Mandler 35mm F2 7 Elements

Focal length: 35 mm
Aperture: f/2
Weight: 138 g
Filter diameter: 39 mm
Min. focus distance: 70 cm
Length: 34 mm

Overview

The Mandler 35mm F2 7 Elements is a manual focus wide-angle prime for Leica M-mount cameras and covers full frame. Mandler is a Chinese brand, and the lens, introduced in May 2025, is a replica of the optical formula of the Leica Summicron 35mm f/2 7-element lens. It is sold through the Mandler online shop in an aluminium and a chrome-plated brass version, for M mount and for screw mount (LTM). This entry covers the M-mount version.

Optical design

The lens uses 7 elements in 5 groups, a double Gauss layout. According to Mandler, it has a purple-gold coating for flare control, lower-dispersion glass and a 10-blade aperture with click stops that support half-stop settings. The aperture range is f/2 to f/16. Mandler states that distortion stays within about plus or minus 0.5 percent and describes a soft swirling bokeh and some vignetting at f/2.

Focusing and handling

Focusing is manual with rangefinder coupling and runs from 0.7 m to infinity. The focus ring is crescent shaped. The lens has no weather sealing, according to Mandler's FAQ. The filter thread is E39, and a round or square aluminium hood is available as an accessory.

Build and size

The aluminium version weighs 138 g, the brass version 210 g. The lens is 34 mm long and 52 mm in diameter.

Where it fits

The Mandler is a replica of the 7 element Summicron design. Alternatives for Leica M in the database include the Leica Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH, the Voigtlander 35mm F2.5 Color Skopar, the Leica Summarit-M 35mm F2.4 ASPH and the Kipon Iberit 35mm f/2.4.

Pros and cons

Pros

Small and light at 34 mm length and 138 g in aluminium
f/2 aperture with 10 blades
Rangefinder coupling and full frame coverage
Choice of aluminium and brass bodies

Cons

Manual focus only
No weather sealing, according to Mandler
Minimum focus distance of 0.7 m

Verdict

The Mandler 35mm F2 7 Elements suits Leica M owners who want a compact 35 mm with a classic look and accept that it is a character lens rather than a modern corrected one. If you value consistency and long term support, the Leica and Voigtlander options in the database are the established alternatives.

Technical Specifications

min focal length: 35 mm
max focal length: 35 mm
max f (min zoom): f/2
max f (max zoom): f/2
min. aperture: f/16
Elements: 7
Groups: 5
Weight: 138 g (0.3 lb)
Filter diameter: 39 mm
min focus distance: 70 cm (27.56 in)
Length: 34 mm (1.34 in)
Diameter: 52 mm (2.05 in)

Simulate depth of field and angle of view

Which cameras does the Mandler 35mm F2 7 Elements fit?

The Mandler 35mm F2 7 Elements 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.