Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH Lens Safari Edition

Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH Lens Safari Edition Summary

The Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH Safari Edition features the same optics and close-focus capability as the regular black version of the Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH, but with a unique olive-green finish that matches Leica’s Safari releases.

The matt olive-green barrel has a silver-chrome brass focus tab and contrasting red and white distance scales, which provides a distinctive look for one of Leica’s most widely appreciated 35mm lenses.

This Safari design has been released with the 50mm Summilux ASPH Safari and the 28mm Summilux-M ASPH Safari, which match the Leica M11-P Safari camera. Nothing changes internally, so the optical design is the same as the standard lens, with an aspherical element and a floating element to render good levels of sharpness and contrast, even at the maximum f/1.4 aperture.

The extended close-focus distance down to 40cm provides more flexibility for framing compared with other M lenses that stop at 70cm.

The 35mm focal length is one of the most commonly used focal widths for Leica M users because it handles such a broad range of subjects. It is perfect for street photography, travel, environmental portraits and everyday snapshots.

Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH Lens Safari Edition Key Features

• Unique matt olive-green finish
• 62.5° Diagonal angle of view
• 0.4 m to infinity working range
• Integrated lens hood
• Number of lenses/groups: 9/5
• 46 mm long
• Weight 338g
• E46 filter thread
• Made in Germany

Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH Lens Safari Edition in More Detail

What does ‘Summilux’ mean?

Summilux lenses have been made since the late 1950s, and the word comes from the Latin words summi and lux, which mean “maximum light.” Any Leica lens with an f/1.4 aperture is denoted as Summilux, but it carries more weight than that because Summilux lenses also feature a recognisable look.

They are made by hand in Germany and provide high sharpness with clean rendering, while providing gentle falloff between the subject and the background. The combination of speed and character is why many photographers choose this range today, and it is also why Leica produces so few variations on each design. The Safari Edition has an olive-green finish on the exterior, but all of the range’s characteristics on the interior.

How does the optical design affect image quality?

With identical optics, this version of the lens performs just like the standard black version. Aspherical and floating elements render good results even wide open at f/1.4, and there is consistent sharpness across the frame.

Contrast and colour rendering are also the same, and the lens renders fine details with smooth separation between the subject and background.

Is the 40cm close-focus distance useful on rangefinders?

The Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH has an extended close-focus distance of 40cm, so it gets slightly closer than the 50mm version. You still focus normally through the rangefinder to 70cm, and then a small amount of resistance marks the point where the second cam takes over. This lets you focus between 70 and 40cm using Live View, the Visoflex viewfinder or the Leica FOTOS app.

The change is noticeable in use because the rotation angle of the focus ring is much longer than on the previous 35mm Summilux, now reaching 176 degrees. It gives more control over small adjustments and feels more precise when working at shorter distances. The 40cm range works well for details, table-top scenes and close-up framing, and the floating element design keeps the image quality consistent even when you are working near the minimum distance.

What is unique about the Safari finish on this Leica lens?

Leica has released Safari design variants for decades, and this version continues the matt olive-green theme. It complements the M11-P Safari body, although it also complements black or silver M cameras.

The silver-chrome brass focus tab stands out against the green, and the red and white distance markings are easy to read.

Is the 35mm Summilux good for everyday photography?

Yes. A 35mm focal length is one of the most commonly used options on an M camera because it covers such a variety of everyday subjects. It suits street photography, travel, environmental portraits, landscapes and everyday scenes.

The compact size and fast f/1.4 maximum aperture is excellent in low light, and the lens renders a natural slightly wide perspective that appeals to many photographers.

This version includes an optical design with nine elements in five groups, including an aspherical surface and elements with anomalous partial dispersion. It also has eleven aperture blades, which improves bokeh compared with a 9-bladed aperture.

What’s in the box

• Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH Lens Safari Edition
• Cover for lens hood
• Lens back cover,
• Soft case
• Instructions