The Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH FLE is a fast 35mm lens for Leica M cameras. FLE stands for floating lens element: one group moves on its own as you focus, which keeps the lens sharp up close and fixed the focus shift of the Summilux before it.
Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH FLE
35mm f/1.4 lens for Leica M, 2010–2022
Updated
Quick facts
- Brand
- Leica
- Focal length
- 35mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/1.4
- Mount
- Leica M
- Made
- 2010–2022
Production
Leica announced the FLE on 17 May 2010, and it went on sale that July. It replaced the earlier Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH, which was known for focus shift: the point of sharpest focus moved as you stopped down.
Its nine elements sit in two parts. The five behind the aperture move as one group, separately from the four in front, as you focus.
In September 2022 Leica replaced it with a new version, often called the FLE II. It keeps nine elements in five groups, and focuses closer, has a built-in hood and uses 11 aperture blades instead of 9.
Identification
The FLE stops at 0.7 m on the focus scale and takes a separate rectangular hood that screws on. The 2022 version has a round hood built into the barrel and a focus scale that goes down to 0.4 m.
Both are 6-bit coded, so digital M cameras recognise the lens.
Models
- Black anodized (11663)
- The common finish.
- Silver chrome (11675)
- Harder to find.
- Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH (2022, 11726)
- From 2022. The replacement, with focusing down to 0.4 m, a built-in hood and 11 aperture blades. 338 g.
Specs
- Focal length
- 35mm
- Aperture
- f/1.4 to f/16, with half-stop clicks
- Aperture blades
- 9
- Optics
- 9 elements in 5 groups, one aspherical surface, with a floating element
- Closest focus
- 0.7 m, coupled to the rangefinder
- Lens mount
- Leica M, 6-bit coded
- Filter thread
- E46
- Hood
- Separate, rectangular, screw-on
- Weight
- About 320 g
- Length
- About 46 mm
- Launch price
- $4,995 (2010). By 2022 Leica had raised it to $5,995.
- Launch price: DPReview on the 2010 announcement
Cameras it fits
Every Leica M camera in our directory:
- Leica M6 · 35mm film rangefinder, 1984–1999
- Leica M6 TTL · 35mm film rangefinder, 1998–2002
- Leica M7 · 35mm film rangefinder, 2002–2018
- Leica M9-P · Full-frame digital rangefinder, 2011–2012
- Minolta CLE · 35mm film rangefinder, from 1980No 35mm frame lines, so you’ll need an external viewfinder.
Known faults and repairs
Stiff focusing when new
The focus ring is stiffer than on the earlier Summilux and loosens up with use. The aperture ring moves easily, so it can get knocked off its setting.
Source: Ming Thein’s review
Where to get it repaired
- Leica Customer Care
Wetzlar, Germany. Leica’s own service. Book through the online form.
- Leica Camera USA
Teaneck, New Jersey, US. Leica’s own service in the US. Contact Customer Care before you send anything, and include Leica’s repair and service form.
- DAG Camera Repair
Wisconsin, US. An independent Leica and Minox repairer.
We don’t have any arrangement with these shops. Ask about turnaround and price before you send a camera.