Summilux 35mm ASPH FLE: Version 1 VS. Version 2

[BjarniM]

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I have decided to buy the Summilux-M 35mm, and now the only question left back is the choice: Should I go for the first ASPH-version (11663) or the new ASPH-version (11726).

My only matter and concern is the image quality, not viewfinder blockage nor the almost spiritual question about the square hood vs. retractable round hood nor the question about the price nor the question about closest focusing distance.

Can you share some thoughts about the image quality; sharpness, contrast, rendering and colours? And how about focus ring-stiffness; are they both as stiff to focus? How about focus throw?

Is there a noticeable difference between in the image quality version 1 and 2?

Thanks in advance.

[Darrell]

From what I’ve seen, there is no difference in image quality. The only differences are those you’ve indicated that you don’t care about.

[dugby]

I can only write about my 8yr old  FLE(11663).

The focus ring has & is easy to turn , similar effort to cutting an almost ripe banana. I wouldn’t want it any tighter or looser, it’s thixotropic tension is just perfect, and similar effort to my APO50.

[Tom B]

I returned the Version 1  because of it‘s stiffness in the focusring - and go for the actual version. I‘m very fine with it. The Leica Seller assured me, that there is absolut no difference in the optical calculation….

[evikne]

The v2 should have a little rounder out of focus "bokeh balls" when stopped down because of more aperture blades (wide open both are perfectly round).

[jakontil]

The only notable different is the close focus if u ever need it and a built in hood.. whereas i dont actually use the hood on my V1, i got no choice this time 

[Jeff S]

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The 35 Summilux ASPH v2 apparently has improved aperture ring resistance and more pronounced clicks than other more recent M lenses, which have (too) loose aperture rings IMO, including the more expensive 35 M APO Summicron.

 

 

I won’t be exchanging my already superb v1, but something to perhaps consider if one is newly choosing between the Summilux versions.

Jeff

Edited June 9, 2023 by Jeff S

[Segal]

I have both, and I don't see any significant difference in image quality or stiffness after several months of use (v2 is indeed slightly stiffer). The bokeh should be marginally prettier, but I haven't noticed it. I never tried to compare them directly; I just shoot with one lens at a time. 

I like v2's ability to focus closer and the new hood, but I understand that not everyone cares about them

[Jeff S]

23 minutes ago, Segal said:

I have both, and I don't see any significant difference in image quality or stiffness after several months of use (v2 is indeed slightly stiffer). The bokeh should be marginally prettier, but I haven't noticed it. I never tried to compare them directly; I just shoot with one lens at a time. 

I like v2's ability to focus closer and the new hood, but I understand that not everyone cares about them

And aperture ring action and clicks (post #7)

Jeff

[Segal]

5 minutes ago, Jeff S said:

And aperture ring action and clicks (post #7)

Jeff

I just took both lenses and compared the aperture rings. Yes, you're right; the clicks on v2 are more defined in both their sound and tactile feedback, so it's easier to dial in the correct aperture by counting clicks without looking at the lens. 

I also compared the focusing rings again, and the difference in stiffness is barely noticeable. 

[tappan]

Anybody know if starburst (or sunbursts) are better in the newer FLE than the older FLE when stopped way down?
I know that this is not the question of our lifetimes, but sometimes I like a good starburst/sunburst.
Here is the difference between the older 35mm FLE shot with the newest 28mm Elmarit.
The 28mm Elmarit has better pronounced control over the sun.
Thanks,
Mark in Boston

 

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[Sharpdressed]

I kept the V1 because i don’t actually need the close focus feature and on film is actually better not to have it because sometimes it can be misleading since the rangefinder patch stops working at about 0,65m.

Optically they are the same.

[Alberti]

On 6/10/2023 at 1:52 AM, Segal said:

I like v2's ability to focus closer and the new hood, but I understand that not everyone cares about them

I changed the hood of my FLE and replaced it with a hood of a Summarit 35/50: it is a perfect fit.

And more: the lens has a [slight?? like Tappan notes] propensity to flare when the sun is in the lens, washing out the excellent contrast. The original cap is not that great in that respect; it is good for a 24mm . .   My new combo is great.

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I see no vignetting ever (checking it amateuristically). 

 

Edited May 1 by Alberti

[odoomi]

Am 1.5.2025 um 10:15 schrieb Alberti:

I changed the hood of my FLE and replaced it with a hood of a Summarit 35/50: it is a perfect fit.

And more: the lens has a [slight?? like Tappan notes] propensity to flare when the sun is in the lens, washing out the excellent contrast. The original cap is not that great in that respect; it is good for a 24mm . .   My new combo is great.

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I see no vignetting ever (checking it amateuristically). 

 

I replaced mine with the hood of the 28 Summicron ASPH - also a perfect fit and the hood makes the lens smaller... best, Andreas 

[rcusick]

I like the v1 because it’s slightly smaller and lighter.  I don’t need the close focus or built in hood. 

[archive_all]

6 hours ago, odoomi said:

I replaced mine with the hood of the 28 Summicron ASPH - also a perfect fit and the hood makes the lens smaller... best, Andreas 

Are you willing to post a picture of that? I've though about it but never wanted to risk the purchase in case it did not fit.

 

[evikne]

The FLE v1 gave me a lot of headaches because of all the separate parts. I preferred to use it without the lens hood because of its size, but then I should have attached the thread protector ring, and preferably a protective filter, as the front element is quite exposed. And when I needed the lens hood I had to remove the ring and filter again …

I would much rather have preferred the built-in lens hood.

[odoomi]

Am 19.5.2025 um 03:19 schrieb archive_all:

Are you willing to post a picture of that? I've though about it but never wanted to risk the purchase in case it did not fit.

 

here we go. Perfect fit - no vignetting at the sides... 

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IMG_1071.HEIC

[odoomi]

here is the original hood - a little bit bigger and somehow more "open" - can someone speculate on the impacts, maybe on flare or so? Did not really see too much of a difference, however, the somehow smaller footprint makes it all appealing... best Andreas 

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M