NEW Leica Summilux-M 35/f1.4 "STEEL RIM" vs Summilux-M 35/f1.4 ASPH

[@ccoppola82]

I have the FLE and a pre asph lux v2. I find myself taking the pre asph more. Smaller. I’d love to see a comparison between the MUCH cheaper Nokton 35 mm 1.4 and the classic.

[@naduncan100]

Many thanks, greatly appreciated. I am still using on my M3 and my A-La Carte my 35mm f3.5 with 'spectacles' (Chrome off course !) from 1956 which still provides amazing results. Cheers Neil

[@mathphotographer]

Great lens! Cheers.

[@harlanchinn8121]

I just received my 35mm V1 Steel Rim lens. It’s too bad it didn’t ship with a leather case. The accompanying lens hoods do not work with an e46 attached. I am quite enjoying the signature quirkiness from the lens shot wide open. I already own the 35cron ASPH, which I can switch to for more of a clinical look.

[@frankphotography8470]

Would love to see an update video, if you kept the steel rim and if so what your thoughts are about it after 1yr

[@peetje28021970]

Me too

[@cleftoftherock6797]

Always great reviews. Appreciate it and the quality.

[@mathphotographer]

My pleasure :)

[@HN-sk2lr]

I bought the classic one for my m11 monochrome, and I can't be happier 🎉

[@KeeeeenW]

I pre-ordered the steel rim instead of the new FLE because the pairing between the steel rim and film Leica should be better. Also, I would prefer the lighter lens for travel and street photography. I found the high-end modern lens too sharp for film. I have the original M6 and tried to pair it with VM 50mm f/2 APO-Lanthar, which is probably one of the sharpest modern lens and is comparable to the sharpness of the new FLE. However, the handing and the results was not as good as my VM 35mm 2.0 ultron II. Plus, the 50mm APO-Lanthar was considerably heavierI so nowadays I mostly use the 50mm with my digital M for sharp portrait and landscape. Anyway, my only concern with the steel rim is the 1m focus distance. Having 0.3m focus distance is very nice for indoor shots especially for objects on a table.

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks for sharing your experience, much appreciated.

[@GastonShutters]

@mathphotographer Great video as usual. I picked mine up as well. And I noticed a very lose aperture ring and the non vented hood rattles and rocks in place. I also have some abrupt friction when I turn the focus ring towards the left at the end . Do you have that issue with your copy?

[@csaba5415]

I must say I really like both lenses. What I like about the classic lens line-up is that they each operate in a different way, giving you a different shooting experience. In addition to the images you get. However, the modern version is also incredible and this is my bigger dilemma of the two lenses. Should I upgrade from my Summicron 35 ASPH to the modern one once I’ve got the Steel Rim? The Summicron is still a very good lens and in my opinion it can make beautiful bokeh at F/2.0 as well, although not Lux-style, but close. In return you have a smaller lens than what the Lux is. But yeah, the Steel Rim is definitely very attractive in many ways.

[@mathphotographer]

Tough decision to make. I like the dreamy look of the classic lenses but, admittedly, shoot very often for clean crispy images and then the modern versions are superior. It really is a matter of taste and photography style what you prefer.

[@jonsmith7650]

amazing comparison. thank you for this video.

[@djmaciiii]

I bought the new 35mm and like to use the square hood. However I wish it had come with a hood cap, since I like to leave it on most of the time. i tried to buy the hood cap from the Leica store in my city, but they treated me like I was from outer space. I ended up ordering a part from another country. I believe the part # was 14040 if anyone else is crazy like me.

[@ramarren]

I have the 1972 Summilux 35 and the 12504 hood. This hood is great as it is a clip-on that includes the ability to fit a series VII filter. Regardless, I'm happy to see Leica returning this lovely lens to production ..

[@mathphotographer]

Agree - its great that Leica comes back with remakes of classic lenses, I enjoy that a lot!

[@catherinejoanpiazza420]

Nice explanation of these two lenses. I have to say I'm leaning toward the steel rim version. I like everything about it better.

[@csaba5415]

Me too :).

[@mathphotographer]

Its a fine compact and light-weight lens and it has a special character which it nicely brings into the images. And if you stop down by a couple of stops you get very crispy and very sharp images!

[@japapelili]

Will the close focus function from 35 summilux a work on Amy film camera?

