Leica 35mm f1.2 Noctilux-M ASPH Lens

Leica brings Noctilux speed to a 35 mm focal length with the launch of the Noctilux-M 35 f1.2 ASPH. As a series first, this lens features a 10-element design with 3 aspherical elements for strong contrast and controlled aberrations. Thanks to the trademark f1.2 aperture and 0.5m close focusing, users can achieve strong separation at close distances in a wider, more contextual field of view. A dedicated floating element also ensures consistent performance from close focus to infinity, naturally aligning this lens with reportage and street photography.

Leica Noctilux-M 35 f1.2 ASPH. Lens Key Features:

• First Noctilux lens bringing f1.2 aperture to a 35mm focal length
• Designed for M-System users needing extreme speed with natural perspective
• Premium optical design featuring 10 elements arranged into 5 groups
• 3 aspherical elements reduce spherical aberration at wide apertures
• Wide, bright, and fast f1.2 maximum aperture for shallow depth of field
• 0.5m minimum focusing distance extends close-range capability
• Floating element maintains image consistency from close focus to infinity
• 11-blade diaphragm for naturally circular bokeh
• Integrated pull-out lens hood reduces flare and internal reflections
• Compact 50.2 mm length balances well on Leica M camera bodies
• 49mm filter thread supports standard M-System accessories
• Fully manual focus operation aligned with M-System design philosophy

What’s new?

The Noctilux-M 35 f1.2 ASPH. expands the Noctilux range by introducing a 35mm focal length for the first time. Until now, Noctilux lenses have been available exclusively at longer focal lengths, most notably 50mm and 75mm, where maximum aperture and subject isolation have been prioritised over field of view. This new optical design brings the defining characteristics of the Noctilux family to a wider perspective, combining extreme aperture speed with a more contextual angle of view.

It is also the first Noctilux lens to extend the close focus distance to 0.5m. When paired with M cameras, this enables accurate focusing beyond the traditional rangefinder limit. The compact barrel, integrated lens hood, and large focus rotation refine handling, marking a notable step forward in the Noctilux lineup while maintaining the manual, mechanical focus experience of the M-System.

Optical design

Leica’s Noctilux-M 35 f1.2 ASPH. features a 10-element optical design arranged into 5 groups, including 3 aspherical elements. This design helps maintain contrast and controls aberrations at f1.2, producing clear, well-defined images that retain their character as the lens is stopped down. An 11-blade aperture helps maintain a natural shape to out-of-focus highlights, supporting the smooth background character associated with the Noctilux name.

Close focusing

With a dedicated floating element, the Leica Noctilux-M 35 f1.2 ASPH. maintains image quality across the entire focusing range. Rather than being optimised only for distant subjects, the lens maintains contrast and clarity when working close, right down to its 0.5m minimum focusing distance. This technology allows photographers to get closer to their subjects compared with previous Noctilux lenses, without a noticeable drop in performance, giving users greater flexibility when framing tighter scenes or details.

Design upgrades

The Leica Noctilux-M 35 f1.2 ASPH. is manufactured in Wetzlar, using specialised glass and Leica’s in-house production processes. This lens features an integrated pull-out lens hood in the barrel to help reduce flare and reflections in bright light. This feature provides stable contrast and colour without the need for external accessories. Despite the complex optical construction, the lens remains compact and well-balanced on Leica M camera bodies.

What’s in the box?

• 1 x Leica Noctilux-M 35 f1.2 ASPH. Lens
• 1 x Front Lens Cap
• 1 x Rear Lens Cap
• 1 x Leather Case

FAQs:

Is this lens compatible with all Leica M cameras?

Yes. The lens uses the Leica M-mount and is mechanically compatible with all Leica M cameras. Full close-focus functionality down to 0.5m is available when using Live View or an electronic viewfinder. Optical rangefinder focusing operates within the standard M-System coupling range.

Can I use filters with this lens?

Yes. The lens features a 49mm filter thread, allowing the use of standard screw-in filters such as neutral density or protective filters. The integrated lens hood can still be extended while a filter is mounted.

What type of photography is this lens suited to?

The combination of a 35mm focal length and f1.2 aperture suits available-light photography, portraits, reportage, and street photography. The wider field of view preserves contextual detail while the shallow depth of field enables clear subject separation.

Is the Noctilux-M 35 f1.2 ASPH. manual focus only?

Yes. Like all Leica M lenses, the Noctilux-M 35 f1.2 ASPH. is fully manual focus. It uses a long, smooth focus rotation that allows precise focus adjustment, particularly helpful at f1.2 or close distances. On M cameras with Live View or an electronic viewfinder, focus can be checked accurately across the full focusing range down to 0.5m.

Leica 35mm f1.2 Noctilux-M ASPH Lens - Sample Images