Best 35mm Leica Summicron Lens? v1,v2,v3,v4,v5,v6,v7 Comparison

What is the best 35mm Leica Summicron lens for Leica M mount? Today I discuss and compare the Pre-ASPH Leica Summicron 35mm f2 v1, v2, v3, v4, the v5 + v6 ASPH lenses and the Leica Summicron 35mm f2 APO (v7). This lens comparison includes my lens of choice, cheaper 35mm Summicron alternatives and the Summicron-R 35mm f2. (YouTube videos and photos linked below for each section)

All Leica Summicron 35mm f2 lenses

Before we start let’s recap all seven different Leica Summicron 35mm f2 lenses made for Leica M mount and their production periods. The first lens (the “8 element”) was produced in 1958 and today we have two current production lenses to choose from (v6 and v7 APO).

• V1 – Leica Summicron 35mm f2 M (1958-1969)
• V2 – Leica Summicron 35mm f2 M (1969-1979)
• V3 – Leica Summicron 35mm f2 M (1969-1979)
• V4 – Leica Summicron-M 35mm f2 (1979-1996)
• V5 – Leica Summicron-M 35mm f2 ASPH (1996-2015)
• V6 – Leica Summicron-M 35mm f2 ASPH II (2016-)
• V7 – Leica APO-Summicron-M 35mm f2 ASPH II (2021-)

Similarities across 35mm Summicron lenses

All Leica Summicron 35mm lenses offered a close focus distance of 0.7m (excluding some v1 lenses and the v7 goes to 0.3m). All lenses have a focus tab design (v1 is the old style tab with focus lock).

Differences between 35mm Summicron lenses

The optical formula of the lenses changes from 8 elements (v1)(“8E”), to 6 elements (v2, v3), then 7 elements (v4), then 7 element ASPH design (v5, v6) and finally the v7 APO. I’ll discuss other differences as we work through this article.

My journey with 35 Leica Summicron lenses

It took me almost a decade to find my favourite Leica Summicron lens in M mount. I started with a Leica R lens 35mm Summicron, next a Minolta version of a 40mm Summicron. Some years past and I bought 2 Leica Summicron 35mm replica lenses and finally I bought two Leica Summicron Pre-ASPH lenses and kept my favourite.

Below I include sample photos and links to detailed lens reviews on YouTube. Click the video links for full lens testing and test photos showing the lens characteristics. (Photos in the article are captured in RAW then edited with MrLeica LR Presets. If you enjoy this article subscribe for more.

Cheapest Leica Summicron 35mm lens?

So to kick things off, if you think all Leica Summicron 35mm lenses are expensive then you might be looking in the wrong place. Let me first add that when I state “cheapest”, please note that I mean cheap for Leica and not low priced. Most Pre-ASPH Leica Summicron 35mm lenses for Leica M mount are priced at over £1000 (used) and ASPH lenses at over £2000 (used). Did you consider 35mm Summicron-R lenses from Leica?

Leica Summicron-R 35mm f2

Leica R mount lenses are designed for Leica R cameras. In today’s market Leica R lenses are in less demand for photography as Leica R cameras were discontinued and it’s a legacy lens mount.

I own Leica R cameras and they are fantastic but I feel today most people gravitate to the iconic Leica M film cameras instead (me included). Less demand from photographers would help keep prices low but sadly cinematographers love Leica R lenses so prices increased in the last 5+ years.

Here are some example photos using the 35mm Leica Summicron-R lens on film with various Leica R cameras (Leicaflex SL, Leica R5, Leica R6, Leica R7).

Adapting Leica R lens to M mount

I found a good price (under 50% the cost of M mount Summicron lenses) so I purchased a Leica Summicron-R 35mm f2 lens. I’ve captured some great images from this lens on both film and digital.

In the past I used the lens on my digital Leica M240 and focused using the add-on EVF. Today I would pick up my Leica SL or Lumix S5 camera instead for ease of use. These cameras have less viewfinder lag, better ergonomics with bigger lenses and I can use the Light Lens Lab L-M close focus helicoid adapter (via Leica M-R Novaflex adapter).

Leica R lenses

Some Leica R mount lenses offer fantastic value for money but the 35mm focal length isn’t normally one of the cheapest ones. You can adapt Leica R lenses to Leica M mount but remember they have no rangefinder coupling as these are SLR lenses for Leica R cameras.

