OpenTube

Leica 35mm Summilux FLE II vs FLE I vs APO Summicron — Did I Waste My Money?

Griniflix - Adventure8

5,616 views

Is the new Leica 35mm Summilux FLE II (Close Focus) really an upgrade over the original FLE version 1, or could I have just kept shooting with what I already owned?

In this video I compare three of Leica’s most respected 35mm lenses:

• Leica 35mm Summilux-M FLE II (Close Focus)
• Leica 35mm Summilux-M FLE (Version 1)
• Leica 35mm APO-Summicron-M

The new FLE II introduces close focusing down to 0.4m, something the original Summilux FLE cannot do with the rangefinder mechanism. But does that alone justify the upgrade?

Using real-world images, I explore:

• Image rendering and character
• Sharpness and contrast
• Bokeh differences
• Close-focus capability
• Practical shooting advantages

And ultimately the big question:

Did I make a mistake buying the new FLE II… or is it actually Leica’s most versatile 35mm lens?

If you’re deciding between the Summilux FLE, FLE II, or the APO Summicron, this comparison should help.

⸻

📷 Gear used in this video
Leica M10P Safari camera for image comparisons.

⸻

🎥 Subscribe to GriniFlix for photography, Leica gear reviews, and adventure photography around the world.

If you enjoyed this video, please like and subscribe to my channel. Remember to press notifications so you will be notified when the next video is out.

SHOPPING DISCOUNTS: Go to ADVENTURE8 website for discounts on camera, camping, technology, portable lithium power gear and more.
Visit https://adventure8.com.au/shop-discounts

K&F CONCEPT Camera Accessories, Filters, Tripods, Pack packs and more:
EXTRA 17.5% OFF:
Use the Adventure8 discount code on any K&F Concept product from their website:
Referral Link: https://www.kentfaith.com.au/l_kk372f...

SANDMARC Action Gear, Lenses and Back Packs:
EXTRA 10% OFF
Use Discount Code: Adventure88
https://bit.ly/3ITvaoB

iTECHWORLD - Lithium Power Stations - Solar Generators (Australia)
EXTRA 5% OFF
Discount Code: ADVENTURE8
Visit: https://itechworld.com.au

REDTIGER CAR Dashcam Cameras (International)
EXTRA 10% OFF
Use Discount Code at Checkout: ADVENTURE8
Go To: https://www.redtigercam.com/?ref=Adve...

SWYFTX (Australia)
$10 AUD FREE BITCOIN when signing up for a SWYFTX Crypto Exchange Account. (for Australian viewers and subscribers) Use my link below:
https://trade.swyftx.com/register/?pr...

GRINIFLIX - ADVENTURE8 MERCHANDISE:
Clothing, Bags, Outdoor Gear & Accessories.
You can also support this channel by purchasing any merchandise from my Adventure8 ONLINE SHOP.
Go To: https://adventure80.myspreadshop.com/

FOLLOW ME - CONTACT ME:
Websites:
https://adventure8.com.au
https://peterzalums.com
https://peterzalumsphotography.pixies...

Instagram:
Instagram: pzalums
Instagram: adventure8.com.au

TikTok:
@adventure8.com.au

Facebook (META):
@pzalums
@adventure8

16 Comments

@Adventure8 Creator 5 months ago Pinned

DXO PHOTO EDITING - PERPETUAL LICENSE - PURERAW - PHOTOLAB - FilmPack - ViewPoint - NIK COLLECTION Use Code: GRINIFLIX for EXTRA 15% OFF at Check Out.
https://www.dxo.com

@arturomarinho 2 months ago (edited)

glad to see my new pristine second hand 35mm 1.4 FLE 0,7 so close optical oustanding performance against FLE 0,4 and APO cousins !! from Argentina first Leica domain steps, SL2-s + 35 1.4 FLE 1 both second hands like new, and fall in love again with photo pleasure, many thanks for your time and advise, by the way, congrats for your holy 35mm trinity!

@KiWii_Art 6 months ago

Very informative. Thank you

@KarakaPixels 6 months ago

Great vid! I would love to see your review of the 35mm Noctilux.

