Mandler 50mm F1.4 E46 Pre-A

The Mandler 50mm F1.4 E46 Pre-A is a manual focus standard lens for Leica M-mount cameras and covers full frame. Mandler is a Chinese brand, and Leica Rumors reported it on 30 June 2026 as a lens based on the Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 pre-ASPH designed by Walter Mandler. The Mandler shop offers it 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 has 7 elements in 5 groups. According to Mandler, it keeps the pure spherical pre-ASPH layout and uses modern materials to improve resolution by 20 to 25 percent at f/1.4 compared with the original design, with the same compact dimensions. These are manufacturer statements. The aperture is a preset type that runs from f/1.4 to f/16 with 12 blades, click stops and half-stop settings. Mandler describes a three-dimensional look and a swirling bokeh wide open.

Focusing and handling

Focusing is manual and runs from 0.5 m to infinity. The aperture is a preset ring with click stops. The hood is a built-in pull-out type, so no separate hood is needed. The filter size is E46.

Build and size

The aluminium version weighs 290 g, the brass version 385 g. The lens is 46.5 mm long and 53 mm in diameter. Mandler offers the aluminium body in black anodized finish and the brass body in chrome plating. The shop lists the lens as a pre-order, with shipping in several batches in October.

Where it fits

The Mandler follows the Summilux pre-ASPH idea in a much smaller price class than Leica. Alternatives for Leica M in the database include the Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH, the Voigtlander 50mm F1.5 Nokton VM II, the Voigtlander 50mm F1.1 Nokton, the TTArtisan 50mm f/1.4 ASPH and the Thypoch Simera 50mm F1.4.

Pros and cons

Pros

• f/1.4 in a compact body with a built-in pull-out hood
• Minimum focus distance of 0.5 m
• 12 aperture blades and half-stop clicks
• Choice of aluminium and brass bodies

Cons

• Manual focus only
• Aluminium weighs 290 g and brass 385 g, which is more than the smaller f/2 lenses
• Spherical pre-ASPH design, so expect classic character and no asphere correction
• Below about 0.7 m the Leica M rangefinder no longer couples, so live view or an EVF is needed for closer focusing
• Pre-order status and little user feedback so far

Verdict

The Mandler 50mm F1.4 E46 Pre-A is aimed at Leica M users who want the rendering of a classic Summilux layout without the Leica price. It fits photographers who accept manual handling and a character lens. If predictable corrected performance matters more, the Leica and Thypoch options in the database are the more modern choices.