Leica R lenses are very popular for video as they give a beautiful filmic rendering that is less harsh compared to modern lenses. I use Leica R lenses to record my current YouTube videos. The 2024 Q&A video was recorded with a Leica R lenses on my Lumix S5 (Leica 80-200mm f4 lens).

35mm Summicron-M cheap alternative

When I first got into the Leica eco system over a decade ago I didn’t have the money to buy Leica branded lenses so I was always looking for the next best thing for my Leica M9. After much research I discovered the Minolta Rokkor-M 40mm f2 lens which is based (loosely) on the Leica Summicron-C 40mm f2 lens. The 40mm Summicron-C is the smallest Leica Summicron lens ever made and the lightest.

I decided to buy the Minolta Rokkor-M 40mm f2 version 2 over the Leica Summicron-C 40mm as it was said to have better flare resistance. At the time, the 40mm Summicron-C lens was much cheaper than 35mm Summicron lenses from Leica. Leica M cameras don’t have 40mm framelines and these lenses were designed for the little Leica CL film camera.

Minolta Rokkor-M 40mm f2

As the Leica Summicron-C 40mm f2 was designed for the Leica CL camera the Minolta Rokkor-M 40mm f2 was designed for the Minolta CLE film camera. Both these cameras are small with 40mm frame lines so these small lightweight lenses pair nicely to these cameras.

I own the Leica CL film camera but I enjoy using the Minolta Rokkor-M 40mm f2 lens on a range of camera. For digital I tend to use the Leica SL and Lumix S5, often paired with a Light Lens Lab L-M close focus helicoid adapter (this video). For the smallest digital setup I use the lens on my digital Leica CL camera.

When I shoot film the 40mm Minolta Leica M mount lens also pairs nicely with a Leica M3 as you can use the full viewfinder area to approximate 40mm. I also find it much easier to accurately focus my portraits when using the Leica M3 vs Leica CL due to the larger EBL (Effective Base Length).

Buying a Leica Summicron 35mm replica

Before I bought a Leica Summicron M lens Light Lens Lab released their remake of the Leica Summicron 35mm f2 8-Element. The 8 element (8E) was the first Leica Summicron lens (v1) and tends to be expensive if looking for a clean copy.

Light Lens Lab 35mm f2 LTM lens (8E)

The most exciting features of the Light Lens Lab 35mm f2 8E replica was the fact that they made a tiny collapsible version in Leica screw mount (LTM). As someone that loves Leica III cameras I was sold instantly.

The Light Lens Lab 35mm f2 LTM lens was one of my smallest lenses so I used it a lot. Here you can see example images shooting film. (I later swapped it for a different version, see below).

Smallest 35mm lens for Leica M

The Light Lens Lab 35mm f2 LTM must be the smallest 35mm lens for Leica M mount. To my knowledge it is also the only collapsing design 35mm lens made. If you want a compact setup this is unbeatable and it fits all screw mount cameras too such as Leica III cameras.

NEW! Voigtlander Color Skopar 35mm f3.5 VM

Update! Voigtlander just released their new Voigtlander Color Skopar 35mm f3.5 VM lens. This IS now this smallest, lightest (LLL is 135g vs Voigtlander 99g), high performance 35mm lens for Leica M mount. I’m going to order a copy, it’s that good! Save money at RobertWhite.co.uk with the MRLEICA/MRLEICACOM discount code.

Borrowing a compact 35mm Summicron lens

My first opportunity to test a true 35mm Leica Summicron lens was when I travelled with famous YouTuber Peter Coulson. Peter kindly leant me his version 3 Leica Summicron lens and I loved it as a walkabout lens on my Leica M240. See these videos –

Buying a second 35mm Summicron replica

After enjoy my Light Lens Lab 35mm f2 8E LTM lens for a while eventually I missed having a modern focus tab. I swapped the collapsible LTM version for the rigid LLL 8 Element in black to match my Leica M10. Optically both lenses are identical (if you remove the UV filter from the LTM copy). For real world use the rigid version has much nicer handling and is more akin to the design of other Leica Summicron 35mm f2 lenses.

Light Lens Lab 35mm f2 8-Element M

The Light Lens Lab replica of the original version 1 Leica Summicron 35mm f2 “8 Element” has better corner sharpness than the version 2 and version 3. The rendering is beautiful for black and white especially, as seen in the example photos below.

Leica Summicron 35mm f2 8-Element (v1)

If you are a Leica M3 fan/ user you might want to get the original Leica Summicron 35mm f2 8-Element lens which comes with goggles. (There are versions with and without goggles*). This is the lens the Light Lens Lab 35mm f2 8E above is based on (in terms of optics).

