Summilux 35 asph pre fle vs FLE 1

[Leicaboy Norway]

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How much, if any at all, is the FLE 1 than the pre-fle asph?

How much of a cost difference would you expect?

 

Seems the asph pre fle was made while we all were shooting on film?

 

 

[lct]

If you refer to 35mm lenses, the Summilux 35/1.4 asph pre-FLE (11859, 11874, 11883) is a lens from 1994, if memory serves, with later copies 6-bit coded and calibrated for digital. Got a mint pre-owned 1997 copy with 6-bit code, hood and caps for 2,500 EUR in 2025. Some FLE v1 copies (11663) can be found at similar prices but they are more expensive generally. See on eBay.

Edited September 17 by lct

[Eoin]

I used a silver chrome Summilux 35 ASPH 6Bit coded for a few years, beautiful lens but prone to a little focus shift. 
I eventually sold it and replaced it with a standard black Summilux FLE V1 about 8 years ago.

The only real world difference I noticed was a very slight nervousness in the FLE bokeh in rare circumstances and a slight improvement in micro contrast.
Without doubt I would pick a FLE v1 or FLE v2 if close focus is required, over the previous ASPH non FLE version were I in the market again.

Summilux ASPH non FLE seem to range between €2500-€4000 for a black version and €3000 to €5000 for the silver chrome depending on condition, 6 bit coding and service history.

Summilux ASPH FLE v1 seems to range between €3000-€4000 and FLE v2 ranges between €4500 €5000+ depending on condition and remaining warranty.

 

[lct]

1 hour ago, Eoin said:

[...] I used a silver chrome Summilux 35 ASPH 6Bit coded for a few years, beautiful lens but prone to a little focus shift. [...] The only real world difference I noticed was a very slight nervousness in the FLE bokeh in rare circumstances and a slight improvement in micro contrast. Without doubt I would pick a FLE v1 or FLE v2 if close focus is required, over the previous ASPH non FLE version were I in the market again [...]

Agree about the FLE's bokeh and contrast but i find the latter slightly superior at f/1.4 only so i only use the FLE when i need sharper results at full aperture. I would not have bought the FLE if i had my copy of the pre-FLE then TBH. Interesting that your pre-FLE was prone to focus shift in spite of 6-bit coding. May i ask if your lens has been coded by Leica?

Edited September 17 by lct

[Eoin]

I would 100% agree with you, contrast improvement  with the FLE wide open & perhaps f/2.0 also if memory serves me well.

Yes mine was factory coded & serviced. Again if memory serves me well the silver and titanium versions were less prone or to a lesser degree exhibited back focus than the black anodised. My copy required me to go beyond the focus point and then bring it back into focus to get the best rangefinder accuracy.

I’ve often toyed with adding the chrome pre FLE back into my lenses, but given the price for a mint copy which seems to be increasing, it’s pushing closer to APO Summicron prices 2nd hand. There I can see a little better sharpness in the APO but not much else. 

[kiwidad]

On 9/17/2025 at 11:30 AM, Eoin said:

I used a silver chrome Summilux 35 ASPH 6Bit coded for a few years, beautiful lens but prone to a little focus shift. 
I eventually sold it and replaced it with a standard black Summilux FLE V1 about 8 years ago.

The only real world difference I noticed was a very slight nervousness in the FLE bokeh in rare circumstances and a slight improvement in micro contrast.
Without doubt I would pick a FLE v1 or FLE v2 if close focus is required, over the previous ASPH non FLE version were I in the market again.

Summilux ASPH non FLE seem to range between €2500-€4000 for a black version and €3000 to €5000 for the silver chrome depending on condition, 6 bit coding and service history.

Summilux ASPH FLE v1 seems to range between €3000-€4000 and FLE v2 ranges between €4500 €5000+ depending on condition and remaining warranty.

 

I acquired one of the 1st version asph and had it 6-bit coded by DAG and also calibrate the focus. When I purchased it I found it front focused to a degree it wasn’t usable. When I focused with the rangefinder the subject was nearly in bokeh.

DAG calibrated it and frankly the focus shift is within my ability to focus.. it’s a great lens and with its bad rep somewhat cheaper. If you have one with any significant shift you may want to get it recalibrated!

[Ecar]

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I have never used the FLE V2. However, I quickly returned the FLE V1 after comparing it with the pre-FLE several years ago. Although I appreciate this is highly subjective, the rendering of the pre-FLE looked significantly more interesting, especially in the oof areas.
I actually find the pre-FLE to be very close to the AA in overall rendering (with the former being slightly better in the corners and the latter a tad sharper in the center).
I should add that my copy of the pre-FLE is a regular black chrome that was bought new and factory coded in the digital age, shortly after the introduction of the M8. No focus shift that I can detect in real-life use.

[wontonny]

8 hours ago, kiwidad said:

I acquired one of the 1st version asph and had it 6-bit coded by DAG and also calibrate the focus. When I purchased it I found it front focused to a degree it wasn’t usable. When I focused with the rangefinder the subject was nearly in bokeh.

DAG calibrated it and frankly the focus shift is within my ability to focus.. it’s a great lens and with its bad rep somewhat cheaper. If you have one with any significant shift you may want to get it recalibrated!

I had to do this. Bought it second hand with a Sharpied DIY 6-bit coding. Had some pretty egregious focus issues. The seller included the original mount, and upon inspection I saw the mating surface of the 3rd party mount was manually ground (poorly). I switched back to the OEM, sent it into DAG to have calibrated and optimized for f/1.4, and now it's all my fault for mis-focusing. 

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