@PatrickColpron 5 months ago

There is a slight difference in rendering between the FLE V1 and V2, the bokeh is busier in real world usage when shot from f/1.4 to f/2.8. Leica had to move the aperture blade mechanism forward in the FLE V2 to make room for the close focus internal mechanics. I decided not to keep the V2 for that reason, as like you I have an APO for close focus which I seldom if ever use. You have a Safari finish camera so makes sense to keep it in your case to have a matching lens. I just prefer the size of the V1 since I use it without the lens hood or a lens filter in combination with the APO metal lens cap which fits perfectly on it. All these 3 lenses are great on their own.

@simongleave3373 6 months ago

Having just acquired a M11P safari that 35mm safari lens looks very enticing. I have the 35mm APO and the older Summilux AA (which after many years has become a bit too valuable to take on safari!). Personally I find the close focus a big plus for portraits.

@elderinmoi1571 6 months ago

The Best of the Brunch is the 35 Lux asph Non FLE. The Focus shift some Talk about is not visible in praxtical use and it has the most beautiful Rendering of all of them.

@antonyhands5662 6 months ago

Hi Peter, I have the 35mm Summilux ASPH pre-FLE and love it. I was thinking of upgrading (Pete Rambo offered me a trade up to the FLE v1) but I decided against it after some consideration. I prefer the smaller width of the pre-FLE, and I didn’t feel that I would see a big improvement from the upgrade. My pre-FLE is calibrated for f/2 (f/1.4 has a little focus shift) but for portraits I find f/2 is a great compromise with better vignetting and slightly more depth of field. I ended up getting the squarehood for the lens, so it looks like the FLE, just slightly less chunky.

@kuau714 5 months ago

Peter I have the 35 APO and love it now I’m saving up for the new 35 Noc

@NeilBrowne-ca 6 months ago

I have the newer version 35mm summilux, but I picked up a new 35mm summmicron (non APO) silver colour for my M11P Safari. The silver compliments it very nicely along with a silver grip and silver thumb rest. (The lens performs great too!!)

@jsprite123 1 month ago

I like the idea of getting a Leica M lens to mount on my Zf (cameras come and go, glass usually outlasts the camera) because of image quality and small lens factor. Is this a crazy idea?

@D_ryl_O 6 months ago

When the FLE was upgraded mechanically to the CF the V1 price went crazy low. The same happens with the 50/1.4 asph, yet the optics are identical. A used Leica lens could potentially outlast most who can afford them, something not possible with any lens with electronics such as focus motors.

@TCMx3 6 months ago

I'm not as bothered by Leica not updating the formula as some folks but they are asking SO much money for a lens that hasn't changed in sooo long. I have an FLE V1 and I don't like close focus so I'm waiting for the next generation before I consider upgrading.

@GamachePhoto 6 months ago

I have none of those 35mm Leica lenses, on my M10-R I have Voigtlander Ultron II 35mm f2 and I’m quite happy with it, both image quality and size, not to mention cost. However if I had to choose from your selection it would be the APO 35mm, as my EDC no question. Since you like fast lenses, where is the new 35mm F1.2 ? Thanks for the video I very much enjoyed this review. Always great to dream…. Maybe one day.

@RoubenDickranian_rd 6 months ago

Thanks for another great video. I currently own the Leica 35mm APO and the Leica 50mm Summilux close focus. The M bodies I use are the M10-R black paint and the film MP black paint. I also have the Leica 90mm APO and the 135mm APO in the lineup.
I hardly ever use the 28mm focal length. I do have a Brightin Star 28mm f/2.8 in black paint, but it mostly just sits there as a backup.
One slightly whacky lens I own is the MS-Optics 50mm Sonnetar f/1.3, which can produce some pretty crazy images at times.
That’s more or less my lineup of camera gear. What do you think?

@stefan_becker 6 months ago

In my opinion, that was definitely a waste of money, because most Leica M lenses aren't significantly better than, for example, Voigtländer lenses, which cost only a fraction of the price of Leica lenses. In some cases, the Voigtländer lenses are even better than the Leica lenses. At best, a photographer with a magnifying glass would see the difference in prints. The average person won't see any difference. Another example is the Thypoch 28mm f/1.4 Simera, which is also almost as good as a Leica 28mm f/1.4, but considerably cheaper. Ok, if money were no object, though, I would buy a Leica M lens.