Leica goggles let Leica M3 users compose the 35mm field of view through the 50mm framelines of the M3. (If you’re new to Leica the Leica M3 was the first Leica M camera and back then the widest frame lines built into the camera were 50mm. (See my Leica M film camera buyer’s guide).

Light Lens Lab 35mm 8-Element vs Leica Summicron v1

As the Light Lens Lab 35mm f2 8-Element replica is based on the original Leica Summicron 35mm f2 v1, how do the two lenses compare? Check out this video for comparison testing.

Finally buying a Leica Summicron M lens

After borrowing the Leica Summicron 35mm f2 v3 from Peter Coulson I could never quite get it out of my head. The bokeh was slightly more elliptical at the edges and the lens flare was warmer which I prefer. Eventually I started searching for great lens deals online (MBP and eBay mostly).

Leica Summicron 35mm f2 v2

The lens I bought was a Leica Summicron 35mm f2 v2. I bought it just before a European road trip so I got to use the lens in the Czech Republic and Austria. I really loved the colours with my Leica M262 and Leica SL cameras.

Buying another 35mm Summicron lens

Before buying the Leica Summicron 35mm f2 v2 I had been searching for a nice copy of the Leica Summicron 35mm f2 v3. Only days after receiving the version 2 Summicron I found a really nice version 3 Summicron. I had to buy it so I could decide which was right for me.

Leica Summicron 35mm f2 v3

The Leica Summicron 35mm f2 v3 was the best lens for me so I returned the Summicron v2. This is now my current favourite 35mm EDC (every day carry) walk around lens for Leica M mount for digital. The small size is perfect for me and it gives 0.7m close focusing and a modern style focus tab which I enjoy.

Difference? Leica Summicron 35mm f2 v2 vs v3

What is the difference between the Leica Summicron 35mm f2 version 2 and the version 3? Size and weight of both lenses is near identical. The big advantage of the v3 over the v2 is you can mount standard 39mm filter (and hood). Not being able to use my E39 filters on the v2 was a frustration. Optically the v2 and v3 lenses are identical so both give the same photos.

Pre-ASPH Leica Summicron 35mm vs Voigtlander Ultron 35mm

Pre-ASPH 35mm Leica Summicron lenses give a more filmic look to my eyes than perhaps modern lenses such as the Voigtlander Ultron 35mm f2 VM. The Voigtlander Ultron is a great lens and I own it and this would perhaps be my choice when shooting film at wider apertures.

I would describe the look of the Pre-ASPH Leica Summicron 35mm f2 v3 (and v2) as being like a Voigtlander Ultron 35mm f2 lens with a mist filter attached. I love shooting the Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Pre-ASPH at the sun to get that magical flare effect.

The 35mm Voigtlander Ultron to my eyes is closer to later Leica Summicron 35mm ASPH lenses which are more corrected for better performance. Shot wide open the Voigtlander Ultron easily outperforms the Pre-ASPH Leica Summicron v2 and v3 lenses.

Voigtlander Ultron 35mm f2 VM

For completeness here are some images shot with the competitively priced Voigtlander Ultron 35mm f2 VM lens. First photos shot on digital. Advantages of the f2 Ultron over the earlier Voigtlander Ultron 35mm f1.7 is it is now smaller and comes with a modern focus tab.

For film I’ve used the Voigtlander Ultron 35mm f2 on my Leica M2 and Leica CL film camera.

King of bokeh (KOB) Leica Summicron 35mm v4

One lens you might of heard of is the famous KOB Leica Summicron 35mm f2 v4 or “king of bokeh”. I did try the version 4 lens “made in Canada” copy and the build quality was awful. Yes the lens is optically better performing compared to the version 2 a version 3 but I’d never buy it as it feels like a cheap toy lens.

Six months later I got to try the King of bokeh Leica Summicron 35mm f2 “made in Germany” lens during my Germany road trip (this video). The difference was night and day. Heavier build and more Leica like in its construction compared to the Canadian version I tested in Prague.

Mandler 35mm f2 vs Leica Summicron King of Bokeh

Chinese company Mandler just released a copy of the Leica King of Bokeh lens. Check out the YouTube video to see how the lenses compare and to see different versions of the Leica KOB lens.

