Leica Camera AG presents three next-generation models of the Leica M Summicron-M 35 mm f/2 ASPH., Leica Summicron-M 28 mm f/2 ASPH. and Leica Elmarit-M 28 mm f/2.8 ASPH. lenses with improved performance profiles: It has been possible to improve the imaging quality of all three by optimisation of their optical design. Another new feature is more robust lens construction: as opposed to the earlier models, all three lenses now feature a full-metal rectangular lens hood with a thread mount and a threaded protection ring for the front the lens when the hood is not attached. The lens cap is now also made of metal.
As is the case with all Leica lenses, this classic trio of lenses for Leica reportage photography unites optical and technical excellence made in Germany. The combination of state-of-the-art technology, finest materials and painstaking manual construction ensures consistent quality and makes them reliable products of enduring value.
The new generation Summicron-M 28 mm f/2 ASPH. and Elmarit-M 28 mm f/2.8 ASPH. lenses will be available from the end of January: The Summicron-M 35 mm f/2 ASPH. will be available from February in black and, for the first time, also in silver anodised finish.
The Summicron-M 35 mm f/2 ASPH. fast classic prime impresses with superior imaging performance and unique bokeh. Despite its high speed and exceptional imaging quality, its dimensions are astoundingly compact. Together with this lens, every Leica M becomes an extremely compact and elegant photographic tool. The new generation of the Summicron-M 35 mm f/2 ASPH. now has an eleven blade iris. This creates a circular aperture that reproduces out of focus areas in the background and foreground of subjects in a particularly harmonious way. The results are pin-sharp images with high contrast, almost complete freedom from distortion and wonderful bokeh at all apertures and distances and even when wide open.
High performance and speed are also characteristic features of the Summicron-M 28 mm f/2 ASPH. wide-angle lens. Its outstanding speed makes it particularly versatile and delivers brilliant imaging results even in difficult lighting conditions. At its maximum aperture, the Summicron-M 28 mm f/2 ASPH. already delivers rich contrasts, differentiated reproduction of even the finest structures, a soft and smooth bokeh and extremely high resolution that guarantee excellent imaging results from corner to corner of every picture. Improvements to the optical design in this new generation have made it possible to achieve even better imaging performance across the entire image field. The significant reduction of image field curvature guarantees better resolution of details from corner to corner of every picture.
The Elmarit-M 28 mm f/2.8 ASPH. is the most compact lens in the entire portfolio of Leica M-Lenses. Due to its compact size and low weight, this lens is a particular favourite of street and reportage photographers. In comparison with the earlier model, the new generation lens offers significantly reduced image field curvature, which brings considerably improved imaging performance with high resolution and extremely brilliant resolution of details. The Elmarit-M 28 mm f/2.8 ASPH.is practically distortion free from infinity to its closest focusing distance of 0.7 metres and occludes the view through the viewfinder of Leica M cameras hardly at all.