Question 1

What is the difference between the Leica 11673 and the 11879?

Accepted Answer

The 11673 is the black-finish version of the Leica 35mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH, while the 11879 is the silver-chrome finish version. Optically they are identical — same ASPH formula, same f/2 maximum aperture, same E39 filter thread. The choice between them is purely aesthetic and depends on whether your Leica M body is black or silver.

Question 2

Is the Leica 35mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH 11673 sharp wide open at f/2?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The aspherical element in the Summicron-M ASPH design specifically addresses the wide-open softness and 'glow' that earlier Summicron versions and competing lenses can show at f/2. The ASPH version delivers noticeably tighter correction wide open compared to the pre-ASPH Summicron 35mm, making it genuinely usable at f/2 for critical shots.

Question 3

How many versions of the Leica 35mm Summicron are there?

Accepted Answer

There are five main versions of the Leica Summicron 35mm. The first three used older optical designs without aspherical elements. A later version introduced the ASPH formula. The current production lens — article number 11879 in silver and 11673 in black — refines that ASPH design further. The 11673 belongs to this fifth-generation ASPH family, which delivers the strongest aberration correction of any Summicron 35mm iteration.

Question 4

Will the Leica 35mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH work on a Leica M digital body like the M11 or M10?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Summicron-M ASPH uses the standard Leica M bayonet mount, which is mechanically compatible with every Leica M digital body including the M10, M10-R, M11, and M11-P. The 6-bit coding on the lens barrel also allows compatible M bodies to automatically apply lens-specific corrections and log lens data in the EXIF.

Question 5

Can I use the Leica Summicron 35mm f2 ASPH on a mirrorless camera like a Sony or Fujifilm?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with an M-to-E or M-to-X adapter you can mount the Summicron-M 35mm on Sony Alpha mirrorless bodies or Fujifilm X-series cameras. You lose autofocus (the lens is manual-focus only) but the short register distance of these mirrorless systems actually makes M-mount lenses a great fit optically. Many photographers specifically seek out M-mount lenses for adapted use on Sony FE bodies.

Question 6

How does the Leica 35mm Summicron compare to the Leica 35mm Summilux?

Accepted Answer

The Summilux 35mm f/1.4 gives you an extra stop of light and a softer, more 'glowy' rendering wide open — desirable for some portrait or atmospheric styles. The Summicron 35mm f/2 is the more compact choice: it's smaller, lighter, and already delivers excellent sharpness and contrast at its maximum aperture. If you prioritise low-light flexibility and a distinctive wide-open character, go Summilux. If you want a smaller, more neutral lens for street and travel, the Summicron is the better pick.

Question 7

What are the main alternatives to the Leica 35mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH?

Accepted Answer

The most commonly discussed alternatives for the M-mount in this focal length are the Voigtländer Nokton 35mm f/1.4 and the Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 35mm f/2, both significantly less expensive. The Zeiss ZM 35mm f/2 Biogon is another well-regarded option. For photographers who want f/1.4 within the Leica ecosystem, the Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH is the natural step up. None of these fully replicate the Summicron's specific rendering and build quality, but they are legitimate options depending on your priorities.

Question 8

Is buying a used Leica Summicron 35mm ASPH a good idea?

Accepted Answer

Leica M lenses hold their value extremely well and are built to last far beyond a typical camera body lifespan — many copies in circulation are still performing perfectly after heavy use. Buying a second-hand Summicron 35mm ASPH makes a lot of sense if the lens has been properly inspected. Look for clean, coating-free glass, smooth focus travel, and dry aperture blades. On Camera-tweedehands.nl every used lens is individually photographed so you can see the actual copy, and each comes with a minimum 12 months warranty.

Mount	Leica M
Focal range	Standard
Prime / Zoom	Prime
Focal length (min)	35 mm
Focal length (max)	35 mm
Max. aperture	f/2
Year of release	2013
Maximum Aperture - Tele (f)	2

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Leica 35mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH (11673)

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About the Leica 35mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH (11673)

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Buying a used Leica 35mm Summicron-M ASPH

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