background blur.
• Low-Light Photography: The fast aperture lets in a great amount of light, making it possible to shoot in dim environments without raising ISO too much.

Pricing:

As with most Leica lenses, the Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH comes at a premium price, reflecting its build quality and optical excellence. These lenses are considered an investment by photographers who prioritize image quality and durability.

Conclusion:

The Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH is a world-class lens, praised for its sharpness, color rendition, and versatility. It is a favorite among Leica users for its build quality, optical performance, and compact design, making it ideal for everything from street photography to portraits and general use.