[@kevin-parratt-artist]

Excellent presentation. 👌 ... I am considering buying this new 2022 version of the 'steel rim' f1.4 ... unless I find a good original. It's a pity they couldn't find a way to fit a filter with each lens hood. This lens will live on an M2 I use exclusively for B&W. I do hope you find the time to show us more work with this lens. Thanks, Kevin.

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks for the kind feedback :) Of course I will shoot the lens and likely come back with feedback on my channel :)

[@DanielAnguianoPhoto]

Great comparison! Thank you for your video! I have a 35mm Summicron V3 from 1977 and love the crazy flare it does. Been shooting with the M11 and the 50mm 1.4 summilux chrome and can't get any flare as cool as my 35mm. I hope the new 35mm Summilux can replicate the flare it had before !

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks Daniel.

[@ronaldsand3000]

As always Wonderful presentation and comprehensive comparison between lenses Many thanks

[@mathphotographer]

Many thanks, Ronald.

[@bankrungroj3765]

Hello, What is your opinion about the hood of this len ? I heard someone said it not strong enough since I have 28/2 asph and I have to say I swing the camera accidentally hit something all the time and the hood was really stong and robust. Thnkas

[@Pembers357]

Six months on, Math, what are your thoughts about handling and image quality? Are you still pleased? I’m thinking of buying for my Leica MP and M10-R Black Paint. Andrew

[@gurugamer8632]

Please do comparison for the current 50mm Lux and the NEW LEICA SUMMILUX-M 50MM F/1.4 ASPH II

[@pmgalves1977]

Correct me if I'm wrong - but the number of aperture blades is irrelevant when wide open, right? Only when stopped down, so that can't possibly explain the cat-eye effect Great videos 😊

[@Cameraville]

Correct about wide open.

[@reddychan9819]

the first google version 35mm f2.8 has some cat eye effect wide open, the 35 f1.4 preA is round when wide open, so it's really depends on the lens.

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks Pedro ... I think the difference I showed is a property of the lens coming from the different optics. Your comment is correct, I was too fast with my sloppy comment on the number of aperture blades. Thanks for pointing out.

[@mathphotographer]

I just included your comment in the infobox of the video :)

[@mzalhamad]

Just got it and I mounted it on my Leica SL2 S but the camera thinks its 90mm . I even looked in the lens manual settings and the 35mm f1.4 11301 is not listed any sugestions ...BTW my SL2 S is on the latest 4.0 firmware.........Thanks

[@mathphotographer]

This is very strange, I will look into my one again and see what's going on or if this is your unit only, thanks for your comment.

[@telstar5113]

How do you think this lens will perform on the SL2S?

[@mathphotographer]

Will perform very well. Generally, all Leica-M lenses perform very well on the SL2-S.

[@Fleet42]

Good morning from San Francisco ca. I’m so close to buying the Fle 35 Lux which would you buy and why? Love your videos!

[@mathphotographer]

Great to hear from San Francisco, a city I love a lot. In particular shooting Golden Gate bridge from Hawk Hill park across the bridge :) Honestly, if you do not want both, go for the ASPH Summilux. It is more expensive but will deliver slightly better although the super dreamy look of the classic Summilux is terrific.

[@diegaulle9143]

Get the FLE if you have the money and a modern sensor. If you have a film camera or need the dreamy 1.4, then get an original for half of the cost.

[@ahmeddaghriri4180]

I just bought a Leica M10R BlackPaint, which one is better for me of these two lenses? Since I am using the rangefinder system for the first time?

[@davidkieltyka9]

I’d go for the current ASPH version if money isn’t an issue. Higher resolution and contrast wide open, focuses closer. I owned a later all black v1 35/1.4 for many years and loved its split personality: soft & dreamy wide open, very crisp when stopped down. But unless you like those characteristics the ASPH is IMO the better choice.

[@ahmeddaghriri4180]

Thank you 🙏

[@mathphotographer]

@@ahmeddaghriri4180 I agree with David, if the price difference does not matter and you are not super interested in the special dreamy character of the classic Summilux, then the ASPH Summilux is the better choice.

[@ahmeddaghriri4180]

@@mathphotographer thank you sir.

[@B50ANT]

Go for steel rim…not as clinical but more atmospheric..I shoot 28mm 5/6 on m10r …not razor sharp , more film like

[@wilfredshum3703]

I already own the titanium version of both the 35 mm Summilux pre-ASPH and ASPH, so I think the more modern version is a better choice for me; but then how much better is that when compared to my 35 mm Summicron APO SL lens?

