* Item pictured for illustrative purposes only, actual item not pictured. See ‘Notes’ next to grade for included items.
Leica 35mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH. Lens for M-Mount, Germany, Black Anodized Finish, 6-Bit {E39} 11879
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$2,690.00
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KEH Certified™ pre-owned gear, expertly inspected†
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All rental gear is between Excellent and Like New Minus condition
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Standard accessories included
Leica's 35mm Summicron-M ASPH: the rangefinder standard-bearer.
The Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH. sits at the center of the Leica M system for good reason. Its aspherical optical design delivers field performance that photographers have trusted across decades of street, documentary, and reportage work. The f/2 maximum aperture gives you enough light-gathering for indoor and low-light shooting without the bulk of faster glass, and the compact profile keeps the whole package genuinely pocketable on a Leica M body.
The 6-bit lens coding communicates lens identity to compatible Leica M digital bodies, enabling automatic EXIF data capture and vignetting correction in-camera. The E39 filter thread is a standard fitting across several Leica compact primes, so a single set of filters covers multiple lenses in a kit. Black anodized finish and German manufacture reflect what the Summicron line has always been: a lens built to last longer than your career.
At 35mm on a full-frame M body, you're working at a field of view that sits right between a standard 50mm and a wide 28mm. It reads natural to the eye, which is why photojournalists and street photographers have gravitated to this focal length for generations. For the price of admission into the Summicron line, you're getting a lens that holds its value and its optical integrity over the long term.
Who It's For
Street photographers shooting on Leica M bodies will find the 35mm focal length and f/2 aperture a practical match for fast, available-light work in tight urban spaces. Documentary and photojournalism shooters benefit from the 6-bit coding for clean EXIF metadata and the discreet form factor the M-mount demands. Travel photographers building a minimal kit get a single lens that covers candid portraits, environmental context shots, and interior scenes without switching glass. Collectors and long-term Leica users drawn to German-made, black anodized M-mount glass will find the Summicron-M ASPH. one of the most fixed primes in the system's history.
Key Features
- 35mm focal length with f/2 maximum aperture for controlled low-light work
- Aspherical optical design minimizes aberrations across the field
- 6-bit lens coding for EXIF automation on compatible Leica M digital bodies
- E39 filter thread matches multiple compact Leica primes
- Black anodized finish with German manufacture for long-term durability
- Compact profile keeps Leica M rangefinder genuinely pocketable
FAQ
- What does the 6-bit encoding do on this Summicron?
- It communicates lens identity to compatible Leica M digital bodies, automating EXIF data capture and applying vignetting correction in-camera.
- Is this lens fast enough for indoor shooting?
- The f/2 aperture handles indoor and low-light work without requiring faster (and bulkier) glass, though you'll need faster film or higher ISO in very dim conditions.
- How does 35mm compare to other focal lengths on an M body?
- At 35mm you're between a standard 50mm and a wide 28mm-the field of view reads natural to the eye and is why street and documentary photographers have favored this focal length for decades.
- Can I use the same filters across multiple Leica lenses?
- Yes. The E39 filter thread matches several other compact Leica primes, so a single set of filters covers multiple lenses in your kit.
- What's the optical design like?
- The aspherical (ASPH.) lens elements reduce aberrations and deliver the field performance photographers have relied on across street, documentary, and reportage work.
- Will this lens hold its value?
- Summicron lenses are built to last longer than your career-German manufacture and optical integrity mean the glass holds both its performance and resale value over decades.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 35mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2 |
| Mount | Leica M |
| Filter Thread | E39 |
| Finish | Black Anodized |
| Country Of Manufacture | Germany |
| Encoding | 6-Bit |
This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.
| Brand Name | Leica |
|---|---|
| Filter Size | 39mm |
| Focus Type | Manual focus (only) |
| Lens Mount | Leica M |
| Lens Type | Wide-Angle |
| Max Focal Length | 35mm |
| Min Focal Length | 35mm |
Learn what to expect from each condition, cosmetically. Images are representative of each grade and may not show the exact item you receive. All equipment is guaranteed to work as intended, unless otherwise noted. We also occasionally offer items that fall .
Exceptions
- New
- New in box complete with manufacturer's USA warranty. Not previously owned or used.
- Like New
- Essentially new with no signs of use. “Open box.” In manufacturer's packaging with original accessories and instructions. 180-day warranty.
- As Is
- Non-functional or damaged. Equipment will not work. Usable for parts. Not covered under KEH warranty and non-returnable.
Like New Minus
Like New Minus
Barely used with virtually no traces of wear. Only the closest inspections will reveal slight use. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent Plus
Excellent Plus
Lightly used with limited signs of wear. Exceptionally nice but may have slight wear on finish visible. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent
Excellent
Noticeably used with average signs of wear. Shows moderate wear for the age of the item, with the possibility of blemishes and/or minimal dings. Lens glass may have average dust and zoom/focus ring tension may have slight looseness or tightness overall, but will not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Bargain
Bargain
Frequently used with above-average wear. May have dents, dings, or finish loss. Lens glass may have small scratches, dust, and blemishes, and zoom/focus ring tension may have moderate looseness or tightness overall, but should not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Ugly
Ugly
Heavily used with extensive visible wear. Equipment is rough, with multiple impressions in the finish, excessive finish loss and brassing. Glass will have marks, fungus and/or heavy/cloudy haze which could affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. Not covered under KEH warranty.
