Leica Camera announced the Leica Noctilux-M f/1.2/35 ASPH, its first 35mm focal length Noctilux lens. It is scheduled to be released in February 2026.

Since its launch in 1966, the name “Noctilux” has symbolized the highest level of optical craftsmanship at Leica. Its origins come from the Latin words “noctu” (night) and “lux” (light), and refer to its exceptional brightness. With a maximum aperture of f0.95, Noctilux lenses are recognized as the pinnacle of optical development, inspiring creative possibilities that transcend conventional boundaries and lending images exceptional visual beauty.

Like all Noctilux lenses, the latest model offers exceptional brightness and superior imaging performance. The Leica Noctilux-M f/1.2/35 ASPH lens delivers the sharp, contrast-rich, and unique images you expect from the lens. The shallow depth of field at maximum aperture separates the subject from the background, creating velvety bokeh and bringing rich depth and a cinematic feel to your photos.

What are the features of the Leica Noctilux-M f/1.2/35 ASPH?

Stopping down the lens also allows for deliberately widened depth of field, and floating elements built into the complex optical design ensure consistent performance across the entire focusing range, from minimum focus distance to infinity.

Until now, the Noctilux lens lineup has consisted of focal lengths of 50mm and 75mm, but with the introduction of the new Leica Noctilux-M f/1.2/35 ASPH, the same image quality can now be achieved with the versatile focal length of 35mm.

The perfect combination of lightweight wide-angle and natural perspective makes it ideal for portraiture, reportage, street photography and natural light photography, where the subject stands out clearly and the natural connection with the background conveys the atmosphere and setting of the scene.

Minimum Focusing of 50cm

This new lens is the first in the Noctilux series to offer a minimum focusing distance of 50 cm. This allows for comfortable focusing throughout the entire focus range, especially when combined with the high-resolution, built-in electronic viewfinder of the Leica M EV1 camera. On rangefinder-style Leica M cameras, focusing is possible down to a distance of 70 cm using the optical viewfinder.

At close distances of 70-50cm, focusing is done via live view using the rear monitor or the Visoflex 2 viewfinder, where the large rotation angle of the Leica Noctilux-M f/1.2/35 ASPH focus ring allows for precise and delicate work.

Optimized for the Leica M-series cameras with their high-resolution image sensors, the Leica Noctilux-M f/1.2/35 ASPH was designed and entirely handcrafted in Wetzlar. Its development combined decades of experience and cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, including the processing of special glass materials and aspherical lens elements made in Wetzlar.

The optical design consists of 10 elements in 5 groups, including three aspherical elements. Floating elements ensure consistent imaging performance throughout the entire focus range. The built-in lens hood reduces stray light and reflections, ensuring high contrast and vibrant color reproduction, even in backlit situations. Another attractive feature of this new lens is its compact size: just 5cm long, 6.5cm in diameter, and weighing 416g.