Mandler’s New 50mm f/1.4 E46 Lens
Chinese lens maker Mandler is back with its second Leica-inspired lens, following the 35mm f/2 it launched earlier this year. This time it is the Mandler 50mm f/1.4 E46 Pre-A, which takes its inspiration from the classic pre-aspherical Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4. And just like with its first lens, Mandler is trying to get pretty close to the character of the original Leica lens, including its bokeh, colour, contrast and even the way it handles flare, while making a few changes to the optical performance.
Inside, the 50mm f/1.4 uses seven elements arranged in five groups, along with a 12-blade aperture. Mandler claims resolution is around 20 to 25% higher than the original Leica design, with the difference apparently particularly noticeable when shooting wide open at f/1.4. At the same time, it is deliberately keeping some of the less technically perfect characteristics associated with older lenses, including what Mandler describes as “swirling” and “airy” bokeh. One practical improvement is the minimum focusing distance, which has been shortened to 0.5 meters. The lens measures 46.5mm long, takes 46mm filters and is available in both Leica M and LTM mounts, making it pretty easy to adapt to other mirrorless systems as well.
There are two versions depending on the materials used. The black aluminium model weighs around 290g, while the silver brass version comes in at a heavier 385g. The first production batch has already sold out, but Mandler says a second batch will open for preorder on October 1. The aluminium version costs $368, while the brass version is $548.
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