Summilux-M 35mm f1.4 Aspherical, commonly known as AA or Double A. Following the Noctilux 50mm f1.2, it was one of the early Leica lenses to incorporate aspherical elements. The Leitz product code is 11873, and the serial number falls in the 3.46 million range. The optical design consists of 5 groups and 9 elements. Filter size is E46, and the minimum focusing distance is 0.7 m.
It employs aspherical elements in the second and fifth groups. Production is said to have been extremely difficult, to the point that manufacturing could not keep up with demand, and the lens was discontinued after only a few years. There is even talk that each unit was produced at a loss, yet Leica continued regardless, which is very much in keeping with the Leica spirit.
Although the lens was announced at Photokina in 1990, serial number research indicates that this example was made in 1988. One imagines the challenge of building sufficient inventory for release after the announcement, and such speculation gains weight when you see the extraordinary image quality. Despite being a 35 mm wide-angle lens, it delivers a remarkable sense of three-dimensionality. Every test shoot is a fresh surprise.
A rare and highly sought-after lens.
The exterior is exceptionally clean. There is only slight paint wear from attaching and removing the hood, but aside from that, there is almost no sign of use. It will pair beautifully with a brand-new Leica body.
The lens received a full overhaul including focus adjustment in November 2025. Both the aperture and helicoid have been finished with an impressively smooth operational feel. Rangefinder coupling is perfectly aligned.
The glass is in excellent condition. No noticeable cleaning marks and no haze. This Double A delivers its intended optical performance. Test shots also produced excellent results. Sample images have been uploaded to our test-shot gallery, showing remarkable resolution, dimensionality, and beautiful bokeh.
The matching numbered box, 12587 hood, 13004 UVa II filter, and original front and rear caps are included.
