Light Lens Lab 28mm F2.8 Nine Element

The Light Lens Lab 28mm f/2.8 Nine Element is a manual full-frame wide-angle prime for Leica M-mount cameras. Light Lens Lab describes it as a close homage to the original Nine Element design, adapted for digital sensors. It is aimed at M-mount shooters who want a compact 28 mm with a classic look and brass or titanium construction.

Optical design

According to Light Lens Lab, the lens follows the original nine element, six group layout closely. The company says it uses newly made in-house elements infused with fluorite and an extra-low dispersion (ED) glass element, which is meant to improve edge-to-edge rendering and reduce dispersion and distortion. Light Lens Lab also states that it optimised the design for digital sensors and eliminated the red fringing phenomenon that occurred on the original Nine Element. The maximum aperture is f/2.8, and the aperture can be set from f/2.8 to f/22.

Focusing and handling

There is no autofocus. Focusing is manual and coupled to the M-mount rangefinder, with a minimum focus distance of 0.7 m. The lens keeps the classic focus tab and an infinity lock. The filter thread is E49. A 12501 lens hood is available separately and is not included in the stated weight. Light Lens Lab says the lens is compatible with all digital M-mount cameras, but not with the Leica M5 and CL.

Build and size

The body is made from brass or titanium, depending on the finish. Light Lens Lab lists chrome and black paint finishes and says the lenses are made by hand in limited quantities. The lens weighs 300 g without the hood, is 56.8 mm long and has a diameter of 52.4 mm. That puts it in the compact range for a 28 mm with a metal body.

Where it fits

Within the database, comparable 28 mm lenses for M-mount include the Leica Elmarit-M 28mm f/2.8 ASPH, the Leica Summaron-M 28mm F5.6, the Voigtlander 28mm F2 Ultron VM II and the Thypoch Eureka 28mm F2.8. The Light Lens Lab differs in that it recreates a historical nine element layout and uses a brass body, while the Leica Elmarit-M and the Voigtlander follow modern designs.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Nine elements in six groups with fluorite-infused and ED elements, according to the maker
• Optimised for digital sensors, with reduced red fringing compared to the original, per Light Lens Lab
• Compact 28 mm with metal body
• Classic focus tab and infinity lock
• Close focus of 0.7 m matches rangefinder coupling

Cons

• Manual focus only
• Not compatible with Leica M5 and CL, according to the manufacturer
• f/2.8 is slower than some other 28 mm options
• Limited production, as stated by Light Lens Lab
• Hood is sold separately

Verdict

The 28mm f/2.8 Nine Element is a niche lens for M-mount users who value a historical optical layout and hand finished metal construction. It offers a compact size and a documented elements list, while accepting a slower aperture and the limits of manual rangefinder focusing.