35MM BAYONET MOUNT LENSES

35mm f/3.5 Summaron

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• Catalog number 11105 for the lens without googles¹⁹⁴
• Code word SOONC-M for the lens without googles¹⁹⁴
• lens without googles introduced in 1954¹⁹⁴
• Catalog number 11107 for the lens with googles¹⁹⁴
• Code word SOONC-MW for the lens with googles¹⁹⁴
• lens with googles introduced in 1956¹⁹⁴
• 99 USD¹⁷⁹
• To properly outline the field of view for the 35mm f/3.5 Summaron lens without using the bright-line viewfinder, users needed to attach the 35mm bright-line viewfinder (catalog number 12010, code-named SBLOO) to the camera's accessory shoe. This required the removal of the coupled Leicameter-M if it was mounted on the camera¹⁹⁴.
• Since the M3's rangefinder/viewfinder magnification was 0.91X, which is almost life-size, Leitz found a way to add "googles" to the 35mm lens. When mounted on the camera, this feature minimized the larger 50mm frame to match the 35mm field of view. As a result, users could benefit from an integral and easy-to-use 35mm frame without needing to remove the Leicameter-M or carry the comparatively large 35mm bright-line viewfinder separately. This rangefinder feature, introduced in 1956, became an instant success, and the resulting 35mm f/3.5 Summaron with googles (#11107, code-named SOONC-MW) gained significant popularity¹⁹⁴.
• Interestingly, the 35mm f/3.5 Summaron lenses were designed with removable optical viewing units, allowing for separate storage of the unit, likely in the newly introduced "half moon" leather carrying case (catalog number 14552, code-named ECOOG) for the lens, or in another fashion. Some users attempted to use the lens on their M cameras without the optical viewing unit, only to discover that the lens would not focus properly without the "googles" in place. Additionally, removing the googles would prevent activation of the 35mm frame in the M2 viewfinder, contrary to users' expectations¹⁹⁴.
• The removable "googles" must have posed challenges for Leitz, as this feature was exclusive to the 35mm f/3.5 Summaron lenses and was discontinued for later lenses, which instead featured permanently affixed googles. The early 35mm f/3.5 Summaron lenses had smooth black painted googles, which were eventually changed to the more durable and familiar black crinkle finish used on all rangefinder lenses thereafter¹⁹⁴.

35mm f/2.8 Summaron

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• 11106¹⁹⁴
• SIMWO¹⁹⁴
• Introduced in 1958¹⁹⁴
• has googles

35mm f/2 Summicron-M (version 1) 

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• Without googles:
  1. The first version is equipped with an infinity lock and is an 8-element formula¹²⁵
  2. engraved Canada or Wetzlar¹²⁵
  3. Made with Leica M2 in mind³¹

• With googles:
  1. Introduced in 1958¹⁹⁴
  2. Catalog number 11108 for chrome version with googles¹⁹⁴
  3. Code SAMWO for chrome version with googles¹⁹⁴
  4. 8-element formula¹⁹⁴
  5. A black finish 35mm f/2 Summicron-M with googles was manufactured in small quantities¹⁹⁴
  6. Catalog number 11104/11307³⁵⁴

35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M 'Steel Rim' - Variation 1 

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• Introduced in 1960³¹ at Photokina³⁵⁹ 
• Manufactured only by Ernst Leitz Canada³¹
• There are four types:
  1. 11871 is the catalog number for chrome version with googles – for Leica M3¹⁹⁴. Focusing down to 0.65 meters, closer than the M3 rangefinder can normally go, by virtue of a modified cam made possible by the optical viewing unit. Had an infinity catch²⁰². Lower profile "ears" on aperture ring²⁶³. The insides of the lens were brass³⁴³. Lars Netopil interpolated the number of M3 and M2 cameras sold during the period and the estimated the quantities of this type:  4400 chrome lenses with goggles³⁴³. The goggle-eyed Summilux lenses were discontinued by 1974²⁰².
  2. 11872 is the catalog number for black anodised aluminium finish³⁴³ with googles – for Leica M3¹⁹⁴. Focusing down to 0.65 meters, closer than the M3 rangefinder can normally go, by virtue of a modified cam made possible by the optical viewing unit. Had an infinity catch²⁰². Lower profile "ears" on aperture ring²⁶³. The insides of the lens were brass³⁴³. Lars Netopil interpolated the number of M3 and M2 cameras sold during the period and the estimated the quantities of this type:  160 black lenses with goggles³⁴³. The goggle-eyed Summilux lenses were discontinued by 1974²⁰².
  3. 11870 is the catalog number for chrome version without googles – for Leica M2¹⁹⁴. Focusing down to 1 meters²⁰². Came with an infinity lock³⁴². The insides of the lens were brass³⁴³. Lars Netopil interpolated the number of M3 and M2 cameras sold during the period and the estimated the quantities of this type:  3360 chrome lenses without goggles³⁴³. On the collector market the non-Goggled version is much more appreciated³⁴².
  4. 11869 is the catalog number for black anodised aluminium finish³⁴³ without googles – for Leica M2¹⁹⁴. Focusing down to 1 meters²⁰². Came with an infinity lock³⁴². The insides of the lens were brass³⁴³. Lars Netopil interpolated the number of M3 and M2 cameras sold during the period and the estimated the quantities of this type:  80 black lenses without goggles³⁴³. Because the M2 was the accepted camera for wide angle lenses, Lars Netopil suspects that there might actually be around 200 black lenses without goggles, making them very sought after. However, one needs to be careful as the last 1,000 lenses made were already the re-designed version with A42 front mount, fitting the 12501 clamp-on sunshade - these are much less valuable³⁴³. On the collector market the non-Goggled version is much more appreciated³⁴².

