Leica Summilux 35mm ASPH pre-FLE (mislabelled Zeiss), balanced sharpness and character between vintage and FLE.
This listing is a Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH. — the pre-FLE aspherical version that dramatically improved wide-open sharpness over the earlier non-ASPH variants. The ASPH version represented a significant optical upgrade while maintaining the distinctive Summilux rendering character.
The aspherical element provides substantially better wide-open sharpness than the pre-ASPH versions while retaining some of the characterful rendering that made the Summilux 35mm legendary. The ASPH sits between the vintage character of pre-ASPH and the clinical precision of the FLE.
Build quality is Leica M with machined brass in either black or chrome finish. The pre-FLE ASPH is the middle ground in the Summilux 35mm evolution — significantly sharper than vintage versions but with slightly more character than the clinical FLE.
The Summilux-M 35mm ASPH (pre-FLE) commands strong prices on the used market as a balance between sharpness and character. Some photographers specifically prefer it over the FLE for its slightly warmer rendering.