New Leica Summicron-M 28mm f/2 ASPH III

Today, Leica has announced a new version of the venerable 28mm Summicron-M f/2 ASPH. Featuring the same excellent optical formula as the current 28mm Summicron, with 9 elements arranged in 6 groups, the new lens offers a couple notable updates. Perhaps most significant, like the newly-released versions of the 35mm and 50mm Summilux, the revised 28mm Summicron-M features close-focusing down to 0.4 meters. Likewise, the lens features a built-in retractable circular lens shade rather than the screw-on metal shade of the current version.

Filter size remains unchanged at 46mm, but the physical dimensions of the lens have grown a bit, with a 5mm wider girth and 1mm longer length. Thankfully, the new version is 12 grams lighter and has a retractable hood, making the new 28mm Summicron-M a little more compact overall.

Close Focus Range

While almost all M lenses are constrained to a minimum focus distance of 0.7m, the physical limit of the optical rangefinder in an M camera, the new 28mm Summicron can decouple and focus all the way down to 0.4m. Separated from the standard infinity to 0.7m rangefinder-coupled range by a light detent and distinguished by subtle gray distance engravings, close-focusing requires the use of live view, rather than the optical rangefinder.

Any live view-capable M camera (M240, M10, M11, etc.) or SL mirrorless body (SL601, SL2, SL2-S) will allow full focusing functionality. Of course, even without the benefit of close focus, users of non-live view cameras like the M9 or M7 can still use the 28mm Summicron as a standard M lens.

New Built-In Lens Shade

Over the last decade or two, lens shades have been a continual evolution at Leica. The first version of the 28mm Summicron ASPH used a bulky clip-on plastic shade. The follow-up version II revamp introduced a flared screw-on rectangular metal hood. And now, with the third version of the Cron, Leica has built the lens shade into the design with a similar implementation and look first seen on the 50mm APO-Summicron-M. To extend, simply twist. The hood will stop rotating and gently lock in place. Retracting is the same in reverse. Turn the opposite direction until fully seated back in the barrel.

Pricing, Ordering and Availability

Initial deliveries of the Leica Summicron-M 28mm f/2 ASPH III will start within the next week for a price of $5,295. As with any major Leica launch, and especially true for a high-performing lens like this, supply will be extremely limited for many months. If you are interested in ordering the 28mm Summicron-M ASPH III, you can do so at Leica Store Miami by clicking the button below, calling 305-921-4433 or sending an email to info@leicastoremiami.com. If you are interested in trading in any other Leica equipment towards the purchase of the lens, you can note it during the pre-order process.

Lens Design

MTF Chart

Tech Specs

Compared to Version II

Press Release

The New Generation of the Powerful and Versatile Wide-Angle Lens

Teaneck, October 26th, 2023. Leica Camera AG’s experience and expertise in the development of optical precision tools goes back more than 150 years. Since then, handmade cameras and lenses have been created in the Leica Manufactory – with no less a claim than to rank among the best in the world. Up to the present day, this claim has been the source of the innovative spirit and the passion to rethink the existing without compromise and to keep redefining the limits of what is technically feasible. The same is true for the Leica Summicron-M 28 f/2 ASPH. – with its further development, the consequently updating M-Lens portfolio offers a state-of-the-art, versatile wide- angle lens.

The new powerful high-speed M-Lens presents itself with improved technical features which equip the Summicron-M 28 f/2 ASPH. ideally for the latest sensor technology and thus for current as well as future camera generations. At the same time, the combination of the wide-angle with the closest focusing distance extended from 70 to 40 centimeters opens up additional photographic possibilities. Focusing up to 70 centimeters still works via the range finder of all digital and analogue M-Cameras. After a slightly perceptible resistance, the extended close-up range between 70 and 40 centimeters can be precisely focused via Live-View on the screen, the Visoflex 2 viewfinder or with the Leica FOTOS app.

Due to the compactness typical of M-Lenses, the new Leica Summicron-M 28 f/2 ASPH. is also characterized by handiness. The lens hood in a modern, round design is directly integrated in the lens, which makes it especially comfortable. It can now be screwed in or unscrewed with only a flick of the wrist at any time.

Inside the lens, 9 lenses in 6 groups provide for images that are extremely rich in contrast and detail. The focus ring can be adjusted in a remarkably quiet and smooth way. So, the Leica Summicron-M 28 f/2 ASPH. shows exactly the precision which is distinctive of Leica products and not only bears the quality label “Made in Germany” but also shapes it significantly.

The Leica Summicron-M 28 f/2 ASPH. will be available globally at all Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store and Leica authorized dealers starting November 30th, 2023. The US retail price will be $5,295.