Funleader Updates Contax G35 Conversion Kit

credits: Funleader

Funleader has announced an updated Black Edition of its Contax G35 Leica M Conversion Helicoid V2, continuing its approach of adapting classic Contax G lenses for Leica M cameras without permanently modifying the original lens. The update, according to the company, is especially interesting for photographers who still like the look and rendering of classic Zeiss optics on Leica M bodies.

The biggest change is the move to an upgraded aluminium alloy housing for the conversion components, which cuts down the weight compared to earlier versions and slightly changes the overall feel. The kit now also includes a matching aluminium lens cap, and the new all-black finish is designed to fit in more naturally with modern Leica M cameras. At the same time, the fully converted optical version of the lens still keeps a full brass construction. Internally, Funleader says the structure has also been refined to improve focus damping and focusing smoothness, which should make manual focusing feel a bit more controlled during regular shooting.

The system itself still revolves around a non-destructive conversion process, meaning you can move the original Contax G35 35mm f/2 optical block into the helicoid without permanently altering the lens. It supports proper rangefinder coupling for Leica M cameras, keeps the original 35mm focal length, f/2 aperture, and full-frame coverage, and uses a 46mm filter thread with a minimum focusing distance of 0.7 meters. One small quirk from the earlier version is still there, when set to f/16, the effective aperture is actually closer to f/13 because of mechanical limitations tied to the original lens design. Pricing is set at $990 for the full conversion kit, while the updated Black Edition helicoid on its own costs $519.