Leica Expands Noctilux Lineup with a 35mm f/1.2 Lens
Leica has expanded its Noctilux line with the introduction of the Noctilux-M 35mm f/1.2 ASPH., marking the first time the designation has been applied to a 35mm focal length. Since its introduction in 1966, the Noctilux name has been reserved for lenses designed around very large apertures and low-light performance, previously limited to 50mm and, more recently, 75mm optics. The new lens extends that approach to a wider, more traditional focal length within the Leica M system.
The Noctilux-M 35mm f/1.2 ASPH. is a manual-focus lens designed for full-frame Leica M cameras. Its optical construction consists of ten elements in five groups, including three aspherical elements manufactured using Leica’s in-house Precision Glass Molding process, which the company says allows tighter tolerance and more complex surface geometries than conventional methods. Leica claims this process contributes to improved correction of aberrations, higher micro-contrast, and consistent rendering across the aperture range.
A floating element system is used to maintain optical performance from close focus to infinity. The lens offers a minimum focusing distance of 0.5 meters, the shortest of any Noctilux lens to date. On traditional rangefinder bodies, mechanical focusing is limited to 0.7 meters, with closer distances requiring Live View or an electronic viewfinder. The aperture range extends from f/1.2 to f/16 and is controlled via a manual aperture ring, with an 11-blade diaphragm shaping the out-of-focus rendering.
Physically, the lens is relatively compact for its specifications: it measures approximately 50 millimeters in length, weighs 416 grams, and accepts 49mm front filters. The all-metal barrel includes a built-in, retractable lens hood and engraved distance and depth-of-field scales typical of Leica M lenses.
The Noctilux-M 35mm f/1.2 ASPH. enters a market that already includes several fast 35mm lenses from other manufacturers, many of which offer autofocus and significantly lower prices. However, Leica positions the lens within its established Noctilux tradition, emphasizing optical design, mechanical construction, and manual operation rather than feature parity.
Here are some sample pictures shot with the Noctilux-M 35mm f/1.2 ASPH., courtesy of Leica:
Manufactured in Germany, the lens is available through Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store, and authorized dealers. Pricing is set at $9,650.
