Thanks, Kevin, this drove me to get one, when I found a copy that had been serviced by Wetzlar in April of 2024. The lens absolutely stellar and IMHO worth every penny. I will probably get rid of my other 35s as I can't imagine putting an inferior 35 on my Leica, now I have this one. Not even the 216 steel rim...
Thank you very much for this wonderful video!!! It just confirmed to the fullest what I have experienced ...now, for thirty years!! 🥰 Hankering for some years in the sixties and finally, getting my (now called) 'steel-rim' in '68 (..the Summaron wasn't really 'something' ..), only to be disappointed with the full-opening performance, I was 'the first one' to sign on to the waiting list (in the late eighties) for the up-coming and enthusiastically rumored, 'aspherical' 35-Summilux! I paid 'an arm & a leg for it when it finally came, some three and a half years later.. but it changed the way of 'thinking' photography and has been the go-to lens ever since!! I love it to pieces - and, now I 'cannot afford' to sell it - thank goodness!!
@@kevinfickling6384 My pleasure!!!! Indeed - the performance blew me away indeed..A new world opened - much more life in the images - pure magic! (although, the, as-payment-for-the-'AA'-sold KoB, which in turn had 'taken over' for the Steel Rim, was no slouch, either!) - It is such a pity that the 'AA' is unobtainable now, for 'normal' people, like myself (!!) - therefore, I hope that the coming LLL version will 'bring some comfort'. I have faith in those people - they are very serious about their work and deserve all the attention and success that are due to them. What I hope is that they will never resort to cutting corners, if the 'success goes to their heads'. But I think they are really sensible! At any rate - I look very much forward to your testing of the LLL 'AA' - having now subscribed to your wonderful channel ...of course..!! 😊
I got this lens last week, and your right its amazing! It pairs very well with the original Noctilux when I'm feeling brave enough to take both out with me!
Cool video. Really like your passion. What’s the difference between this lens and the newest close focus Summilux? I read about this lenses in the Leica Pocket Book too.
In my opinion the AA has a bit more character and magic. To be honest the FLE and close focus both get close and we are talking about a 5-10 percent difference. For me it’s worth it!
Really would like to know if you recommend the new LLL 35 AA version, as in... if you wanted to get the same look but didn't want to use your original copy for whatever reason, would you recommend it. When the 50mm f1.2 reissue came out I bought it and love it and I have no interest in the LLL version, but if this new 35mm LLL AA is really close I might get it.
I am currently checking out a 50 mm Summilux lended by a friend. The sharpness shot open was the first thing that struck me. Second was how the colors render. Third was that it saves tons of time in post. But 20k for a lens … come on… 1.5 k for the hood…. dear lord… this is crazy….
@@kevinfickling6384 I have been impressed with it so far. I mainly shoot with the steelrim reissue but I picked up the thypoch after I had to send the steelrim out to Leica for repair.
I'm seriously considering buy a few of these lenses (yes a few), to use and to invest. Do you think a price range around 20-22k USD for one in good condition with packaging is worth buying? or 16-17k ish without packaging.
I don’t want to comment on things from an investment side too much. That seems about current market price or a bit higher. There is better deals out there for sure if you look enough. If it’s something you want to use and probably not loose money on it’s a fantastic lens. One of the best 35’s ever made in my opinion.
@@kevinfickling6384 Hey Kevin, I thought I'd like to report back. I managed to aquire one in like-new condition with all packaging on a recent auction. You're right, out of all the outragously expensive collector leica lenses, this one is probably the most capable. At about the same price, I much prefer this to the steel rim.
@@JimmyChengcongrats on the pick up! It really is one of my favorite lenses of all time. Totally agree on the steel rim. It’s fun but nothing like the AA.
The main reason that this lens was/is so expensive was for the simple fact that the two aspherical elements were ground by hand, no CNC then. Because of its complexity and difficulty of maintaining the ground surfaces within tolerance, Leica stopped producing it and replaced it with the ASPH version in 1994. I have also read comments from people who have both lenses that the plane of focus appears to exhibit a different D.O.F for some reason. There are slight differences in image rendering between the two, but unless you put one next to the other and start pixel peeping you wouldn't know. I said differences but that does not mean that one is better than the other. In some aspects the ASPH is a better lens, particularly in rendering the out of focus areas. Does all this mean that the AA is better by $15000? I doubt it. Just enjoy what you have.
Absolutely agree. This lens has a very interesting history and the rarity obviously drives a lot of the price. The variation between copies is a real thing!
@@lensman5762 Cool this was the information I missed. I would love to see pictures in normal situations. Do our eyes see a difference between the A. and non A. versions?
@@beyourself9162I couldn't tell you TBH, as I only have the ASPH variety. To my eyes this lens is magical. It has a very pleasing rendering particularly with film. It is also nowhere as harsh or clinical I think they like to call it, as the later ASPH models, judging by a couple of comparisons that I have seen.
Yeah kev i get you why the double AA, im too a sucker for 50 and noct is my pick… could see frm your sample images.. i got the reissue lux, whilst its too much of a character.. yes the AA balances it out!
