Light Lens Lab 35mm F1.4 Aspherical 11873

The Light Lens Lab 35mm f/1.4 Aspherical 11873 is a manual full-frame wide-angle prime for Leica M-mount cameras. Light Lens Lab describes it as a faithful homage to the double aspherical optical concept of one of the most sought-after lenses in photographic history. It targets M-mount users who want a fast 35 mm with a historical optical idea.

Optical design

The lens has nine elements in five groups, with aspherical elements in groups two and five. According to Light Lens Lab, the aspherical elements are now made with a moulded and polished method instead of the ground and polished method used on the first prototype. The company also says it added extra-low dispersion and achromatic elements to reduce distortion, diffraction and chromatic aberration, and that lanthanide-infused elements keep the controlled glow at f/1.4. The maximum aperture is f/1.4 and the smallest aperture is f/16. Light Lens Lab states that all optical and mechanical parts are designed, manufactured and assembled in house.

Focusing and handling

There is no autofocus. Focusing is manual with rangefinder focusing down to 0.7 m. The filter thread is E46. The lens uses an M-mount bayonet. Light Lens Lab lists the length in the camera as 43 mm and the actual length as 56.19 mm, which suggests that the rear of the lens extends into the camera body.

Build and size

The aluminium version weighs 278 g and the titanium version weighs 300 g. The diameter is 52.94 mm. The black paint and chrome versions use 7075 aircraft-grade aluminium alloy, while the Titanium Grey Limited Edition uses titanium alloy and is limited to 300 pieces worldwide, according to Light Lens Lab.

Where it fits

Among 35 mm lenses for M-mount in the database, comparable options include the Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH, the Voigtlander 35mm F1.4 Nokton VM II, the Voigtlander 35mm F1.2 Nokton VM III, the Thypoch Simera 35mm F1.4 and the Kipon Iberit 35mm f/2.4. The Light Lens Lab differs mainly in its recreation approach and the metal body options. The company's 35mm f/2 Apochromatic is a later, more complex alternative with a slower aperture.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Fast f/1.4 aperture
• Nine elements in five groups with aspherical elements, per the manufacturer
• Compact at 278 g in aluminium
• Titanium edition available in limited numbers
• Fully published weight, size and optical data

Cons

• Manual focus only
• Closest focusing distance of 0.7 m with rangefinder
• Smallest aperture is f/16, not f/22
• The titanium edition is heavier and produced in limited numbers

Verdict

The 35mm f/1.4 Aspherical 11873 is a fast manual 35 mm for M-mount, built around a historical double aspherical idea and updated with modern elements. It will interest users who like documented optical recipes and compact metal lenses.