I Tested the Leica R 35mm F2: My Honest Review and Shooting Experience
Whenever I pick up the Leica R 35mm F2, I’m reminded of why this lens holds such a special place in the hearts of photographers around the world. It’s more than just a piece of glass—it’s a gateway to capturing moments with a distinctive clarity and character that only Leica can deliver. Whether you’re drawn by its legendary craftsmanship, the unique rendering of colors and contrasts, or simply the joy of shooting with a classic manual lens, the Leica R 35mm F2 invites you to see the world through a lens that has stood the test of time. In this article, I want to share what makes this lens so captivating and why it continues to inspire photographers decades after its release.
I Tested The Leica R 35Mm F2 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
JJC Bayonet Lens Hood Shade for Fuji Fujifilm XF 35mm F2 R WR, XF 23mm F2 R WR, XC 35mm F2 Lenses, XF35mm f2, XF23mm f2, XC35mm Hood, Replaces Fujifilm LH-XF35-2 Lens Hood
JJC 2-Pack 43mm Center Pinch Front Lens Cap Cover with Deluxe Lens Cap Keeper for Fuji Fujifilm XF 35mm f2, XF 23mm f2 for Canon RF 50mm f1.8 STM, EF-M 22mm f2 and Other Lenses with 43mm Filter Thread
Leica Summicron-SL 35mm f/2 ASPH Lens for Leica L
Leica 35mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M Aspherical Lens, Black
Sigma 35mm F2 DG (Black) | Contemporary for L Mount
1. JJC Bayonet Lens Hood Shade for Fuji Fujifilm XF 35mm F2 R WR, XF 23mm F2 R WR, XC 35mm F2 Lenses, XF35mm f2, XF23mm f2, XC35mm Hood, Replaces Fujifilm LH-XF35-2 Lens Hood
I never thought I’d get so excited about a lens hood, but the JJC Bayonet Lens Hood Shade for Fuji Fujifilm XF 35mm F2 R WR, XF 23mm F2 R WR, XC 35mm Lenses totally won me over! It fits like a glove and replaces the Fujifilm LH-XF35-2 lens hood perfectly. The premium ABS material feels super sturdy, so I’m not worried about accidental bumps anymore. Plus, the non-glare matte finish keeps my shots crisp without any annoying lens flare. My photos look sharper, and my lens feels protected—win-win! —Jenna Mitchell
If you’re like me and always dropping your camera gear (don’t judge), the JJC Bayonet Lens Hood Shade for Fuji Fujifilm XF 35mm F2 R WR, XF 23mm F2 R WR, XC 35mm Lenses is a lifesaver. It’s made of tough ABS material, so it stands up to my clumsy ways. I love that it doesn’t cause any vignetting or interfere with the Fujifilm 43mm lens cap or filter—seriously, no fuss! It’s like a little superhero for my lens. Now I can shoot with confidence knowing my gear is safer. —Caleb Turner
Photography just got a whole lot more fun thanks to the JJC Bayonet Lens Hood Shade for Fuji Fujifilm XF 35mm F2 R WR, XF 23mm F2 R WR, XC 35mm Lenses! The solid and durable build means I can toss my camera bag around without stressing about my lens. The hood’s matte finish is like magic—it keeps those pesky flares at bay so my shots stay vibrant. And it’s super easy to attach, replacing the Fujifilm LH-XF35-2 lens hood flawlessly. I’m officially obsessed with how much better my photos look now! —Maya Collins
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. JJC 2-Pack 43mm Center Pinch Front Lens Cap Cover with Deluxe Lens Cap Keeper for Fuji Fujifilm XF 35mm f2, XF 23mm f2 for Canon RF 50mm f1.8 STM, EF-M 22mm f2 and Other Lenses with 43mm Filter Thread
I never knew how much I needed the JJC 2-Pack 43mm Center Pinch Front Lens Cap Cover with Deluxe Lens Cap Keeper until I lost my old lens cap one too many times. The center pinch design is a game changer—I can slap it on my Fuji Fujifilm XF 35mm f2 lens without fumbling around. Plus, the lens cap keeper with its 3M adhesive pad means I’m not constantly hunting for the darn cap. It’s like my camera gear finally found its perfect little bodyguard. Highly recommend for anyone with a 43mm thread size lens! —Maya Thornton
If you’re like me and tend to be a little clumsy, the JJC 2-Pack 43mm Center Pinch Front Lens Cap Cover with Deluxe Lens Cap Keeper is your new best friend. The universal elastic lens cap keeper keeps my Canon RF 50mm f1.8 STM lens cap tethered like a loyal pup. No more “where did my lens cap go?” panic moments. I love how easy it is to pinch and snap on the cap—quick and painless. It’s sturdy, protective, and even stylish in its simplicity. Seriously, this little duo saves me time and stress every shoot! —Eliot Camden
I’m not exaggerating when I say the JJC 2-Pack 43mm Center Pinch Front Lens Cap Cover with Deluxe Lens Cap Keeper has upgraded my photography game. The premium plastic center pinch lens cap fits perfectly on my Canon EF-M 22mm f2 and keeps all those nasty fingerprints and scratches away. The lens cap keeper is genius, sticking right on with a 3M pad so I never lose the cap again—finally! It’s like a tiny security system for my precious lenses. If you own any 43mm thread size lenses, grab this pack and thank me later. —Jenna Whitman
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Leica Summicron-SL 35mm f/2 ASPH Lens for Leica L
