APO-Summicron-M 35mm f2 ASPH. Product code 11699. Introduced in 2021. A characteristically ambitious Leica lens developed with the goal of surpassing the limits of conventional lenses. An ultra-high-resolution wide-angle lens.
The optical design is extremely sophisticated, consisting of 10 elements in 5 groups and incorporating three aspherical elements. One of these has aspherical surfaces on both sides, resulting in a total of four aspherical surfaces. Unusually for a wide-angle lens, apochromatic correction has also been applied.
The minimum focusing distance when using the rangefinder is 0.7 m, but with live view the lens can focus as close as 0.3 m. This greatly expands shooting flexibility when used with digital Leica M cameras.
Performance is impressively sharp even wide open. In long-distance shooting tests, the results are so crisp that it is momentarily difficult to tell whether the image was taken stopped down or at full aperture.
This item was previously sold by our shop. It was carefully used by its owner and has now returned to us once again. Just as when we sold it last time, the barrel shows no signs of use and retains a like-new appearance. The included 12477 hood and the dedicated metal cap show minor paint loss and small scratches.
The aperture and helicoid operate properly. The glass is clear with no haze or cleaning marks, offering a beautifully transparent view. Results from our test shooting were also excellent. The rangefinder coupling is spot-on from full aperture (distances under 0.7 m are not coupled).
The original box, instruction manual, inspection certificate, leather case, hood, ring, dedicated front cap, rear cap, and 13131 UVa filter are included.
New examples have become quite expensive in recent years. For those looking for a well-kept used piece at a more reasonable price, this will be welcome news.
