Leica has revealed what it claims to be its most compact 35mm M-mount lens ever, the APO-Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH. Measuring 40.9mm long by 53mm in diameter, it’s said to be designed for maximum imaging performance. The optical design utilises ten elements in five groups, of which three are aspherical, while employing anomalous partial dispersion glass to minimise chromatic aberration. The firm says that it has applied highly effective anti-reflective coatings to maximise contrast when shooting into the sun.
The APO-Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH is Leica’s smallest 35mm M-mount lens yet
In a first for M-mount lenses, the minimum focus distance is just 30cm. As rangefinder-coupled focusing is only available down to 70cm, at closer range the correct focus has to be judged using live view. A long focus throw of 300° is on hand, promising precise adjustment at all distances. Meanwhile, an 11-bladed circular aperture is designed to deliver attractive bokeh. A screw-in rectangular hood is included in the package, and a protective ring is provided to protect the 39mm filter thread when it’s not in use.
Leica’s new 35mm optic boasts a minimum focus distance of just 30cm
Leica is sufficiently confident in its optical design to declare that the lens only has to be stopped down to aesthetic considerations – never to improve sharpness. In this respect, it’s clearly designed to follow in the footsteps of the firm’s sensational APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. The Leica APO-Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH is available to buy now for £6,700.
The Leica APO-Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH fitted with its rectangular hood
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