https://leicarumors.com/2026/01/29/leica-noctilux-m-35mm-f-1-2-asph-lens-officially-announced.aspx/
Leica Noctilux M 35mm f/1.2 ASPH Lens Officially Announced
The previously reported Leica Noctilux M 35mm f/1.2 ASPH lens has been officially announced, and pre-orders are now open.
Key Features:
• The first 35mm focal length lens in the Noctilux-M series
• A very bright maximum aperture of f/1.2
• Signature Noctilux rendering with smooth, natural bokeh
• Optimized for high-resolution Leica M cameras
• Advanced optical design including a floating element
• 3 aspherical lens elements manufactured using PGM (Precision Glass Molding)
• Supports a minimum focusing distance of 0.5m (50cm)
• Built-in, extendable lens hood
• Hand-assembled in Wetzlar, Germany
Leica Noctilux-M 35 f/1.2 ASPH.
Leica Camera AG has announced the Noctilux-M 35 f/1.2 ASPH., the first-ever Noctilux M lens with a 35mm focal length.
Since it was first introduced in 1966, the name "Noctilux" has stood for the pinnacle of Leica's optical technology. The name comes from the Latin "noctu" (night) and "lux" (light), reflecting this lens series' exceptional brightness. With apertures reaching as wide as f/0.95, Noctilux lenses are regarded as the crystallization of optical technology advancement, enabling creative expression beyond ordinary limits. They're known for delivering images with a truly distinctive visual aesthetic. This new Noctilux-M 35 f/1.2 ASPH. marks the first-ever 35mm Noctilux M lens in Leica's history.
True to the Noctilux tradition, this latest lens also boasts exceptional brightness and outstanding image quality. The newly designed, compact Noctilux-M 35 f/1.2 ASPH. delivers sharp, high-contrast images while creating a distinctive look. The shallow depth of field at maximum aperture precisely separates subject from background, producing a three-dimensional, cinematic atmosphere paired with velvety-smooth bokeh. Stopping down the aperture lets you selectively extend depth of field. A floating element within the complex optical construction ensures consistent performance across the entire focusing range, from close-up to infinity.
Until now, the strengths of the Noctilux line have only been available at 50mm and 75mm focal lengths. But with the new Noctilux-M 35 f/1.2 ASPH., the signature Noctilux advantages are available for the first time at the versatile 35mm focal length. The combination of a bright aperture and natural perspective makes it ideal for portraits, reportage, natural-light photography, and street photography. Subjects are rendered sharply and clearly separated, while maintaining context through a harmonious transition into the background.
This new lens is also the first in the Noctilux series to support a minimum focusing distance of 50cm. When paired with the new Leica M EV1 (with its integrated high-resolution electronic viewfinder), more convenient focusing is possible across the entire focus range. On rangefinder M cameras, focusing is possible down to 70cm through the optical viewfinder, while for the close-focus range of 70cm to 50cm, focusing is done via live view on the rear LCD or the external Visoflex 2 electronic viewfinder. A wide focus-throw rotation angle allows for precise, fine-grained control.
The new Leica Noctilux-M 35 f/1.2 ASPH. is optimized for M cameras with high-resolution image sensors, and was completely newly designed and hand-assembled in Wetzlar. It draws on decades of accumulated experience and cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, and includes special glass and aspherical lenses produced in Wetzlar using the innovative PGM process. The optical design consists of 10 elements in 5 groups, 3 of which are aspherical. The floating element ensures consistent image quality across the entire focus range. The built-in lens hood reduces flare and reflections, delivering high contrast and excellent color reproduction even in backlit conditions. At roughly 5cm in length, 6.5cm in diameter, and weighing 416g, its remarkably compact size is also impressive.
The Leica Noctilux-M 35 f/1.2 ASPH. goes on sale starting January 29, 2026 through Leica Stores worldwide, the Leica Online Store, and official retailers. The recommended retail price is €8,950 including VAT.
Official domestic launch price: 16,740,000 won
