Funleader Artizlab Classic 35mm F1.4

The Funleader Artizlab Classic 35mm F1.4 is a manual focus wide-angle prime for Leica M-mount cameras and covers full frame. It is made for rangefinder shooters who want a small, fast 35 mm with a classic look. Funleader released it in January 2025 as a tribute to the Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 from the 1960s, with the look of the old design and a new optical formula.

Optical design

According to Funleader, the lens uses 8 elements in 6 groups, including high-refractive-index glass. The original Leica design had 7 elements in 5 groups, and Funleader says the new layout reduces flare and improves resolution in the centre while keeping a Leica-style rendering. The maximum aperture is f/1.4, the smallest is f/16, and the diaphragm has 10 blades. The image circle is given as 43.3 mm.

Focusing and handling

Focusing is manual and couples to the rangefinder. The minimum focus distance is 1 m, and the manufacturer lists a 62 degree angle of view. The lens revives the focus lock of the earliest Summilux 35 f/1.4 V2 lenses: a button built into the focus tab holds the focus at infinity until it is pressed. The focus ring turns about 90 degrees from the closest distance to infinity. The lens hood copies the original and holds a series VII filter, so the lens itself has no filter thread.

Build and size

The body is made of aluminium and copper and comes in black or silver. Without the hood it measures 52 mm in diameter and 28 mm in length and weighs 157 g without caps. With the hood the size is given as 64 mm by 44 mm. The flange distance is 27.8 mm.

Where it fits

The Artizlab follows the 1960s Summilux in spirit and is not an aspherical design. Inside the Leica M system, the Voigtlander 35mm F1.4 Nokton VM II and the Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH are the closest fast 35 mm options in our database. For a slower aperture, the Voigtlander 35mm F2.5 Color Skopar is an option.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Compact and light for an f/1.4 lens at 157 g
• Retro look with focus lock and filter holding hood
• 10 aperture blades
• Full frame coverage and rangefinder coupling

Cons

• Manual focus only, no electronic contacts
• Minimum focus distance of 1 m is long for a 35 mm
• No filter thread, only the hood based filter mount

Verdict

The Artizlab Classic 35mm F1.4 is a small, deliberately retro lens for Leica M users who care about size and old-school handling. It suits people who want f/1.4 in a compact format and accept manual focus and a 1 m close limit.