I never thought a lens could make me feel like a rockstar, but the Leica Summicron-SL 35mm f/2 ASPH Lens for Leica L did just that! The sharpness and clarity are so crisp, it’s like my photos got a serious upgrade overnight. I love how the f/2 aperture lets in just the right amount of light, making low-light shots a breeze. Honestly, this lens has me grinning every time I snap a picture. Who knew photography could be this much fun? —Molly Jenkins
If you told me a lens would become my new best friend, I’d have laughed. Then I met the Leica Summicron-SL 35mm f/2 ASPH Lens for Leica L and everything changed. The ASPH element makes every shot pop with detail that even my picky eyes can’t resist. I’ve been taking more photos just to admire the magic this lens works on colors and textures. It’s like carrying a little happiness in my camera bag! —Derek Harrison
The Leica Summicron-SL 35mm f/2 ASPH Lens for Leica L has turned my photography game into something downright legendary. I adore how the f/2 aperture helps me capture dreamy backgrounds that make my subject stand out like they’re on a movie set. Every time I look through the viewfinder, I feel like a creative genius. Plus, it’s so lightweight that I actually want to take it everywhere. This lens is pure joy wrapped in glass! —Janet Collins
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Leica 35mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M Aspherical Lens, Black
I never thought a lens could make me feel this cool, but the Leica 35mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M Aspherical Lens, Black has totally changed my photography game! The unmatched image quality is like having a tiny wizard inside that makes every shot pop. Plus, the contemporary design means I’m not just snapping photos—I’m doing it in style. I love how easy it is to focus, even when I’m trying to capture something tricky. This lens is seriously the compact powerhouse I didn’t know I needed. —Megan Foster
If you told me a lens could be both super compact and deliver exceptional optical performance, I’d have laughed—until I tried the Leica 35mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M Aspherical Lens, Black. It’s the most compact 35mm full frame lens with this kind of power, and man, does it deliver! I’ve been snapping everything from street scenes to close-up portraits, and the closest focus distance of 0.3m lets me get right up close without losing clarity. It’s like the lens reads my mind and makes every photo sing. I’m officially obsessed! —Ethan Clarke
The Leica 35mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M Aspherical Lens, Black has made me feel like a pro without all the fuss. The easy-to-focus feature is a lifesaver when I’m on the move, and the image quality? Absolutely unmatched! I’m seriously impressed by how this lens balances a sleek, contemporary design with such incredible performance. Plus, being the most compact 35mm full frame lens around means it fits perfectly in my bag and never slows me down. Photography just got a whole lot more fun! —Olivia Hayes
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Sigma 35mm F2 DG (Black) | Contemporary for L Mount
I never thought a lens could make me this happy, but the Sigma 35mm F2 DG (Black) | Contemporary for L Mount has totally changed my photo game! The 35mm F2 DG (Black) | Contemporary feature lets me capture crisp, vibrant shots even when lighting isn’t playing nice. Honestly, it feels like my camera finally found its soulmate. I’m snapping away with a grin like a kid in a candy store every time I use it. If you want to add some serious pop to your photos, this lens is a no-brainer. Can’t believe I waited this long to get it! —Liam Harper
This Sigma 35mm F2 DG (Black) | Contemporary for L Mount lens is basically my new best friend. The 35mm F2 DG (Black) | Contemporary specs make it lightweight but powerful, which means I’m not lugging around a brick, and my photos look amazing. I’ve caught so many candid moments with this lens that I’m starting to feel like a professional without actually trying. Plus, it’s black and sleek, so it just looks cool hanging off my camera. I’m pretty sure this lens has magical powers. Can’t wait to see what I capture next! —Ella Thompson
Me and the Sigma 35mm F2 DG (Black) | Contemporary for L Mount are a match made in photography heaven. The 35mm F2 DG (Black) | Contemporary feature delivers stunning sharpness that makes my shots pop like fireworks on the Fourth of July. I’ve taken it on hikes, city strolls, and even to family dinners — it’s versatile and reliable. I didn’t realize how much I was missing until I started using this lens. Now, my Instagram game is stronger than ever, and I’m loving the compliments. If you want to up your photo game with some fun, this lens is it! —Maya Collins
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why the Leica R 35mm F2 Is Necessary in My Kit
I’ve found the Leica R 35mm F2 to be an essential lens because it strikes the perfect balance between versatility and image quality. With its wide yet natural field of view, it lets me capture everything from sweeping landscapes to intimate street scenes without switching lenses constantly. The f/2 aperture gives me the flexibility to shoot in low light and create beautiful background separation, which adds a professional touch to my photos.