Leica Summicron 35mm f2 v4 (Canada vs Germany)

Made in Germany vs made in Canada. Normally it never matters to me but when I compare the Canadian made Leica Summicron-M 35mm f2 v4 to the made in Germany version the Canadian copy felt light, more plastic and very cheap. I needed answers so I did a lot of reading. (This info is absent from the Leica “bible” pocket book).

All version 4 Leica Summicron 35mm lenses have the same optics so can all take the same images. Early dated lenses were made in Canada and these are lighter, using some cheaper materials and are prone to misalignment of the front element.

Later copies of this lens were made in Germany and feel heavier and more like a Leica lens. There is some overlap so it’s best to ignore the name on the lens and only focus on the weight. If it’s heavy, it’s a good one, if it’s light it will feel cheap but can take the same images if in good condition.

The Leica Summicron-M 35mm f2 v4 is optical improved over the v2 and v3. Better corner performance is noted and Leica suggests best performance at f5.6 (vs f8 for the v2/ v3).

Leica Summicron-M 35mm f2 ASPH (v5 & v6)

In 1996 Leica released the first aspherical Leica Summicron lens (v5). Still 7 elements but the ASPH design now gives much higher performance compared to Pre-ASPH models (v1-v4). I feel the pre-ASPH Leica Summicron lenses have more character and charm. The ASPH versions (v5 and v6) are more similar to other modern 35mm lenses for Leica M mount such as those from Cosina Voigtlander. Non-aspherical versions (v1-v4) are smaller and lighter which I prefer.

v1, v2, v3, v4, v5, v6, v7 Leica Summicron 35mm f2

Leica Summicron 35mm lenses got bigger and heavier over time –

• v1 (8E) – 150g (225g with googles), 39mm filter, MFD 0.65-1m, focus lock
• v2 (6E) – 170g, 39mm filter, MFD 0.7m, focus tab
• v3 (6E) – Same as v2 but now accepts standard 39mm filters/ hood
• v4 (7E) – 160-250g, 39mm filter, MFD 0.7m, focus tab (“tab”)
• v5 (7E)(ASPH) – 255g, 39mm filter, MFD 0.7m, plastic clip-on hood, tab
• v6 (7E)(ASPH) – 252g, As v5 but with metal screw-in hood
• v7 (10E)(APO) – 320g, 39mm filter, MFD 0.3m, metal screw-in hood, tab

35mm Summicron v1, v2, v3, v4, v5, v6, v7 performance

Leica states the following apertures give maximum performance –

• v1 (8E) – Best results @f5.6
• v2 (6E) – Best results @f8 (fewer elements = more contrast wide open)
• v3 (6E) – Same as v2
• v4 (7E) – Best results @f5.6
• v5 (7E)(ASPH) – Best results from f2.8-f4
• v6 (7E)(ASPH) – Same as v5. More aperture blades for smoother bokeh
• v7 (10E)(APO) – Best from wide open @f2.0

Sharpest Leica Summicron 35mm f2

Are you looking for the sharpest Leica Summicron 35mm f2 version? I don’t own this lens but I did get to use it a few times. Sadly the sharpest (or highest performing) is also the most expensive. I remember when it was released, it was out of stock for many months.

If you want maximum sharpness plus the true Summicron optical formula you need to look at the Leica APO-Summicron-M 35mm f2 lens. I say this as if you don’t mind a third party lens you can also check out the Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 35mm f2 VM lens.

Leica APO-Summicron 35mm f2

The 35mm APO from Leica is by far the most expensive Leica Summicron lens and probably the highest priced 35mm lens for any system ever – Check prices. The 35mm Summicron-M APO was ground breaking when it was released and gives you perhaps the best 1-lens set ups for Leica M camera owners.

If you’re a 35mm guy (or girl) and just have one lens on your camera all the time this lens lets you get closer than any other 35mm lens ever made for Leica M mount.

Finally you can take photos of you dinner for Instagram (follow me on IG) or in my case use it for close up portraits. Quite a few students have brought this lens to my Leica workshops over the years and here is me borrowing the lens in London while we were with Roseanne. (This was the day I also borrowed the Canon 50mm f0.95 dream lens (see video).

Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 35mm f2

Perhaps the biggest benefit of the Voigtlander 35mm f2 APO is the price. The Voigtlander is more than 7x cheaper than the Leica 35mm f2 APO yet is still high performing and very sharp. Like the Voigtlander 50mm f2 APO-Lanthar than I own (see video), the 35mm APO optical design gives you very pleasing bokeh and sunstars thanks to rounded aperture blades.

