7Artisans M 75mm F1.25 II

The 7Artisans M 75mm F1.25 II is a manual focus full frame lens for Leica M mount, and the second version of the 7Artisans M 75mm F1.25. It is a bright portrait lens for rangefinder and mirrorless cameras with an M mount. According to 7Artisans, the update brings a smoother bokeh, a smoother aperture ring, luminous markings and a lower weight.

Optical design

The lens has 7 elements in 6 groups. The aperture range is F1.25 to F16, and the diaphragm has 12 blades. The angle of view is 32.83 degrees. 7Artisans describes the F1.25 aperture as the basis for an ultra shallow depth of field and a smooth bokeh, suitable for portraits, emotional close-ups and low light shooting. The filter thread measures 62 mm.

Focusing and handling

Focusing is manual, with a closest focusing distance of 0.8 m. The updated aperture ring is designed for smooth operation with clear markings, and the barrel carries a depth of field scale for precise focusing. New luminous markings are meant to make the controls easier to read in low light. 7Artisans describes the compact body as balanced and easy to hold.

Build and size

The lens is built entirely of metal. It is 65 mm in diameter and 79 mm long and weighs about 514 g. In the manufacturer's comparison, the original lens weighs 600 g, so the Mark II is about 86 g lighter.

Where it fits

M mount lenses in the same range in the database include the Leica Noctilux-M 75mm F1.25 ASPH, which has the same speed and focal length, the Thypoch Simera 75mm F1.4, the Voigtländer Nokton 75mm f/1.5 and the Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Biotar 75mm f/1.5 II. Slower Leica options are the Leica APO-Summicron-M 75mm f/2 ASPH and the Leica Summarit-M 75mm F2.4 ASPH.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Very bright F1.25 aperture with 12 diaphragm blades
• Full frame coverage for Leica M
• About 86 g lighter than the first version, according to 7Artisans
• Depth of field scale and luminous markings
• All-metal construction

Cons

• Manual focus only
• Closest focusing distance of 0.8 m
• 514 g is substantial for a 75 mm lens
• Available only for Leica M

Verdict

The M 75mm F1.25 II is a fast manual portrait lens for Leica M mount cameras. It combines a very large aperture with a metal body, a depth of field scale and updated markings, and it is lighter than its predecessor. For a lens in this speed class it offers a clear and well specified package for M shooters.