• used rare earth lanthanum glasses for optimum image quality¹⁹⁴
• A short time later, a black finish lens became available – catalog number 11872¹⁹⁴
• black finish lens was produced in the early batches (serial numbers 1700000) and is also quite rare¹⁹⁴
• The camera originally came with a push-on/twist-off OLLUX hood, which was later replaced by the more convenient 12504 shade, and it included a screw-in E41 filter²⁰²
• By around 1969, the basic models had lost their infinity catches²⁰²
• At approximately serial number 2930000, the 35mm Summilux received multicoating, which was the first version to show some green reflections alongside the magenta. This enhancement helped reduce internal reflections caused by light sources within or near the frame and also improved overall contrast²⁰².
• The only Leica lens featuring a distinct steel front ring for mounting its OLLUX hood is commonly referred to as the “Steel Rim.” This compact lens is known for its signature glow and halos. However, the “Steel Rim” is not without its flaws. It exhibits softness when used wide open, shows significant chromatic aberrations, creates halos, and produces unpredictable bokeh³⁴³.
• This lens had a brief production run, with only 7,500 units made between 1961 and 1966. Leitz's shipping records for these lenses do not specify the finish (black or silver) or the mount version (with or without goggles)³⁴³.
• All “Steel Rim” lenses came with a unique OLLUX hood, which was not shared with other Leica lenses. The filter thread size was a rare 41mm. The OLLUX hood is a clip-on shade that is highly sought after³⁴².
• Catalog numbers 11872 and 11869 were dropped in 1966²⁶³.

35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M - Variation 2

35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M - Variation 3.0

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• Black anodized mount²⁶³
• later style lens head²⁶³
• black plastic focusing tab²⁶³
• Catalog number 11870²⁶³
• Most encountered version of this lens²⁶³

35mm f/2 Summicron-M (version 2)

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• 6-element design¹²⁵
• uses a "scooped" focusing lever¹²⁵
• fitted with a protruding aperture control lever¹²⁵
• engraved Canada or Wetzlar¹²⁵

35mm f/2 Summicron-M (version 3)

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• In 1972-1973 a third version appeared without the protruding¹²⁵
• This lens is also a 6-element formula, according to information available to the writer, although it is probably somewhat different from the second version¹²⁵.
• engraved Canada and not Wetzlar¹²⁵

35mm f/2 Summicron-M (version 4) 

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• Introduced in 1979⁸⁸
• new formula computation⁸⁸
• outstanding achievement of progressive, forward-looking photographic optical research⁸⁸
• even more uniform sharpness and contrast rendering across the entire field of view at all lens apertures⁸⁸
• 7 elements in 5 components⁸⁸
• coupled with the rangefinder from infinity to 0.7 meters⁸⁸
• Catalog number 11310 for black version⁸⁸
• features a noticeably enlarged exit pupil due to 7 elements¹²⁵
• engraved Canada and not Wetzlar¹²⁵

35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M AA (Double Aspherical)

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• Introduced in 1989²⁸⁸ (in 1990¹⁵⁰)
• not only had two aspherical elements, but also a radical new optical design²⁸⁸
• Catalog number 11873³⁵²
• Enhanced contrast, exceptional detail resolution, reduced curvature effects, and minimal chromatic aberration and coma due to two aspherical surfaces¹⁵⁰
• two aspherical lens surfaces give the optical system an imaging performance even at full aperture that is unique in compact 35mm lenses¹⁵⁰
• vignetting is nil at full aperture and not visible at f/1.4¹⁵⁰
• Only 2000 were estimated to be produced in 1990 and 1991¹⁵⁰ but only around 1700²⁸⁸ were ever built due to complex manufacturing process³⁴⁰.
• Production ceased in 1994²⁸⁸
• Deliveries were to begin in the second quarter of 1990. The list price of the new lens is 4050.00 USD¹⁵⁰
• Angle of view: 64°¹⁵⁰
• Number of elements: 9¹⁵⁰
• smallest aperture: f / 16¹⁵⁰
• focusing range: infinity to 0.7 m¹⁵⁰
• Smallest object field: 420 x 630 mm (approx. 1: 17.5)¹⁵⁰
• Push-on lens hood¹⁵⁰
• Lens cap diameter: 49 mm¹⁵⁰
• Length from bayonet flange: 44.5 mm¹⁵⁰
• Largest diameter: 53 mm¹⁵⁰
• Weight: 0.275 grams¹⁵⁰
• Standard features: lens cap, lens hood and rear cover¹⁵⁰

