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I now own a Leica Q3 and am considering buying a new Leica M (either the M11P or the new M rumored to come out). I would like to buy the 35mm APO f2.0. I tried the M11 and the 35mm APO in my local Leica store. When I brought the images into Lightroom I noticed that the Lightroom profile correction noticeably crops and corrects distortion even on a high end fixed focal length lens. The images are beautiful and the colors are excellent. But honestly, I was expecting less software correction from a lens of this caliber. I have seen lenses with far more software distortion correction but I also have seen a lot less and would welcome comments. I am by no means an expert on lenses.

SL2S + Leica Apo-Summicron-M 1:2/90 ASPH

good explanation

Choosing the right Leica M lens can be a daunting and challenging thing, given the very rich variety in M focal lengths, lens character, maximum apertures, size, optical design etc. M lenses span many decades of evolution, with major milestone designs from two influential eras: Mandler’s classic, filmic look, and Karbe’s modern, technically optimized designs. There is also a huge variety of other choices. This guide highlights some of the key aspects of choosing the right M lenses - focal length, character, speed, form factor, price and rarity, helping you find the ideal lens for your style and needs (hopefully). I have created a checklist of five questions to ask before the purchase: WHAT FOCAL LENGTH DO I WANT? Current M lenses offer a range of focal lengths from 16mm super-wide to 135mm telephoto, with classic street photography favorites being 28mm, 35mm, and 50mm for their versatility. Portrait and telephoto options like 75mm, 90mm, and 135mm bring subjects closer and tighter, though focusing accuracy can be challenging with a rangefinder (EVF to the rescue where applicable). Of course some prefer wide and ultra wide lenses as their daily driver and many good and useful combinations between focal lengths have been suggested - 35mm + 75mm, 24mm + 50mm + 90mm, 21mm + 35mm etc. WHAT CHARACTER SHOULD THE LENS HAVE? Leica M lens character differs significantly between two major milestones - the Mandler era and the Karbe era. Walter Mandler designed lenses, known for their softer pre-aspherical "character" rendering and sometimes signature glow, emphasize color rendition and tonal transitions, often using classic glass types to create a unique 'Leica look.' Mandler’s lenses (like the Pre-ASPH 35mm Summilux) are loved for their dreamy, filmic qualities. Peter Karbe’s lenses later introduced APO (Apochromatic) and ASPH (Aspherical) technologies, delivering sharpness across the frame and reducing aberrations, like in the 35mm and 50mm APO-Summicron. These lenses prioritize technical perfection and "clinical" sharpness with minimal optical flaws and are (as per their designer) supposed to be used even wide open without any major quality loss issues. WHAT MAXIMUM SPEED DO I NEED? Usually the hustle is between f/2 and f/1.4 as common choices for their balance between light-gathering and size, keeping in mind that every f/1.4 lens is also a f/2 lens, but not vice versa. Fast lenses like the Noctiluxes (f/0.95 or f/1.25) offer ultra-shallow depth of field and excel in low light but are generally larger, bulkier, heavier, and more challenging to focus. Summilux (f/1.4) lenses balance high speed and portability, while Summicron (f/2) lenses prioritize compactness and are versatile enough for most lighting conditions. Some users do not need the speed at all and are happy with f/2.8 or even f/4. IS FORM FACTOR AND SIZE IMPORTANT TO ME? The size of Leica M lenses ranges from ultra compact (such as the 28 summaron, 40 summicron, 28 elmarit, 35mm Summicrons I- IV or collapsible 50mm Elmar) to larger, heavier options. Mandler-era (and earlier) lenses are often more compact due to simpler optical formulas, while modern ASPH and APO lenses can be bulkier due to their complex elements, but this is not a particular rule. Many Leica M photographers favor compact lenses for the M system's signature light weight and unobtrusiveness and there are not that many choices of those in the latest modern line-up, which is a shame. HOW MUCH AM I PREPARED TO PAY? Prices of Leica M lenses have always been high. Used ones vary greatly depending on rarity, internet trends, special edition status and demand. Some have always been and others have just recently become collectibles, with prices rising through the roof. The rule of thumb for new lenses is the slower the lens, the cheaper it should be. If you are after a special, limited edition lens like a silver wide angle 28mm summicron, black paint 50mm noctilux or AA double aspherical 35mm summilux be prepared to pay the premium. No new lenses currently available as regular editions are rare and there are always some "sleepers" and bargains to be had. Please feel free to comment and add your observations. What are the perks you encountered when buying a M lens? Is the process confusing? Are they overpriced for what they offer?