[@mathphotographer]

Hard to compare a Summilux-M with an Apo-Summicron-SL to be honest. Very different lenses for very different camera systems. I would also go for the Summilux-M 35/f1.4 ASPH if you are not super interested in that additional dreamy character of the classic Summilux "steel rim".

[@wilfredshum3703]

@@mathphotographer Agree. I prefer having overall sharpness in most of my shots with a 35 mm lens, especially with the higher pixel cameras

[@gurugamer8632]

When was the steel rim released and what is the product code?

[@mathphotographer]

See here: www.dpreview.com/news/9359480213/leica-re-releases-the-summilux-m-steel-rim-35mm-f1-4-the-self-proclaimed-true-king-of-bokeh And here is the product code: 11301.

[@mathphotographer]

As far as I know its sold out everywhere, in online auctions I saw price tags between $30k and $40k, unfortunately.

[@hubert510510]

Would like to know the actual minimum focus distance of the steel rim

[@mathphotographer]

With rangefinder focusing, 1m minimum distance as said in Leica's spec sheet is the closest. But with Live View on LCD or EVF and then live focusing, I can actually go a bit closer. Did not measure the distance but definitely closer

[@hellatightdude]

@@mathphotographer the unfortunate thing about that is all the original pre ASPH 35 lux’s could focus usually anywhere from 0.8-0.9, sometimes even a little closer! I would love a comparison between the steel rim and an original steel rim if you could get your hands on one, or just a 35 lux v2. I have a 35 lux v2 made in Germany lens from 1990 that I’d definitely let you borrow for a comparison, but the logistics of getting that lens to you may be tough

[@williamwinecoff1779]

So rumor is that Leica will announce the SL 21 mm f2 APO before the end of the year. I suppose you will be the first to have one as usual. Look forward to your review almost as much as getting one for myself.

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks William, my review will follow the announcement as usual :)

[@erichung9043]

Any focus shift on the steel rim?

[@mathphotographer]

Have not noted focus shift but can check again next opportunity.

[@dariobertagna9817]

Math - amazing video. I really can’t wait for the full review of the steel rim? Do you have any solution for fitting a lens cap when you have a filter or the hood? It’s a shame the lens vignette badly when used with a filter and a good…can’t wait for your thoughts given your experience

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks Dario. No solution yet for fitting a lens cap when you have a filter or the hood ... it's a bit delicate. Nevertheless one of my top most loved lenses :)

[@home1231]

does ur steelrim's focus rim feel a bit loose compare to other leica lens. mine is a bit loose and doesnt really have a clear focus stop.

[@mathphotographer]

Mine is not loose, Jason. It works as intended, smooth but with sufficient resistance when turning. Maybe you should consider showing it to the folks at Leica?

[@home1231]

@@mathphotographer oh . Thanks. Will do

[@dariobertagna9817]

Have you looked into this? Mine also is a bit loose as it slightly wobbles when you turn it. Might be because of the two tabs which are not present on other lenses perhaps…

[@home1231]

@@dariobertagna9817 took to Leica , it is normal. 😭😭

[@StuartWeir]

This is intentional. I reached out to Leica support over email and it’s because they wanted to replicate the feel of the original.

[@deejayiwan7]

You have everything 😮😮😮😮

[@mathphotographer]

Really not everything :)

[@djharmonix]

How did you get this lens? It's not even listed anywhere in stores in the USA and Leica stores won't even sell it here in Canada :(((

[@mathphotographer]

Sorry to hear. Waiting lists for the new lens are long. I always get the new Leica gear early due to excellent connections to Leica. But, unfortunately, a lot of people have to wait long because supply chains are still not fully functioning at the level they were before the pandemic. Crossing fingers that you find your new lens soon.

[@mathphotographer]

By the way, the Leica Store in Miami has it listed now: leicastoremiami.com/products/leica-summilux-m-35mm-f-1-4-silver?variant=42941801496707

[@mathphotographer]

But its pre-order in Miami, says "coming soon".

