Leica Summilux 35mm FLE II 11726/11727

[don daniel]

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[FrozenInTime]

The 35 Summilux  FLE II lenses do appear to be frequently showing up second hand ; seems many are not getting along with the lens, and give up after a couple of months.

Edited August 2 by FrozenInTime

[Leon Berg]

vor 14 Minuten schrieb FrozenInTime:

The 35 Summilux  FLE II lenses do appear to be frequently showing up second hand ; seems many are not getting along with the lens, and give up after a couple of months.

And I am trying to find out why that is.. 

[Leon Berg]

Can one of the users of the FLE II confirm, that the focus throw seems somewhat erratic and stiffer in certain segments? A photographer made me aware of that and I want to know if it was only his copy..

[bcaslis]

I wouldn't call it erratic, but on my FLE II the focus ring is somewhat stiffer just before the .7m mark, looser at infinity and close focus. But really this is just a nit, not a real problem.

 

[elmars]

vor 19 Stunden schrieb Leon Berg:

Can one of the users of the FLE II confirm, that the focus throw seems somewhat erratic and stiffer in certain segments? A photographer made me aware of that and I want to know if it was only his copy..

I cannot confirm this. My copy runs the same in all areas. But I had something like this with my FLE I. Leica Service fixed it.

But sometimes you can imagine such phenomena, especially when using portrait format with the focussing tab. Due to the different leverage effect, the focus seems to move differently than when using landscape format.

[RMF]

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18 hours ago, bcaslis said:

I wouldn't call it erratic, but on my FLE II the focus ring is somewhat stiffer just before the .7m mark, looser at infinity and close focus. But really this is just a nit, not a real problem.

 

Yes, mine too originally. After quite a bit of usage mine smoothed up quite a bit but still not perfect. Not sure if this is a design issue with the FLE2, a tolerance issue or manufacturer issue. It does get better with use though. 

[SudaliuS]

On 8/2/2025 at 10:23 PM, Leon Berg said:

Can one of the users of the FLE II confirm, that the focus throw seems somewhat erratic and stiffer in certain segments? A photographer made me aware of that and I want to know if it was only his copy..

My FLE II works great. The focus ring is tight and smooth in all places. Very sharp at f1.4. I tried several 35mm lenses before it and none of them showed such a sharp picture across the entire frame at an open aperture. This is a modern device with top optics, working great on both digital and analog cameras. Indeed, many have quibbles with this lens, but this is due to its high cost. There are not as many of them on the secondary market as the guys write. I did not compare it with the first version of the FLE, because there was no opportunity.

One way or another, the lens needs to be looked at in person and very carefully. Without any shipments. So that you can check everything yourself. Then you can sacrifice the warranty.

Edited August 4 by SudaliuS

[Leon Berg]

vor 16 Minuten schrieb SudaliuS:

My FLE II works great. The focus ring is tight and smooth in all places. Very sharp at f1.4. I tried several 35mm lenses before it and none of them showed such a sharp picture across the entire frame at an open aperture. This is a modern device with top optics, working great on both digital and analog cameras. Indeed, many have quibbles with this lens, but this is due to its high cost. There are not as many of them on the secondary market as the guys write. I did not compare it with the first version of the FLE, because there was no opportunity.

One way or another, the lens needs to be looked at in person and very carefully. Without any shipments. So that you can check everything yourself. Then you can sacrifice the warranty.

I am very happy to read about your experiences with the lens. It read like a rational report about it.

Thank you very much.

[chris7273]

I’ve had the Summilux 35mm FLE 2 since January 2023 and I’m very satisfied with it. I have another 35mm : an old summaron 35mm f/2.8 from my grandfather (goggle less type). 
I’m not a professional photographer — this lens is my “notebook” lens.
Here’s a link (flickr)  to a few modest images I’ve collected since I got it. They reflect my photographic style and what I can do with this 35mm.
Some are heavily cropped and edited, which showcases the advantages of the M11’s fabulous sensor (size and dynamic range).

 

 

https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCpDMS

 

and below : 9 examples from this gallery

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Edited August 4 by chris7273

[Leon Berg]

I am happy that you like your copy and use all of its capabilities. 

In the end it comes down to a certain tendency  to criticize Leica products because of their high price which I am also prone to.

We expect the best and don't want anything to be verschlimmert.. meaning aggravated..  I like it as pure as possible.. 

I don't need and want the closer focus (that's what I say now, never having used the lens)

Anyhow, I think I am gonna save the difference and invest in an 11663 or 11675 (I lean towards silver) and be happy ever after... 

[chris7273]

In the end,  a lens is just a tool 🙂

[Leon Berg]

And I am glad, you found the right one for you and enjoy using it. 

Meanwhile the deal I was after is off and I am getting a used serviced copy of the old FLE, which seems to be the perfect tool for what I want to do right now. 

Thanks to all four your time.