After finally getting my M10 delivered to me last November, I was chomping at the bit to use my old lenses that I used to shoot with my M6's some 10 years or more ago. They are all older lenses (late 70's to mid 90's) in 28mm, 35mm, two 50mm's, 90mm, and 135mm and all relatively fast lenses (mostly summicrons with a summarit here and there) but not one of them is aspherical. I loved these lenses while shooting film and still love them on the M10, but it is a ROYAL pain to have to mash buttons up and down and in and out of menus to set the M10 to the right lens designation every time I switch lenses and to be perfectly honest, I haven't noticed a difference in the images. I tried ordering new bayonets that were "codeable" on ebay and turns out the screw patterns weren't the same. And at this point, I'm wondering if I should bother at all? Is there really a difference in a coded vs non-coded lens of this vintage besides getting exif data out of the shot? I've seen the magenta color shift in some of the images posted here and elsewhere, but damn if I can find it in my shots. So... are these lenses too old to code? Just the wider ones? Do I even care?

I am interested I purchasing my first Leica and have my eye on a T body which I can get for a reasonable price. The lenses are rather expensive and currently out of my budget. Would you be able to recommend alternative lenses or ways to use lenses on the T for someone on a budget? Thanks

I have a new Leica M10 and have some Cosina Voigtlander lenses with M mount I would like to code to be recognized by the camera I know ther are some devices out there. I would appreciate comments and information as to where to buy them Thank you Luis

Hi All SL-users! I have had my SL for some months and used mostly M-R lenses with the adapers and the 24-90 Zoom which covers most situations. The system is heavy, but once you get used to it, -you start wondering why not use lenses of your 645 cameras:)? I have the Contax 645 lenses and wonder if anyone has found suitable adapter to use these on the SL - even if the AF and some other functions might be lost? Some time back there were still companies which made tailor-made adapters, but I have learned that we are maybe past those times?;) However, there are individuals who are keen to solve problems and I remember someone making an AF-unit of Nikon's 16A-teleconverter, which was not that difficult after all... Even the Photokina exhibition might have revealed something on this front? So, -please, share any of your experience and of this topic? if there are any:)? br Hans

Hi, this is my first post. I would appreciate some advice: I'm about to leave for almost a month, going to Bolivia for a leisure trip. I won't be alone, so it's not a trip focusing on photography, but I will definitely use my camera as much as possible. I have a passion for street and documentary style, a little portrait, environmental and not, but I definitely don't disdain landscape! I use a M240: first of all, I'm a 50mm man - that will be the main lens for me. I'm still trying to decide which between the Nokton 50mm 1.2 or the Planar ZM 50mm f2 - lightness or speed? I might go for speed, that Nokton is not that big at all! And a pleasure to use. The other lens I already decided about is the Biogon 21mm f2 ZM, great wide angle; that will definitely be in my bag. Two doubts: 90mm Tele-Elmarit thin or 135mm Tele-Elmar? if I go light, will I miss the reach? I really enjoy shooting both, and both don't see use too often. But I don't mind a little more weight if necessary. Second doubt: should I take my 35mm? I have a wonderful Biogon 35mm f2 ZM but I fear it would see almost no use...although I think i interiors it might be more useful than the 50mm when shooting people! What are your thoughts? Thanks in advance!!