Thanks, Kevin, this drove me to get one, when I found a copy that had been serviced by Wetzlar in April of 2024. The lens absolutely stellar and IMHO worth every penny. I will probably get rid of my other 35s as I can't imagine putting an inferior 35 on my Leica, now I have this one. Not even the 216 steel rim...
Congrats on the find! I totally agree that it makes you only want to shoot the AA once you have it. I am exactly the same way haha!
I love these videos man. They're really informative, lovely, practical lens history lessons. Keep em coming.
Thank you! That is my goal and sharing the passion for Leica.
Thank you very much for this wonderful video!!! It just confirmed to the fullest what I have experienced ...now, for thirty years!! 🥰
Hankering for some years in the sixties and finally, getting my (now called) 'steel-rim' in '68 (..the Summaron wasn't really 'something' ..), only to be disappointed with the full-opening performance, I was 'the first one' to sign on to the waiting list (in the late eighties) for the up-coming and enthusiastically rumored, 'aspherical' 35-Summilux!
I paid 'an arm & a leg for it when it finally came, some three and a half years later.. but it changed the way of 'thinking' photography and has been the go-to lens ever since!!
I love it to pieces - and, now I 'cannot afford' to sell it - thank goodness!!
Thank you for the comment! That’s a wonderful story. I can’t imagine getting one of these when it launched! The performance must have blown you away!
@@kevinfickling6384 My pleasure!!!! Indeed - the performance blew me away indeed..A new world opened - much more life in the images - pure magic! (although, the, as-payment-for-the-'AA'-sold KoB, which in turn had 'taken over' for the Steel Rim, was no slouch, either!) -
It is such a pity that the 'AA' is unobtainable now, for 'normal' people, like myself (!!) - therefore, I hope that the coming LLL version will 'bring some comfort'. I have faith in those people - they are very serious about their work and deserve all the attention and success that are due to them. What I hope is that they will never resort to cutting corners, if the 'success goes to their heads'. But I think they are really sensible!
At any rate - I look very much forward to your testing of the LLL 'AA' - having now subscribed to your wonderful channel ...of course..!! 😊
@@kevinfickling6384 Ketil is a fountain of deep knowledge about Leica, as well as very fine musician and a real gentleman.
I got this lens last week, and your right its amazing! It pairs very well with the original Noctilux when I'm feeling brave enough to take both out with me!
Absolutely agree and congrats on finding one! You cannot beat the rendering in my opinion!
Thanks Kevin. As always very interesting. Love this dive into a piece I may never in person. Pretty cool. Cheers ☘️
Thank you so much for watching! Glad I am able to share some of this stuff with people!
Great video. I love what LLL are doing with their replica lenses, but that double A is amazing....
Thank you for watching! LLL has been doing a great job. Looking forward to comparing them more and seeing how their version performs.
Excellent review!!! I want one immediately!!!
Get two of them now!
Loving the videos man! Come to Charlotte so I can test that baby out.
Thank you!
WOW, holy patina on that M9! Golden beauty...... Nice falloff on that D-Aspherical...... Great video Kevin...
Haha thanks! The AA is a special lens. Hands down one of my top 3 favorite Leica lenses!
It’s fake patina.
Cool video. Really like your passion. What’s the difference between this lens and the newest close focus Summilux? I read about this lenses in the Leica Pocket Book too.
In my opinion the AA has a bit more character and magic. To be honest the FLE and close focus both get close and we are talking about a 5-10 percent difference. For me it’s worth it!
Such a cool lens! The patina on that M9 too!!
The M9 is probably my favorite digital Leica! Put this lens on it and its a match made in heaven!
@@kevinfickling6384would love to see a comparison between the different versions with the way it renders
Great video of a grail lens. And wouldn’t you know that right after I saw it Tim Lei posted one for sale. I don’t need this in my life 😂😂😂
Haha I know right! Tim always taking my money
What a lens! If 50mm wasn't my favorite I would be hunting this down nightly lol. Thanks Kevin.
I totally get it! Thanks for watching!
Subscribed for the Porsche content 😉 Beautiful photos Kevin! 😊🙌
Haha Luft content soon!! Thanks for watching!
Great video. What book were you referring to if I may ask?
Thanks! It’s called the Leica Pocket Book.
@@kevinfickling6384 wonderful, thanks so much!
@@cresk absolutely! It’s an amazing resource for anything Leica.
Really would like to know if you recommend the new LLL 35 AA version, as in... if you wanted to get the same look but didn't want to use your original copy for whatever reason, would you recommend it. When the 50mm f1.2 reissue came out I bought it and love it and I have no interest in the LLL version, but if this new 35mm LLL AA is really close I might get it.
I'm working on that video as we speak! Should be out in the next month or so I hope. So far I am really liking it.
@@kevinfickling6384 Looking forward to it.
Thank you for the review and insight. I have this lens, but I've never used it. I. Must. Try.
