Leica Summilux-M F/1.4 35mm ASPH Lens, Model 11874 [Excellent condition]

The Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH, model 11874, is the black “pre-FLE” version introduced in 1994 and produced through 2010. It was a major modernizing step for Leica’s fast 35mm lenses, using a compact 9-element/5-group optical design with an aspherical element, E46 filters, 0.7 m minimum focus, and a separate clip-on hood. At roughly 250 g in black anodized finish, it remains impressively small for a full-frame 35mm f/1.4.

Optically, the 11874 is known for strong contrast, high central sharpness, and excellent detail even at f/1.4, with much better wide-open correction than the older pre-ASPH Summilux. It is also notably well controlled for coma, which helps in low-light and night work. Stopped down, it becomes crisp across more of the frame and works beautifully as a general reportage, travel, and environmental portrait lens. Many photographers still like the 11874 because it combines modern ASPH sharpness with a slightly gentler, less clinical rendering than later versions.