I'm in the process of considering ONE of three lenses, all Voightlander (This is more about focal length vs the brand): - 35mm/1.7 Ultron - 50mm/1.5 Nokton - 40mm/1.2 Nokton If you had to choose only one of these which would it be?

Hi guys, I'm interested in acquiring a 90mm Elmarit-M for the M10. I will be primarily shooting handheld. I was wondering if others had found that heavier chrome-brass versions of telephoto lenses helped reduce motion blur in their images, or did it have the opposite (or negligible) effect? Any insights into the use of telephoto lenses (not necessarily 90mm) would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

With the launch of the TL2 and the CL this year, Leica has boldly put its weight behind its APSC systems. The cameras look and feel great, though they would undoubtedly benefit from a richer selection of fast lenses to partner with. Personally, I see the TL / CL cameras filling an important void for M shooters. With rangefinders, lengths between 24-50mm tend to hit the sweet spot, and while the fast telephoto lenses render beautifully, manual focusing a 90mm Summicron on a rangefinder for candid street or action is borderline masochistic. In this respect, it would be great to see TL Summicron or Summarit prime equivalents of either the 75, 90, or 135 focal lengths, all with fast auto focus. I know we have the 55mm - 135mm zoom, but F 4.5 is not workable in low light, and the 60mm F2.8 Macro, while gorgeous, is a little too slow to auto focus. I would love to know what other people want to see on the TL lens roadmap. Let us build a little public pressure to ensure that these smart systems get the lenses they deserve.

I bought my SL with a Leica S and Novoflex Canon EF adapters to complement the lenses otherwise used on my S2 and RED cameras. I am looking to put together a range of the best M and R lenses, from wide angle such as the Super-Elmarit-R 15mm f/2.8 ASPH, to medium telephoto such as the APO-Telyt-R 280mm f/4. I am looking for recommendations based on first hand experience.

Going to New York on the 4th of July. what are best photo viewing areas with the best backgrounds. Also, best iso, shutterspeeeds, lenses. On the SL is there something that i have to program to simulate a cable release? Thanks for everyone's comment!

I recently purchased an 240 M-P and have been very happy with this camera for RF shooting with my Leica M lenses. I have many Minolta and Sony lenses that I use on a Sony A99 SLR, and was going to sell some of it because most of my shooting over the past few years has been with RF gear, mostly the Leica M5 for film and the M8 for digital. But I would like to explore the use of some of the better A-mount lenses, including a Minolta 200 2.8 AP0 lens on my M 240 with an adapter for this mount. My questions are, has anyone in the forum used the Novaflex adapter with Minolta or Sony A-mount lenses on the M240 or SL? And before I invest in some longer range Leica R lens options, do you feel the image quality with Minolta glass on Leica cameras is comparable to results obtained with Leica R glass? My main interest is in the telephoto range performance, because I have excellent M-lenses in the 21mm to 90mm range. I would be using the longer range lenses mostly for landscape/seascape photos and occasionally for environmental portraits.

I started a television channel on photography, "Magic of Light". Two broadcasts a week, every Saturday and Thursday 7 PM Pacific Time). The new episode, "What is Sharpness in Photography?" is up now! Enjoy!

Is there any way to achieve close focus with the 30, 35 or 45 mm S lenses? About 6"?

Hey everyone, Looking for a bit of friendly advice and opinion. I currently have a Leica M-A and like to stick to the "One Camera, One Lens" method of keeping my work consistent and always improving. When people talk about this, one lens usually refers to focal length, not exactly one lens. After lots of trial and error I learned that I see in 50mm, so I prefer using that focal length for all of my shooting. However, I currently own a 50mm Summicron-M and a 50mm Elmar-M (both newest versions, both brass chrome). I can't decide if I should sell one, and if so which one, or keep both. The summicron is quite a bit heavier than the Elmar, although I wouldn't classify either as light since they are both the chrome versions. The Elmar obviously have a size advantage, but the annoyance of uneven aperture settings and the collapsible function can sometimes get annoying as it doesn't lock collapsed and can just slide out if positioned in such a way. I'm having a hard time deciding if it makes sense to keep both, and if not, which one to keep. I currently justify ownership of both by saying the Elmar, while limited, is more suitable for when I'm not out specifically to be shooting, but walking to work or just running errands. The smaller size is nice when I'm not focused specifically on shooting. I'll use the Summicron when I'm going out to shoot, as its usability is substantially better, at the cost of its size and weight, but when I'm shooting the camera is in my hand and not really packed away or even hanging from my neck. Let me know your thoughts everyone, interested to hear some opinions on the subject of owning multiple lenses of the same focal length. Thank you!