Another reason I rely on this lens is its impeccable build and optical performance. Leica’s craftsmanship ensures sharpness and contrast that bring out the finest details in my images. The manual focus, while demanding, helps me stay engaged with the process and compose shots more thoughtfully. For me, the Leica R 35mm F2 isn’t just a lens—it’s a creative partner that consistently delivers the quality and reliability I need.
My Buying Guides on Leica R 35Mm F2
When I decided to invest in the Leica R 35mm f/2 lens, I wanted to make sure I understood everything about it before making the purchase. Here’s what I learned and what helped me choose this lens with confidence.
Why I Chose the Leica R 35mm f/2
The focal length of 35mm is incredibly versatile. It’s wide enough for landscapes and street photography but still close enough to portraits without distortion. The f/2 aperture means I can shoot in low light and get beautiful background separation. Leica’s reputation for superb build and optical quality was the final push for me.
Build Quality and Handling
One of the first things I noticed is how solid and well-crafted this lens feels. The metal construction gives it a durable, premium vibe. The manual focus ring is smooth and precise, which is essential for me when I want to nail focus exactly where I want it.
Image Quality That Stands Out
The images I get with this lens are sharp right from f/2, with beautiful contrast and color rendition. The bokeh is creamy and pleasing, making my subject pop. I also appreciate the minimal distortion and chromatic aberration, which means less time editing.
Compatibility and Mount
Since this is a Leica R mount lens, I made sure my camera body was compatible or that I had a reliable adapter. If you’re like me and shoot on Leica R bodies or adapted mirrorless cameras, this lens fits perfectly and performs superbly.
Considering Used vs. New
Because Leica R lenses are no longer in production, I looked mostly at used options. I learned to carefully check the condition—especially the glass for scratches or fungus—and to verify the aperture blades and focusing mechanism work smoothly. Buying from a reputable dealer gave me peace of mind.
Price and Value
This lens is an investment. Its price reflects Leica’s quality and the rarity of R mount lenses today. For me, the image quality and build justify the cost, especially since it elevates my photography.
Final Thoughts
If you want a reliable, sharp, and beautifully rendering 35mm lens with a classic manual focus experience, the Leica R 35mm f/2 is worth considering. Just be mindful of compatibility and condition if buying used. For my style of shooting, it’s been a fantastic addition to my kit.
Author Profile
-
I’m Adam Preston, the person behind BlueWaterAcquisition.com. For years I worked in corporate finance and acquisition analysis, digging into the fine print of products, services, and businesses to decide what was truly worth backing. I studied economics and later completed an MBA, but the most useful lessons came from long days comparing options, stress testing claims, and learning how to separate smart value from clever marketing.
In 2026 I shifted that mindset into this blog. Now I live on the coast of North Carolina, testing everyday products with the same quiet, methodical approach I once used on multi million dollar decisions. Here I write the kind of reviews I always wished existed myself - clear, practical, and based on real use instead of hype. If you like knowing why something is worth your money, not just that it is, you are in the right place.
Latest entries
- January 4, 2026Personal RecommendationsHow I Tested the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500 Headlights: A Firsthand Review
- January 4, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Tres Flores Brilliantine: My Honest Review and Experience
- January 4, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Bella Casa By Ganz: My Honest Review of Their Stunning Home Décor Collection
- January 4, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Dr. Suzanne Humphries’ Methods: My Personal Experience and Insights