Light Lens Lab 75mm F2 SP-II

The Light Lens Lab 75mm f/2 SP-II is a manual full-frame telephoto prime for Leica M-mount cameras. Light Lens Lab calls it a homage to a historically significant 1940s double-Gauss design from the SP-II lineage. It is meant for M-mount users who want a classic 75 mm portrait focal length in a compact metal body.

Optical design

The lens has eight elements in five groups. According to Light Lens Lab, the design is refined for modern high-resolution digital sensors, with coverage expanded up to 44 by 33 mm. The company adds that achromatic elements are integrated, and it describes the basic layout as a double-Gauss construction. The maximum aperture is f/2 and the aperture ranges from f/2 to f/22. The diaphragm has twelve blades and is a preset type with half-stop increments. The design frame coverage is stated as full frame, 24 by 36 mm.

Focusing and handling

Focusing is manual with rangefinder coupling and a range of 0.7 m to infinity. There is no autofocus. The filter thread is E43. A hood is integrated into the body, and Light Lens Lab lists an A46 clip-on Reid style hood as a compatible accessory. The preset diaphragm means the aperture is set in advance rather than as a continuous ring.

Build and size

The black paint and chrome versions use bodies and accessories made from 7075 aircraft-grade aluminium alloy. The mount is a quick-change M-mount bayonet. The lens weighs 310 g, is 73 mm long and has a diameter of 54 mm. Light Lens Lab says it is the product of testing throughout 2023 and several optical prototypes, and it announced the production-ready design in February 2026.

Where it fits

In the database, other 75 mm M-mount lenses include the Leica APO-Summicron-M 75mm f/2 ASPH, the Leica Summarit-M 75mm F2.4 ASPH, the Leica Noctilux-M 75mm F1.25 ASPH, the Voigtlander 75mm F1.8 Heliar Classic, the Voigtländer Nokton 75mm f/1.5 and the Thypoch Simera 75mm F1.4. The Light Lens Lab is a recreation of an older lens type, while most of those are modern designs. Light Lens Lab's own 75mm f/1.5 Z21 is a larger, faster alternative.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Compact 75 mm at 310 g and 73 mm length
• Twelve aperture blades, according to the maker
• Integrated hood
• 0.7 m close focus, matching rangefinder coupling
• Coverage stated up to 44 by 33 mm
• Aluminium body

Cons

• Manual focus only
• Preset diaphragm is slower to use than a continuous aperture ring
• f/2 is slower than the f/1.5 and f/1.4 alternatives
• The design is a homage to a 1940s layout and not a modern apochromatic correction

Verdict

The 75mm f/2 SP-II suits M-mount photographers who like classic double-Gauss rendering and a small, well documented lens. Its specifications are fully published by the manufacturer, which makes it easy to compare with the faster and more modern options in the same focal length.