35mm lens sharpness test

Here are a few test images from when I reviewed the Voigtlander 35mm APO-Lanthar f2 against some of my other 35mm lenses. After using multiple Leica Summicron 35mm f2 lenses I can say that the Voigtlander will out perform most of them (excluding the Leica 35mm APO).

APO lenses in general are some of the most corrected lenses so you can normally expect the highest performance. (Did you know that TTArtisan makes a very affordable 35mm f2 APO lens? – This video).

Leica 35mm APO vs Voigtlander 35mm APO

So what is the ultimate 35mm f2 APO lens for Leica M mount? Leica 35mm APO vs Voigtlander 35mm APO? I’ve never shot them side by side on the same day but if money is no object then the Leica lens is the clear winner. Benefits of the Leica APO-Summicron-M 35mm f2 include –

• Smaller size (especially without the lens hood)
• Closing focusing – MFD 0.3m vs 0.5m
• Soft stop at 0.7m for coupling RF (vs not)
• Square lens hood included (check out SquareHood)
• Built-in focus tab design (vs without)
• 6-Bit coded (vs not)
• Summicron design with that Leica signature look

Conclusion – Best 35mm Summicron?

Let’s summarise which 35mm Leica Summicron lens might suit you the best –

• Sharpest/ highest performing – v7
• Closest focusing – v7
• Lightest lens – v1 (LTM version)
• Best lens for Leica M3 – v1 (with goggles)
• Worst performing – v2/ v3
• Biggest jump up in performance – v5 (ASPH)

Do you need faster than f2?

Leica Summicron lenses are great if you are happy with a maximum aperture of f2. If you enjoy taking photos in the dark or perhaps shoot film in low light you might want something faster. If you want to stick with Leica lenses then look at Leica Summilux lenses that offer a maximum aperture of f1.4.

Leica Summilux 35mm f1.4

A popular lens with my Leica workshop students is the Leica Summilux 35mm f1.4 ASPH. I’ve never owned this lens but I had the opportunity to try it several times.

Comparison: Leica Summilux vs Leica Summicron

I had the opportunity to compare the latest Leica Summilux 35mm f1.4 vs the Leica Summicron-M 35mm f2 APO. See this video for the results.

Fast 35mm lenses for Leica M

If you don’t want to pay the price tag for a Leica Summilux 35mm f1.4 ASPH lens there are lots of third party options. To prevent this article getting even longer here are a few reviews to check out –

• Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f1.2 VM v2 + v3
• Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f1.4
• Funleader Artizlab 35mm f1.4 (New)
• Zeiss Distagon 35mm f1.4 ZM
• 7Artisans 35mm f1.4
• Thypoch Simera 35mm f1.4
• Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f1.5
• Voigtlander Ultron 35mm f1.7

35mm Summicron vs Voigtlander Nokton Classic 35mm f1.4

My favourite 35mm lens for Leica M

As you may have gauged from the many reviews listed above, I’ve been fortunate enough to have tested most of the 35mm lenses made for Leica M mount. (I didn’t even mention lenses like the tiny Voigtlander Color Skopar 35mm f2.5).

Of all the 35mm lenses tested what is the best 35mm lens for Leica M mount? Best is of course subjective so I’ll give some honorary shout outs to lenses that impressive me the most (from memory).

Best 35mm lens for Leica M mount?

• Best 35mm lens for sunstars – Voigtlander Ultron 35mm f1.7
• 35mm for portraits – Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f1.2 v3
• Best 35mm for architecture – Zeiss Distagon 35mm f1.4 ZM
• Great 35mm EDC (more modern) – Voigtlander Ultron 35mm f2
• Favourite compact lightweight EDC 2025 – Funleader 35mm f1.4
• Best filmic look EDC – Leica Summicron 35mm f2 v3
• Smallest rigid 35mm lens – Voigtlander Color Skopar 35mm f2.5
• LTM best 35mm – Light Lens Lab 35mm f2 8E LTM
• Best 35mm lens for Leica M3 – Leica Summicron 35mm f2 v1
• Ultimate 35mm EDC – Leica Summicron-M 35mm f2 APO
• Cheapest Leica Summicron 35mm lens – Leica Summicron-R 35mm f2

Chinese lens takeover

Check out my new article on the rise of Chinese lenses for Leica. Many of these 35mm lenses try to replicate the Leica Summicron optical design.

My annual recommendations

As I spend my days testing photography equipment, each year I do my top 10 items videos. Check out these videos for what impressed me the most from the last two years.

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