Leica 35mm f/3.5 Summaron M39 Lens
The Leica 35mm f/3.5 is a lens from Leica. Used copies start from $399.99 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Leica 35mm f/3.5 Summaron M39 Lens
Used Leica 35mm f/3.5 Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Leica 35mm f/3.5
Key Features — Leica 35mm f/3.5
35mm f/3.5 Summaron: A classic Leica wide-angle optic from the 1950s, offering a versatile focal length suited to street, travel, and documentary shooting.
Leica Thread Mount (M39): Screw-mount design is compatible with a wide range of vintage Leica and rangefinder bodies, as well as modern cameras via readily available adapters.
1950s Vintage Construction: Manufactured between 1950 and 1959, this lens reflects the optical craftsmanship of mid-century Leica production.
Manual Focus Only: Fully mechanical focus ring designed to complement the rangefinder coupling system of compatible bodies for deliberate, tactile shooting.
f/3.5 Maximum Aperture: Moderate maximum aperture delivers consistent optical performance across the frame, characteristic of well-corrected vintage wide-angle designs.
Compact 190g Build: Lightweight construction keeps the overall camera and lens kit small and portable, in keeping with the rangefinder philosophy.
Lens Specifications — Leica 35mm f/3.5
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Street, Portrait, Creative Effects |
| Lens Mount | Leica Thread Mount (LTM / M39) |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
Description — Leica 35mm f/3.5
The Leica 35mm f/3.5 Summaron in Leica Thread Mount (LTM / M39) is a piece of genuine photographic heritage, produced during the 1950–1959 era. Built for 35mm film cameras, this manual focus rangefinder lens carries the Summaron name — Leica's designation for its 35mm wide-angle lenses of the period. The M39 screw mount was the prevailing Leica standard of the time, and this lens fits directly onto compatible rangefinder bodies, as well as modern cameras via widely available adapters.
At a maximum aperture of f/3.5, the lens offers a modest but functional aperture suited to the shooting conditions of its day. Tipping the scales at just 190g, it is a lightweight and unobtrusive optic. Focus is entirely manual, demanding a considered and deliberate approach that many film photographers find deeply rewarding.
For collectors, rangefinder enthusiasts, and film shooters seeking an authentic piece of mid-century Leica glass, the Summaron M39 is a compelling and historically significant choice.
Pros — Leica 35mm f/3.5
- ✓Authentic vintage rangefinder lens manufactured between 1950 and 1959
- ✓Leica Thread Mount (LTM / M39) allows use with a wide range of compatible rangefinder bodies and modern adapters
- ✓Lightweight at 190g, keeping the overall kit compact and portable
Cons — Leica 35mm f/3.5
- ✗Maximum aperture of f/3.5 is modest, limiting performance in lower light situations
- ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus capability
- ✗M39 screw mount requires an adapter for use on most modern camera systems
Videos — Leica 35mm f/3.5
🔴 Tiny Vintage Leica 35mm Lens | Leica Summaron 35mm f3.5 Review (LTM)(Screw Mount) — Matt Osborne