Leica 35mm f/2 APO-Summicron-SL ASPH: Severe Veiling Flare Problems
Related: apochromatic, ghosting flare, Leica, Leica 35mm f/2 APO-Summicron-SL ASPH, Leica APO-Summicron, Leica APO-Summicron-SL, Leica Lenses, Leica M, Leica SL lenses, Leica SL2, Leica Summicron, Leica Summicron-SL, lens flare, veiling flare
When Leica shipped the Leica 50mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M ASPH with massive flare problems, severe flare issues were evident to me in the first 5 minutes of usage. I stuck to my findings despite aggressive pushback from “experts” unable to use their own eyes. About four months later, Leica stopped the production line for multiple “improvements”. Leica later replaced my sample which was notably improved, if not ideal.
The results are beautiful when the front lens element is shaded. Otherwise, they are total garbage.
I show numerous examples of severe veiling flare, along with ghosting flare and arc flare.
Leica 35mm f/2 APO-Summicron-SL ASPH: Flare
Includes images up to full camera resolution with unshaded vs shaded results.
In my opinion, the Leica 35mm f/2 APO-Summicron-SL should be recalled, its flare handling problems fixed, and the lens replaced for all customers.
Toggle to compare unshaded to shaded.
LEICA SL2 + Leica 35mm f/2 APO-Summicron-SL ASPH RAW: +10 Clarity
[low-res image for bot]
