Leica news, before it happens

Leica APO-Summicron-M 35 f/2 ASPH lens additional coverage:

• 0.3m (1 ft) Minimum Focusing – Closest focusing distance of any M lens ever produced
• Most compact 35mm M-System lens
• Unparalleled optical performance
• 10 lens elements in 5 groups with 4 aspherical surfaces & a floating element design
• E39 Filter Thread
• Weight: 320g / 11.3oz
• Length: Approx. 40.9 / 49.3 mm (without/with lens hood)
• Diameter: Approx. 53 mm (without lens hood)
• Sample photos: Explora, Reddotforum

“Way more than a cosmetic makeover, Leica’s latest incarnation of its marquee lens includes several important improvements over previous 35mm Summicron-Ms, starting with its APO designation, which translates into further suppression of chromatic and spherical aberrations, compared to earlier versions of the 35mm Summicron-M. As an apochromat, this lens features an array of specialized elements, including six anomalous partial dispersion glass elements and a trio of aspherical elements that control color fringing, distortion, and other aberrations for immaculate sharpness and clarity.” (Explora)

“The APO-Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH measures a mere 41mm long from the mount with a 39mm front filter diameter, yet packs an extremely advanced and downright impressive optical design. Comprised of ten elements arranged in five groups, three of which reside in a floating element group, the 35 APO-Cron houses four aspherical surfaces, six lenses with anomalous partial dispersion, and three with a high refractive index. The mix of specialized glass types effectively eliminates both chromatic and apochromatic aberrations, earning the lens its APO designation. And with eleven aperture blades, out of focus areas are buttery smooth. It’s safe to say that when nine out of ten elements are constructed from exotic and specialized glass, this is not your run-of-the-mill design. And we’re fairly sure that this is the first time that Leica has used four aspheres in one optic. The result – a level of performance never before seen in a 35mm M lens. Always on the forefront of optical design, Peter Karbe and his team continue to outdo themselves. “(Reddotforum)

“On the lens, the first 100 degrees of focus throw covers the normal range from 0.3m to infinity. But push past a soft detent on the focus ring and you’ll gain access to another 102 degrees of throw, providing high precision tweaking from 0.3 to 0.7m.” (Reddotforum)

Sean Reid published an extensive (21 page) review of the new Leica M APO 35/2.0 Summicron ASPH based on field testing and full studio tests. The reive also includes side-by-side comparisons with the current Leica M 35/2.0 Summicron ASPH and current M 35/1.4 Summilux ASPH. Here is a sample photo:

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The Leica APO-Summicron-M 35 f/2 ASPH lens is now officially announced. The new lens is the only M-lens with a close-focus distance of just 30 centimeters. The price is $8,195 and pre-orders are now open at Leica stores, boutiques and dealers for $8,195:

Press release:

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Some additional information leaked online from a US based website on the upcoming Leica APO-Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH lens confirming the minimum focusing distance of 0.3m (click for larger view):

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