Leica has unveiled a significant addition to its esteemed Noctilux series with the introduction of its first-ever 35mm Noctilux-M f/1.2 ASPH. lens. This new offering not only fills a long-standing gap in the line-up, which has historically lacked a 35mm focal length despite its traditional significance, but also incorporates a revolutionary optical manufacturing process. The lens promises to uphold the Noctilux legacy of combining a remarkably fast aperture with outstanding imaging capabilities, delivering sharp, clear photographs with high contrast and a distinctive aesthetic. Its compact and lightweight design, coupled with advanced optical engineering, positions it as a premium choice for photographers seeking unparalleled performance.
Since its inception in 1966, the Noctilux brand has been synonymous with Leica's pinnacle of optical excellence, drawing its name from the Latin words for 'night' and 'light' to denote its exceptional low-light performance. The new 35mm f/1.2 ASPH. lens continues this tradition, distinguished by its 'velvety smooth' bokeh at f/1.2, achieved through a floating element system that ensures consistent performance across its focusing range. A notable innovation in this model is its extended close-focusing capability, allowing focus down to 0.5 meters (1.6 feet), a significant improvement over previous Noctilux lenses that typically stopped at 0.7 meters. This enhanced close-up performance, however, will be fully utilized on the new Leica M EV1 camera, with other rangefinder models requiring Live View or the Visoflex viewfinder for closer distances.
At the heart of this lens's groundbreaking performance is Leica's new Precision Glass Molding (PGM) optical process. This proprietary technology expands the boundaries of optical and mechanical design, enabling the creation of aspherical elements with extraordinary geometric freedom and surface precision. Leica's engineers have leveraged PGM to craft more intricate and accurately manufactured elements than ever before, resulting in lenses with reduced aberrations, enhanced micro-contrast, and naturally beautiful bokeh. The aspherical molds produced by this process boast tolerances as fine as three nanometers per millimeter of diameter, a level of precision that directly translates into superior visible image quality, reaffirming Leica's commitment to German-made optical engineering excellence.
The new Noctilux-M 35mm f/1.2 ASPH. lens features an optical construction of 10 elements arranged in five groups, including three aspherical lenses. Despite its advanced capabilities, it maintains a relatively compact form factor, weighing 416 grams (14.7 ounces) and measuring only 50.2 millimeters (1.98 inches) in length, and accepts 49mm front filters. While its dimensions are comparable to alternatives like the Voigtländer Nokton 35mm f/1.2 Aspherical IV, which is even lighter at 300 grams, Leica's new offering comes with a premium price tag of $9,650, reflecting its cutting-edge technology and superior image quality. The lens is currently available through Leica's official channels and authorized dealers.
The release of the Leica Noctilux-M 35mm f/1.2 ASPH. lens marks a significant milestone for the brand, not only in introducing a highly anticipated focal length to its legendary series but also in showcasing innovative optical manufacturing techniques. Its combination of a fast aperture, exceptional image clarity, and pioneering close-focusing capabilities, all wrapped in a compact design, underscores Leica's ongoing dedication to pushing the boundaries of photographic excellence and providing photographers with tools that offer both artistic freedom and technical superiority.