The Mandler 35mm f/2 M-Mount Lens

credits: Mandler

A new Leica M-mount lens is on the way: The Chinese-made Mandler 35mm f/2, a modern homage to Dr. Walter Mandler, the legendary Leica designer responsible for over 45 iconic lenses. Optically, the Mandler 35mm f/2 features seven elements in five groups mirroring the optical formula used in the classic 1970s Summicron lens. Earlier Summicron versions used eight elements, but the seven-element design has a cult following for its rendering and character.

Interest in faithfully recreated vintage glass is growing, especially with M-mount lenses being so adaptable. While Light Lens Lab already offers a high-quality replica of the earlier eight-element Summicron starting at $1,049, and 7Artisans sells a simpler $298 option, the new Mandler lens aims to hit a sweet spot in price and performance. Rumors suggest it could be priced under $1,000 when it arrives next month.

Built from aluminum alloy and weighing 139 grams, the lens is compact and well-suited to street and everyday photography. It has a 10-blade aperture, a 0.7-meter minimum focus distance, and manual focus operation. It will be available in Classic Black or Platinum Silver. It’s designed to fit seamlessly into an existing M-mount kit or adapt easily to modern mirrorless bodies. The company also plans to release three or four new lenses each year, making it one to watch for fans of vintage-inspired glass.

You can see more details on Leica-Rumour’s website here