Leica Summicron-M 35mm f/2 IV (‘King of Bokeh’) on a Leica SL2-S
A Leica Summicron-M 35mm f/2 IV also known as the 'King of Bokeh', mounted on a Leica SL2-S
Photo by: Julian Fok
A Quick Look at the ‘King of Bokeh’
Once in a while lenses become so popular that they eventually get a nickname. This, of course, happens for various reasons. In the case of the Leica Summicron-M 35mm f/2 version IV the nickname is ‘King of Bokeh’ which should be self-explanatory to photography aficionados.
A few weeks ago, I was lucky to spend time with Julian Fok who has this mythical lens. Julian and I were doing a lens exchange where I tried three of his lenses and he tried three of mine. I can warmly recommend this if you have a photo buddy nearby. It is a great way to test the waters before spending hard-earned dollars on photography gear.
Build Quality and Handling
Please bear in mind that my time with the Summicron-M 35mm f/2 was limited but initial impressions were okay. This lens is perhaps a bit smaller than what I prefer on a Leica SL-style body but on an M camera, it should be rather perfect.
When it comes to the lens design, you can tell this lens is from the late last century (1979-1999) but in ways it also feels more solidly built than newer lenses from Leica.
The lens has the usual focus lever and it takes some getting used to if you’ve never entered the Leica M camera realm. On my Voigtländer Nokton 28mm f/1.5, I have a normal focus ring but there is also room on the lens barrel for the focus lever, which delivers the best of both worlds. On the Summicron-M 35mm, there is only room for a focus lever.
Image Quality
I will admit there is something magical about the Summicron-M 35mm f/2 IV. It is not a perfect lens and that is what makes it special. It has a wonderful character and is sharp enough in the center. Things look a bit dreamy as you gradually move toward to edges of the frame, some may call it soft.
Of the three lenses I tried on this day the ‘King of Bokeh’ shots were the photos that liked the most. The photos have a feel that is hard to explain.
While my other photos from the same surroundings in Steveston were clinically more correct it also somehow made them more boring. Lenses can be finicky in that way. They truly are like paintbrushes and each lens has its signature.
It does indeed come down to taste as to which lens you prefer and depending on the situation the Summicron-M 35mm f/2 may not be the best choice if perfect is what you are looking for.
The sample images in this review can be viewed up to 2500 pixels wide depending on your monitor size. Please click to view larger photos if viewed on your PC or laptop, or pinch-zoom if you are viewing on your phone.
Final Thoughts
The Summicron-M 35mm f/2 IV lives up to expectations and gives you character in spades. The ‘King of Bokeh’ badge makes more sense once you have tried this lens, the quality of the bokeh is certainly commendable.
If anything, the Summicron-M 35mm f/2 IV has made me curious to also try newer versions. Lenses have evolved in the 21st century to become more clinically correct and I am wondering at what point the character starts to disappear.
Thanks again to Julian for letting me use his lens for this review.
Please keep scrolling for a few more sample images.
Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, Steveston, Leica SL2-S, Leica Summicron-M 35mm f/2 version IV
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