You absolutely need to get it out! I find myself using it a lot since I picked it up a year ago.
@@kevinfickling6384 Thank you. I will. I have two copies, so I'm not worried about usage. 🤓
When is the LLL version coming out?
They don't have a release date yet. I've been told it will be a little while. I think it will be worth the wait though.
New fan here
Hey Cam, Thanks for all the lens reviews. You have helped me make a decision or two in the past. Keep up the great work and thanks for stopping by!
Can you compare this with the V2 FLE 2022?
I don’t own one of these but I will work on finding one to do that comparison.
I am currently checking out a 50 mm Summilux lended by a friend. The sharpness shot open was the first thing that struck me. Second was how the colors render. Third was that it saves tons of time in post. But 20k for a lens … come on… 1.5 k for the hood…. dear lord… this is crazy….
Agreed it is crazy and it’s not for everyone. 50 summilux is amazing! Enjoy it!
HEYYYYY that’s my favorite 35mm 🥹
I see Joe but I think I look cuter 😝🥰
@@NoctiGirl😂😂
It’s my favorite not yours ok 🤬
The rendering kind of looks like the thypoch 35mm rendering. The subtle highlight softness but still sharp enough.
I haven’t tried that one but I know a lot of people have been liking it.
@@kevinfickling6384 I have been impressed with it so far. I mainly shoot with the steelrim reissue but I picked up the thypoch after I had to send the steelrim out to Leica for repair.
Cool to see the guy behind all the Instagram posts!
Haha thanks for stopping by!
I'm seriously considering buy a few of these lenses (yes a few), to use and to invest. Do you think a price range around 20-22k USD for one in good condition with packaging is worth buying? or 16-17k ish without packaging.
I don’t want to comment on things from an investment side too much. That seems about current market price or a bit higher. There is better deals out there for sure if you look enough. If it’s something you want to use and probably not loose money on it’s a fantastic lens. One of the best 35’s ever made in my opinion.
@@kevinfickling6384 Hey Kevin, I thought I'd like to report back. I managed to aquire one in like-new condition with all packaging on a recent auction. You're right, out of all the outragously expensive collector leica lenses, this one is probably the most capable. At about the same price, I much prefer this to the steel rim.
@@JimmyChengcongrats on the pick up! It really is one of my favorite lenses of all time. Totally agree on the steel rim. It’s fun but nothing like the AA.
The main reason that this lens was/is so expensive was for the simple fact that the two aspherical elements were ground by hand, no CNC then. Because of its complexity and difficulty of maintaining the ground surfaces within tolerance, Leica stopped producing it and replaced it with the ASPH version in 1994. I have also read comments from people who have both lenses that the plane of focus appears to exhibit a different D.O.F for some reason. There are slight differences in image rendering between the two, but unless you put one next to the other and start pixel peeping you wouldn't know. I said differences but that does not mean that one is better than the other. In some aspects the ASPH is a better lens, particularly in rendering the out of focus areas. Does all this mean that the AA is better by $15000? I doubt it. Just enjoy what you have.
Absolutely agree. This lens has a very interesting history and the rarity obviously drives a lot of the price. The variation between copies is a real thing!
@@lensman5762 Cool this was the information I missed. I would love to see pictures in normal situations. Do our eyes see a difference between the A. and non A. versions?
@@beyourself9162I couldn't tell you TBH, as I only have the ASPH variety. To my eyes this lens is magical. It has a very pleasing rendering particularly with film. It is also nowhere as harsh or clinical I think they like to call it, as the later ASPH models, judging by a couple of comparisons that I have seen.
@@lensman5762 interesting which version is your lens?
@@beyourself9162 The first ASPH after AA, the one with the concave front element.
like always nice stuff.
Thank you Mike!
Yeah kev i get you why the double AA, im too a sucker for 50 and noct is my pick… could see frm your sample images.. i got the reissue lux, whilst its too much of a character.. yes the AA balances it out!
Absolutely! I am working on a shoot where I will use them together for a video hopefully!
Wait, that hood is $1500… I have two! I guess I can pay rent next month!
@@BilBrown it’s insane. There is another hood that looks similar so hopefully it’s this same one!
that olympus evolt e300 though!
beast mode
A 20 grand lens needs to bring you 20 grand plus in value to your life. You can't even write it off unless you make a lot more each year in the biz.
It’s not a lens for everyone that’s for sure and it’s not cheap. I understand that.
Man… it’s so nice
Its a top 3 lens for me for a reason!
@@kevinfickling6384 great vids brother 🤙🏼
@@johnhendrick_photo thank you!
Cool lens
Thank you! It’s one of my top 3 favorites!
Kevin, I think you drank the cool aid!
Of course! 😅
Incredibly expensive or devastatingly expensive for wallets?
@@wotreplays8896 maybe both combined 😅
Bought one in 1996 for something like $4000
@@blackjackpinoko I wish they still cost that much!
When you click for that fake patina m9
NO! But it’s very nice!
One of my favorite’s!
No it’s not lol.
That’s ok!