Artra Lab SIMILAR Steel Rim 35mm f/1.4

Focal length: 35 mm
Aperture: f/1.4
Weight: 200 g
Filter diameter: 43 mm
Min. focus distance: 80 cm
Length: 33 mm

Overview

The Artra Lab SIMILAR Steel Rim 35mm f/1.4 is a compact manual focus 35 mm prime for Leica M-mount, styled after 1960s lenses. It is aimed at M-system users who like a classic look and a fast aperture in a small package. Artra Lab specifies it as a full frame lens. Leica Rumors reported it as newly announced on 6 January 2025, with black and silver versions.

Optical design

The lens has 7 elements in 5 groups and a 10-blade diaphragm. The maximum aperture is f/1.4 and the smallest is f/16. The angle of view is listed as 63.2 degrees, which fits the 35 mm focal length on full frame. Artra Lab describes a low reflective multilayer coating and says the design aims at minimal distortion and aberrations, which is the maker's claim and not a measured result.

Focusing and handling

Focusing is manual. The minimum focus distance is listed as 0.8 m, which is a little longer than the 0.7 m typical for M lenses and may limit close portraits. The lens has a 43 mm filter thread. As with all M lenses, there are no electronic contacts.

Build and size

According to Leica Rumors, the body is a CNC unibody made from a single block of aluminium and follows 1960s styling. The lens is 55.5 mm in diameter and 33 mm long, and it weighs 200 g. Artra Lab lists an aluminium alloy body with a brass mount.

Where it fits

The Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH in this database has the same focal length and aperture. The Artra Lab lens is a compact, light alternative with a retro design. Artra Lab's own Nonikkor-MC 35mm f/1.4 (1960s) and (1980s), also in this database, use the same 35 mm f/1.4 specification for other mounts. Compared with them, the SIMILAR is the M-mount option.

Pros and cons

Pros

Fast f/1.4 aperture in a 200 g lens
Compact: 33 mm long, 55.5 mm diameter
43 mm filter thread
10 aperture blades
Black and silver versions

Cons

Manual focus with no electronic communication
Minimum focus distance of 0.8 m
Smaller maker with limited long-term support information
No weather sealing is mentioned in the specifications

Verdict

The SIMILAR Steel Rim is a small, light and fast 35 mm for Leica M users who value a classic appearance. It is not a technical reference lens, but its compact size and f/1.4 aperture make it a practical walkaround option for the M system.

Technical Specifications

min focal length: 35 mm
max focal length: 35 mm
max f (min zoom): f/1.4
max f (max zoom): f/1.4
min. aperture: f/16
Elements: 7
Groups: 5
Weight: 200 g (0.44 lb)
Filter diameter: 43 mm
min focus distance: 80 cm (31.5 in)
Length: 33 mm (1.3 in)
Diameter: 55.5 mm (2.19 in)

Simulate depth of field and angle of view

Which cameras does the Artra Lab SIMILAR Steel Rim 35mm f/1.4 fit?

The Artra Lab SIMILAR Steel Rim 35mm f/1.4 fits all Leica M-Mount cameras and covers the full 35 mm format.

Leica M-Mount cameras

Full frame:: Leica M EV1, Leica M11-D, Leica M11-P, Leica M11 Monochrom, Leica M11, Leica M10-R, Leica M10 Monochrom, Leica M-E (Typ 240), Leica M10-P, Leica M10-D, Leica M10, Leica M-D (Typ 262), Leica M (Typ 262), Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246), Leica M-P (Typ 240), Leica M (Typ 240), Leica M-E (Typ 220), Leica M Monochrom (Typ 230), Leica M9-P, Leica M9

With the Leica M-Adapter L the lens can also be used on Leica L-Mount cameras.