The ASPH Revolution
In Leica’s pantheon of 28mm lenses—from the Depression-era Hektor f/6.3 to the cult-classic Elmarit v4—the Summicron-M 28mm f/2 ASPH (2016–present) stands as Olympus among mortals. This 254g aluminum oracle merges Walter Mandler’s optical philosophy with 21st-century aspherical sorcery, delivering f/2 brilliance at $4,500. Forget “versatile”; this lens is photographic divinity incarnate.
Design: Precision Sonnet
- Chassis Choreography
- Weight: 254g (9oz)—balanced like a Tang dynasty scholar’s brush
- Aesthetic: Matte black finish hiding computational witchcraft
- Mechanical Nuance
- Focus Throw: 90° from 0.7m to ∞—street sniper’s haiku
- Aperture Quirk: Loose detents (a $4,500 “character feature”)
Optical Scripture
- f/2 Alchemy
- Center Sharpness: 60 lp/mm @ f/2—slicing Portra 400 like a katana
- Bokeh Ballet: 10-blade iris painting backgrounds like Monet’s water lilies
- ASPH Sorcery
- 3D Pop: Microcontrast replicating Koudelka’s layered drama
- Flare Control: Nano-coating banishes ghosts—unless you want them
Bloodline Wars
| Aspect | Summicron 28 ASPH | Voigtländer VM 28mm f/2 | Leica Elmarit 28mm v4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpness | Surgical @ f/2 | Clinic @ f/2.8 | Museum guard @ f/2.8 |
| Bokeh | Cashmere gradients | Polyester textures | Burlap abstraction |
| Weight | 254g (nimble) | 230g (feather) | 180g (ghost) |
| Price (2025) | 4,500–4,500–5,000 | 500–500–700 | 1,800–1,800–2,500 (used) |
| Soul | Kubrick’s perfection | Tarantino’s grit | Truffaut’s nostalgia |
VI. The Quirks Doctrine
Leica’s $4,500 joke:
- Loose Aperture Ring: “Tactile feedback” for the ADHD photographer
- Oversized Hood: Doubles as satellite dish (or leave it off for street stealth)
- Focus Tab: Cold metal nub demanding finger-callus commitment
VII. Who Should Worship?
✓ ASPHerants: Chasing optical nirvana
✓ Low-Light Shamans: Who see ISO 12,500 as creative tool
✓ Leica Purists: With trust funds to burn
Avoid If: You think bokeh is “just background.”
Final Verdict: The Uncompromising Oracle
The Summicron 28 ASPH is photographic asceticism—a $5,000 lesson in optical absolutism. For the price of a used Honda, you gain:
- 100% Mandler magic + 200% modern bite
- Proof that perfection exists (and mocks your wallet)
- Permission to never blame gear again
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 (for hedonists) | ⭐/5 (for mortals)
“A lens that sneers: ‘Poor? Try the Voigtländer.’”
Pro Tips:
- Hood Hack: Replace with $10 eBay knockoff—Leica won’t notice
- Aperture Fix: Wrap dental floss around ring for DIY detent
- CLA Ritual: Not needed—this lens outlives marriages
Aluminum psalm,
Twenty-eight millimeters—
Debt sings sharp and clear.
