We might have gained an insight into Leica's lens roadmap after reference to new 35mm optic spotted
(Image credit: Future)
Someone with a keen eye - Nokishita to be exact - has spotted a reference to a new 35mm lens from Leica, in a firmware update for the Leica Thambar-M 90mm f/2.2 lens. In the array of numbers a clear reference to an "Apo-Summicron . . . z/35 ASPH." can be seen, which can't relate to any current lens model in the German manufacturer's lineup.
It has already been rumored that Leica is to announce another limited edition vintage 35mm f/2.8 lens but it is currently unclear if this is the lens to which the nomenclature refers in the firmware update.
The limited description of the lens doesn't give away much - it is unclear what the maximum aperture of the lens might be, although we can assume it will be in the same league as many of Leica's other 'standard' primes. All we can draw from the available information is that it is indeed a prime and contains aspherical elements, as denoted by the APSH suffix.
While it can be viewed as somewhat of an oversight from Leica, that such embargoed information can be drawn from an update of this type, it can be assumed most people are not on the hunt for such optical secrets. If anything this makes the new potential lens more credible, but as always with these things time will tell.
Earlier this week, the legendary German manufacturer introduced the Leica Noctilux-M 50 f/1.2 ASPH into its Classics rangefinder range.
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