35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M Titanium - Variation 3.1

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• Introduced in 1992 at Photokina, this lens complements the Leica M6 Titanium. The list price for the lens is 3150 USD¹⁶⁹.
• Technically, this lens belongs in “35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M - Variation 3” category. A small number of these lenses were produced in brass mount, titanium finish (catalog number 11860) to match the M6 Titanium²⁶³.

35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH

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• For the first time, a relatively large lens has been equipped with an aspherical lens surface using the ultra-high precision manufacturing method of press-forming. This technology has been in use for some time for mass-produced items with lower precision requirements, such as condensers in slide projectors and illumination lenses for car headlights. However, it had only been applied to small lenses until now¹⁹⁰.
• The breakthrough was achieved by employing a tool made from a ceramic-like material, which has been diamond-turned multiple times, ground, and polished at specific points. Additionally, Leica Camera has developed a special technique for mounting these lenses. This method allows the inevitable tolerances in the assembly of the entire lens system to balance each other out¹⁹⁰.
• This innovative manufacturing process, combined with a matching optical design, has resulted in a new wide-angle lens for the Leica M range¹⁹⁰.
• The new 35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH lens delivers exceptional imaging performance, setting a high standard for compact ultrahigh-speed 35mm lenses. Its notable features include high contrast, excellent detail rendering across the image field, good field flattening, and virtually no coma. The photographs produced with this lens showcase a remarkable clarity that was previously considered unattainable. While the imaging performance is already impressive at full aperture, stopping down enhances it even further. These outstanding performance characteristics are maintained throughout the entire focusing range, from infinity down to 0.7 meters. The retail price is 2695 USD¹⁹⁰.
• Fortunately, new production methods were being developed. After proving the quality of the new optical design, Leica was able to pioneer a technique for manufacturing aspheric elements using a glass pressing process developed in collaboration with Zeiss and other partners. This innovation, together with new types of glass and minor modifications to the optical layout, enabled the use of a single aspherical element, resulting in a more economical production cost. To differentiate it from its predecessor, the new lens was named the 35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH²⁸⁸.
• with one aspherical element³⁴⁰.
• This lens was in production until 2010³⁴⁰.
• subject to focus shift³⁴⁰.
• Chrome version of this lens (catalog number 11883)³⁵³ was introduced at Photokina in 1996²⁰³.

35mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH (version 5) 

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• Introduced in the summer of 1997²⁰⁷.
• The new 35mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH (version 5) lens has been developed by Leica engineers to deliver improved performance at all apertures, particularly at the widest settings. Images captured with this lens will exhibit finer details and virtually no distortion. Vignetting at full aperture is minimized and nearly disappears from f/4 onwards. The lens offers a moderately wide angle of view without distortion²⁰⁷.
• To achieve a compact design with enhanced image quality, Leitz utilized a molded aspherical surface. Additionally, this lens features a specially designed protective lens hood to prevent stray light from affecting the image field. The 35mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH (version 5) lens is priced at 1645 USD for the black anodized model and 1745 USD for the bright chrome version²⁰⁷.

35mm f/2.5 Summarit-M

35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH FLE I

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• Introduced in 2010²⁸⁸
• While the optical design of the new lens remains largely unchanged from its predecessor 35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH, there has been an improvement in close-range performance with the addition of a floating element. All five glass elements within the three groups behind the diaphragm are mounted in an additional helicoid that moves differentially from the groups in front of the diaphragm. Furthermore, there have been adjustments to the basic optical design, which have reportedly improved the control of slight focus shifts that can occur when the lens is stopped down²⁸⁸.
• One noticeable external change is the replacement of the plastic clip-on lens hood with a sleek metal screw-on version. This new hood attaches securely in the correct orientation, is more firmly mounted, and takes up less space. The overall bulk of the lens, including the hood, has been reduced, resulting in less intrusion into the viewfinder²⁸⁸.
• The screw-in lens hood of the FLE was a clear improvement over the clip-on versions found on earlier lenses, but it also significantly increased the bulk of the lens. The original FLE featured nine aperture blades, which contributed to its excellent bokeh³⁴⁰.

