7Artisans M 35mm F2.8

The 7Artisans M 35mm F2.8 is a compact manual-focus prime for Leica M rangefinder cameras and mirrorless bodies with an M adapter. 7Artisans also sells it in an L39 screw-mount version with an M ring, so it fits both modern M cameras and film rangefinders. The 35mm focal length is a classic rangefinder view for street, documentary and travel photography, and the full-frame image circle covers the M system's 24 x 36 mm format.

Optical design

The optical construction has seven elements in five groups, four of them high-index glass, in what 7Artisans calls a dual Gaussian structure. The seven-blade aperture closes from f/2.8 to f/22, and the angle of view is 61.8 degrees. The minimum focusing distance is 0.7 m, matching the usual rangefinder coupling range. According to 7Artisans, rangefinder coupling on M bodies runs from 0.7 m to infinity, while some L39 cameras couple from 1 m.

Focusing and handling

Focusing is manual and coupled to the rangefinder. There is no autofocus and no stabilizer, so exposure and focus are set on the lens and camera as with other M lenses. The package includes a custom circular lens hood and an ultra-thin protective filter that is 1 mm thick. The lens takes 34 mm filters and, according to 7Artisans, supports stacking a second filter without adding height.

Build and size

The barrel is made of metal and weighs about 88 g. The lens measures roughly 56 mm in diameter and 28 mm in length. According to 7Artisans, the slim profile means the lens barely blocks the viewfinder, even with the included metal hood.

Where it fits

For Leica M there are many 35mm options in this database. The Voigtlander 35mm F2.5 Color Skopar and the Leica Summarit-M 35mm F2.4 ASPH are close in aperture, the Thypoch Ksana 35mm F2 ASPH and the Leica Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH are faster, and the Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Trioplan 35mm f/2.8 II offers the same f/2.8 aperture. The 7Artisans x Seagull M 35mm F1.7 is a brighter 35mm from the same maker.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Very light at about 88 g
• Metal build with a slim profile that leaves the rangefinder view largely free
• Available as M mount or L39 with M ring, with hood and ultra-thin filter included
• 34 mm filter thread

Cons

• Maximum aperture of f/2.8 is modest next to faster 35mm lenses
• Manual focus only

Verdict

The 7Artisans M 35mm F2.8 is a small, light 35mm for rangefinder users who value portability over speed. It suits street and travel photography with Leica M and L39 bodies, while photographers who want more light or stronger subject separation will look to the faster lenses in the same system.