I may be going to Tokyo some time next year. I'd like to know what my options would be as far as renting Leica equipment goes. Don't know where to start. Google search doesn't yield much. Any places that you know of? How easy is it to rent there? What are the requirements (if any)? Any input would be much appreciated. Ta in advance.

Hello guys, Leica Lab Italy asked me some questions about the use of the 28mm lens in my Street Photography. If interested that is the link: http://www.walkingphotographer.net/blog/leica-lab-interview-28 bye !

I've reached a difficult decision. I love my ageing M8 and its incomparable lenses, but it is doesn't get used enough. It's maybe too bulky, a little to slow, perhaps a little dated. Whatever the reasons, I've finally decided to swap it for the T system and an M lens adapter. The question is, what lenses do I trade / sell and which do I keep? I have to choose to lose at least some of the following: Elmarit M 1:2.8 24 mm Summicron M 1.2 50mm Summarit M 1:2.5 90mm Summicron 1:2 35mm Voigtlander CV15 Which of these wonderful lenses would be great on the T? The ones I keep will determine my choice of T lenses. If you have experience of any of these lenses on your T, please let me know and post a few piccies. Many thanks Steve'

Hey guys, maybe nice to revive the R series a bit, and I don't mean R lenses on M bodies or other digital hocuspocus. Except maybe the DM-R... This thread serves to post images taken with a Leica R camera, and Leica R Prime or zoom lenses. Please while posting tell us the the camera model, lens and film. Or as much as you know so others can learn about the combinations that have made it possible for you to take the photo. Here is a example. #1 Leica R8 - Kodak Gold 200 - Summilux-R 1:1,4/80mm

I have bought my first Leica T. It is nu first endeavour in the Leica system. It was a demo model in mint condition with alle accessoires and box. Just not a lens. I am wondering how to best the Leica experience for the least amount of money. So I have found a few options from cheap to more expensive: 1. Adapt my existing Nikon D glass with a lens adapter 2. Buy a 50mm Summicron F2 lens and an adapter. 3. Buy a new Sigma 45mm f2.8 4. Buy a new Leica 18mm f/2.8 If money was no object I'd would have liked the 23mm f/2. Alas that is not the case. So any advice would be much apreciated, about the above options and getting the best Leica colour and pop experience.

I was listening to an interview between Dr Andreas Kaufmann and Ralph Gibson, and I was intrigued by this statement by Ralph Gibson: I am curious if any of you have found that to be the case - that 75mm is "normal" for digital photography. See 3:55 in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Yaf8l1quJQ

Hi to all Leica lovers, I'm new to the forum, at least as registered user, and I want to thank you all for all your invisible support you gave me when searching for precious info about Leica. Probably the best resource online on this specific and lovable world. I'm interested to test some 35mm prime lenses (no Leica) for my digital M. I've heard about great results with: Voigtlander 35mm f2.5 Color Skopar Zeiss Biogon C 35mm f2.8 Zeiss Biogon C 35mm f2.0 (someone online affirming it is not sharp as the Zeiss 2.8) I know this is probably an old challenge but I just wanted to follow up it on 2020 , and I'm interested to a new lens. Anyone here who want to share its opinion both on digital or analogical is very very welcome. Furthermore....is it worth the Zeiss price gap (currently double the price for new)? Thanks a lot WanLevia