 

35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH FLE I – Technical Data288
Angle of view	For 35mm format (24 x 36mm): 63°, 54°, 37°, (diagonal, horizontal, vertical)
Optical design	Number of lenses / groups: 9/ 5
	Aspherical surfaces: 1
	Position of entrance pupil: 16.8mm (to the apex of the first lens surface)
Distance settings	Focusing range: 0.7m to infinity
	Scales: combined metre / feet gradation
Angle of view	Smallest object field / for 35mm format: approx. 418 x 626mm / 1:17.4
Aperture	Setting / function: With click-stops, half values available
	Lowest value: 16
Lens mount	Leica M quick-change bayonet with 6-bit bar-coding for digital M models
Filter mount	Inner threading for E46 screw-in filters, non-rotating front element
Lens hood	Detachable (supplied with the lens)
Viewfinder	Camera viewfinder
Finish	Black anodised
Dimensions	Length to bayonet flange: approx. 58 / 46mm (with / without lens hood)
	Largest diameter: approx. 56mm
Weight	Approx. 320g

 

35mm f/2.4 Summarit-M

35mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH (version 6) 

35mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M ASPH

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• Introduced in 2021³²⁸
• There are 10 elements consisting of³²⁸:
  1. 3 Aspherical lens elements (with 4 aspherical surfaces)³²⁸
  2. 6 elements using Apochromatic glass³²⁸
  3. 3 elements made of glass with a high refractive index³²⁸
• Additionally, they have developed a new focusing mount that allows for focusing down to 0.3 meters. To focus between 0.7 and 0.3 meters, you will need to use live view³²⁸.
• The lens has a diameter of 53 mm. Without the screw-in lens hood, its length is 40.9 mm; with the lens hood attached, it measures 49 mm. The weight of the lens is 305 grams³²⁸.
• By the time the M10 was released, it became possible to manufacture M lenses with closer focusing capabilities. The 35mm APO-Summicron-M f/2 ASPH was the first lens to incorporate this newly designed "double cam" focusing mechanism³⁴⁰.

35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH FLE II "Close-Focus"

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• Introduced in 2022³⁴⁰
• The 35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH FLE II 'Close-Focus' lens allows you to focus as close as 0.4 meters. The focusing throw has nearly doubled to 176 degrees, providing a noticeable resistance at the 0.7m mark. Beyond this point, precise focusing requires an electronic viewfinder (EVF), Live View, or the Leica Fotos app³⁴⁰.
• Additionally, the new slide-out lens hood is more effective and successfully reduces flare. As a result of these updates, the new lens is approximately 1mm shorter and 1mm thicker than its predecessor, a difference that may not be easily noticeable³⁴⁰.
• The 35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH FLE II 'Close-Focus' features 11 aperture blades. Its optical formula remains the same as that of the 35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH FLE I. The lens is available in both black and silver anodized versions, and both options weigh the same³⁴⁰.

35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M "Steel Rim" Reissue 

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• Leica announced a 35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M “Steel Rim” Reissue, the remake of the original 35mm Summilux, the 35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M 'Steel Rim' - Variation 1 (catalog number 11870), at the Oskar Barnack Award Ceremony on October 20th, 2022³⁴¹.
• This lens is the fourth reissue by Leica, following the reissues of the 28mm f/5.6 Summaron, the 90mm f/2.2 Thambar, and the 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux³⁴³.
• The lens is constructed from brass with a silver chrome finish and weighs 200 grams. It comes with two different lens hoods: a remake of the original OLLUX hood and a round screw-in hood. Leica has preserved the 'fall-off' characteristics of the original OLLUX, making the screw-in shade a welcome addition. Unlike the original lens, the new version features a 46mm screw thread for attaching filters. The round hood screws into this thread and retains an internal thread, allowing filters to be attached with either shade or without any shade at all³⁴³.
• As with all its reissues, this lens is not an exact replica, as Leica has made adjustments to both the outer and inner mechanics. The outer dimensions differ, meaning that the new OLLUX shade cannot be used with the old models, and vice versa. The 35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M “Steel Rim” reissue also changed from a 41mm to a 46mm filter thread³⁴².
• The reissue includes two shades: the OLLUX-styled one and a more traditional threaded round shade that accepts 46mm filters. The lens maintains the brass and satin silver chrome finish of the original but lacks the brass components inside, making the reissue feel lighter at 211 grams compared to the original's 233 grams³⁴².
• Leica's optical engineers have replicated the original lens formula, but the coatings have been improved, resulting in a slight difference in image rendering between the original 35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M 'Steel Rim' - Variation 1 (catalog number 11870) and the 35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M “Steel Rim” reissue³⁴².