Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM Lens Instruction Manual

1. Product Overview

The Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM is a high-performance, large-aperture wide-angle prime lens designed for Sony E-mount full-frame cameras. It is part of Sony's prestigious G Master series, known for exceptional resolution and beautiful bokeh.

• Superior Optical Design: Features two XA (Extreme Aspherical) elements and one ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass element for outstanding corner-to-corner resolution and reduced chromatic aberration.
• Large Aperture: A bright F1.4 maximum aperture provides extraordinary brightness, shallow depth of field, and excellent low-light performance.
• Beautiful Bokeh: The 11-blade circular aperture mechanism creates smooth, natural-looking background blur, a hallmark of G Master lenses.
• Fast and Precise Autofocus: Equipped with an XD (Extreme Dynamic) linear focus drive system for quick, accurate, and quiet autofocus.
• Durable Construction: Features Nano AR Coating II to suppress reflections, flare, and ghosting, along with a fluorine front element coating and a dust- and moisture-resistant design for reliability in various shooting conditions.

2. Setup and Handling

2.1 Attaching and Detaching the Lens

To attach the lens, align the white index mark on the lens barrel with the white index mark on your camera body. Rotate the lens clockwise until it clicks into place. To detach, press the lens release button on the camera body and rotate the lens counter-clockwise.

Front view of the Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM lens, showing the front element and mounting index.

2.2 Lens Hood and Caps

The supplied lens hood (ALC-SH164) helps to block unwanted light and protect the front of the lens. Attach it by aligning the red dot on the hood with the red dot on the lens, then rotate until it clicks. The lens comes with a front cap and a rear cap for protection during storage and transport.

The Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM lens shown with its dedicated lens hood attached, ready for use.

2.3 Controls and Switches

• Focus Mode Switch (AF/MF): Located on the side of the lens, this switch allows you to quickly toggle between autofocus (AF) and manual focus (MF).
• Focus Hold Button: A customizable button that can be assigned various functions via your camera's menu, commonly used to lock focus.
• Aperture Ring: Allows direct control over the aperture. The aperture values (F1.4 to F16) are marked on the ring.
• Aperture Click Switch (CLICK ON/OFF): This switch allows you to enable or disable the click stops on the aperture ring. "ON" provides tactile feedback for photography, while "OFF" allows smooth, silent aperture changes ideal for video recording.

Side view of the lens highlighting the AF/MF switch and the customizable focus hold button.

Another side view, focusing on the aperture ring with its F-stop markings and the CLICK ON/OFF switch.

3. Operating the Lens

The 35mm focal length is versatile, suitable for a wide range of subjects including street photography, environmental portraits, landscapes, and low-light scenes. The fast F1.4 aperture allows for excellent subject isolation and creative depth of field effects.

• Photography: Utilize the F1.4 aperture for stunning bokeh and excellent performance in dim lighting. For sharper images across the frame, stop down the aperture to F2.8 or narrower.
• Videography: The de-clickable aperture ring (CLICK OFF) is highly beneficial for video, allowing for smooth and silent aperture adjustments during recording. The fast autofocus system ensures subjects remain sharp even during dynamic scenes.
• Focusing: In AF mode, the lens will automatically focus. For precise control, switch to MF and use the large, tactile focus ring.

4. Maintenance and Care

• Cleaning: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to clean the lens surfaces. For stubborn smudges, use a lens cleaning solution specifically designed for optical elements. Avoid touching the glass directly with your fingers.
• Storage: Always attach the front and rear lens caps when not in use. Store the lens in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. If storing for extended periods, consider using a dehumidifier to prevent mold growth.
• Dust and Moisture: While the lens features a dust- and moisture-resistant design, it is not waterproof. Avoid exposing it to heavy rain or direct water spray. Clean any moisture immediately.

5. Troubleshooting

• Autofocus Issues: If autofocus is slow or inaccurate, ensure the AF/MF switch is set to AF. Check your camera's focus settings and ensure sufficient light for the autofocus system to operate effectively.
• Lens Not Recognized: Ensure the lens is securely attached to the camera body. Turn the camera off and on again. If the issue persists, clean the lens and camera contacts with a dry, lint-free cloth.
• Unusual Noises: Minor operational sounds from the autofocus motor are normal. If you hear loud or grinding noises, detach the lens and reattach it. If the noise continues, contact Sony support.

6. Specifications

Key specifications and dimensions of the Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM lens.

7. Warranty and Support

This Sony product is covered by a manufacturer's warranty. For detailed information regarding your warranty period, terms, and conditions, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Sony support website.

For technical support, service, or additional resources, please visit the Sony Store on Amazon or the official Sony support website.