[@djharmonix]

@@mathphotographer Thank you very much for sharing!! I just got a nice Wetzlar 35 pre-asph while I wait for the new one ;)

[@lucaprodi9783]

Hi Math! Will you be making a video about using the shift adapter on the X2D for architectural photography? I haven't seen any blogs or even Hasselblad mention or market anything with regards to adapting any shift lenses onto the X2D. I am very curious with regards the experience. I currently shoot most of my work with the 100S and TSE Canon lenses / Gf lenses. Big dan of the channel. Can safely say it is my favorite KZbin channel :)

[@lucaprodi9783]

Particularly curious about potential drawbacks since the camera works with a leaf shutter so I imagine adapting lenses must be a limiting experience to some extent. Also, after writing this comment I noticed what looks like the X2D with the shift adapter on the table :) haha

[@mathphotographer]

Hi Luca, yes, I started to shoot the X2D with shift. Next couple of hours a video goes live on my channel on the X2D + HCD 4/28 + XH Converter 0.8x + HTS 1.5 Shift Adapter :) Have a nice weekend!

[@RS-Amsterdam]

Excellent. Thanks for sharing

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks RS. Hope all is well.

[@paologaragnani5457]

Dear Math Thank you for the very useful video. Do you plan to have an in depth comparison of the two lenses. The classic one is really appealing, if with narrower f the quality of the image is M11 grade could be my choice. Thank you again P

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks Paolo, I will clearly shoot the lens and then likely come back with more feedback.

[@paologaragnani5457]

@@mathphotographer thank you so much!

[@ducgerard2361]

One more great video! You have A deep knowledge of leica system You could work in leica company Your channel is one of the best in Europe. Even i don t use leica Camera i enjoy to watch your Videos. I dream that one day i Will use a leica m6 or m 11.... With a 35mm 1.4 and a 28mm

[@mathphotographer]

Many thanks for your kind words, much appreciated and makes my day! :)

[@carlosmcse]

Damn, you own a black 28 summaron. Very rare.

[@mathphotographer]

Indeed :)

[@carlosmcse]

@@mathphotographer I don’t know why they don’t make it black or silver normally.

[@ericrjennings]

Let me be bold…. Where do you get the money to afford all of these.

[@mathphotographer]

Working hard 15 hours a day for many years :)

[@ericrjennings]

@@mathphotographer I’m there with you. Hustling the sales game

[@johnkasianowicz6536]

@@mathphotographer Imagine what you could get if you worked 16 hours a day. 😊

[@TucsonAnalogWorkshop]

Just a complete fail on Leica's part with this new Summilux. 1) No way to use a filter simultaneously with a hood (the screw on hood vignettes with a filter. 2) Of all the stupid, cynical things to be slavish to: that ridiculous 1m minimum focus. Makes me sick.

[@ibrahimz]

I got this lens and it is so special! The only draw is we is that I can’t put the lens cap on if either of the hoods are attached to lens. So I need to unscrew the hood to put the cap back every time I am done for the day shoot 😅

[@mathphotographer]

:)

[@jamie.dop_]

You have some great products to test and iv watch a lot of them. Just wish you weren’t in a white room with no where to actually test the lenses as we only really see you hold them and not use them :(

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks for your feedback. Most of the time when speaking about lenses I show sample images and in this way hope to provide some impressions what the lenses are capable of.

[@LeicaPunk]

I am pretty happy that the pouch is no longer from leather. I absolutely dont need it, dont use it, and its -lets call it- vegan. Pretty nice move from Leica

[@mathphotographer]

:)

[@mjbxxv]

Man, if I want to put a silver lens on a black body, I will do it. And so should anyone who feels that way. There are no rules, and you shouldn’t be gatekeeping telling people what they shouldn’t and shouldn’t do, what is “normal” and what is not. I like your Channel and I love what you bring, but that comment and other hate keeping references are not ok. Photography should be welcoming and open, not exclusive or bougie. Yes I also shoot commercial photography using leicas, but people are free to do whatever they like, and even if someone feels the need to spray paint they noctilux pink they have the right to, because it’s their gear, their passion and their life.

[@distreall]

Wow, what an outburst for a small mention of color matching. Relax, he didn't say anything negative about people that do that.

[@kubowich]

You’re a certified idiot. He actually said it looks nice on a black M body.

[@mathphotographer]

Hi MJ B, my comment on color matching was not at all meant to offend anyone. Actually, I said that it looks very nice on the black finish of the M6. I would not spray my Noctilux into pink color but you are absolutely right, if someone wants to make the Noctilux pink, she or he is totally free to do so :)

[@kevin-parratt-artist]

To MJB 😳 Are you very lonely? There's always someone worse off than ourselves to take the mind of such inconsequential issues as camera cosmetics. Come to the Philippines and feed some street kids. 😊

[@jamesleung8679]

Funny subtitles, Summilux is zombie looks🤣🤣🤣

[@mathphotographer]

:)