Leica Noctilux-M 35mm f/1.2 ASPH

The Leica Noctilux-M 35mm f/1.2 ASPH is an ultra-fast wide-angle prime for Leica M cameras. Leica presented it on 29 January 2026 and describes it as the first Noctilux M-lens with a 35mm focal length, after earlier Noctilux lenses at 50mm and 75mm. It is a full-frame lens aimed at portrait, reportage, available-light and street photography, and it is manual focus like all M lenses.

Optical design

The optical construction has 10 elements in 5 groups, including 3 aspherical surfaces, according to Leica. The aspherical elements are produced in Wetzlar with Precision Glass Moulding (PGM). A floating element is meant to keep performance consistent from the close focus distance to infinity. The maximum aperture is f/1.2, the smallest is f/16, and the diaphragm has 11 blades. Leica says the lens was optimised for M cameras with high-resolution sensors.

Focusing and handling

Focusing is manual, with a combined meter and feet scale and a large focusing angle. The close focus distance is 0.5 m, which Leica calls the first Noctilux with an extended close focus range. Rangefinder cameras can focus down to 0.7 m through the optical viewfinder. In the range from 0.7 to 0.5 m, focusing is done via Live View on the rear screen or with the Visoflex 2 clip-on viewfinder, and Leica points to the new Leica M EV1 with its electronic viewfinder as a convenient match. The largest scale is 1:11.6. The lens has an integrated extendable hood.

Build and size

The lens is approximately 50.2 mm long, 64.6 mm in diameter and weighs approximately 416 g. The filter thread is E49. Leica emphasizes the compact size. The Leica M bayonet has 6-bit encoding.

Where it fits

In the Leica M range, the closest alternative is the Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH, which is a stop slower. Other Noctilux lenses in the database are the Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH and the Noctilux-M 75mm F1.25 ASPH. The Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH and the APO-Summicron-M 35mm F2 ASPH are the compact options with two stops less light gathering than the Noctilux.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Very fast f/1.2 at a natural 35mm perspective
• Close focus down to 0.5 m
• Compact at 416 g and 50.2 mm length
• 11-blade diaphragm and integrated hood
• Floating element for consistent performance across the focus range, according to Leica

Cons

• Manual focus only, and focusing below 0.7 m requires Live View or an electronic viewfinder
• Very shallow depth of field at f/1.2 demands precise focusing
• Heavier than the Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH (320 g in the database)
• Limited to the M mount

Verdict

The Noctilux-M 35mm f/1.2 ASPH brings the Noctilux speed to the 35mm focal length in a body that weighs far less than the Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH (700 g in the database). It is a specialist lens for M photographers who want the shallowest depth of field and the most light at this focal length.