Teaneck, NJ—Part of the Leica M-lens series, the Leica Summilux-M 35 f/1.4 first appeared in 1961 as the “world’s fastest wide-angle lens” at the time. It is now experiencing a renaissance with a new edition. Leica Camera AG introduced the classic lens in a strictly limited design variant with a special serial number: the Leica Summilux-M 35 f/1.4 limited special black edition.
Leica Summilux-M 35 f/1.4
Based on the first edition, the Summilux-M 35 f/1.4 now emerges with a black anodized finish. Moreover, it features a silver stainless steel front ring, commonly referred to as the “Steel Rim.” In addition, the engraving on the front reads “Leitz Wetzlar.” Another detail is the black painted brass focus lock button, which acquires a unique patina with frequent use.
Furthermore, in order to come as close as possible to the original, Leica adjusted the engravings on the edition’s focus ring. The arrangement of the feet and meter scale is also modeled on the original in terms of color and is swapped in comparison to the silver series lens.
In terms of imaging performance, the special edition corresponds to the series model. Photographing with an open aperture creates pictures with an especially soft bokeh. Its image look earned the Summilux-M 35 f/1.4 the title “True King of Bokeh.” Additionally, after stopping down to f/2.8, the lens produces very sharp and distortion-free pictures.
What’s more, the special edition’s packaging features a vintage look that hints at the origin of the lens. In addition to the lens, Leica is including a lens container, a clip-on lens hood as well as an additional round lens hood with an E46 thread for the attachment of filters.
The black anodized limited edition lens with an engraved special serial number is available in selected Leica Stores worldwide now. The suggested retail price is $10,800.
