Thypoch Ksana 21mm F3.5

The Thypoch Ksana 21mm F3.5 is a manual-focus full-frame ultra-wide prime for Leica M mount. It is the first lens of the Ksana series and was announced on 13 January 2026. Thypoch describes it as a revisit of classic 1970s lenses in a very compact format, aimed at street, travel and documentary photography.

Optical design

The construction has 8 elements in 6 groups, with 1 aspherical element, 2 ED elements and 3 high-refractive-index elements, according to Thypoch. The 9-blade diaphragm covers F3.5 to F22, and Thypoch notes 18-point starbursts at F4. The minimum focusing distance is 0.5 m. The angle of view is about 90.6 degrees diagonally, 80.2 degrees horizontally and 58.5 degrees vertically on full frame, with an image circle of 43.2 mm. The lens uses Epoch Coating 73, which Thypoch describes as a coating tuned for a 1970s look with golden bloom and soft color rendering.

Focusing and handling

Focusing is manual. The focus ring is scalloped, and a crescent-shaped tab supports focusing with one finger. The ring has a tactile reminder at 0.7 m that tells rangefinder users the coupling ends there and to switch to the electronic viewfinder.

Build and size

The body is all aluminum. Thypoch gives a height of 27 mm and a weight of 131 g. The press release says 27 mm high and the spec table lists 27.29 mm length. The front diameter is 42 mm and the filter thread is E39. It comes in black or silver and the package includes front and rear caps.

Where it fits

In the Leica M segment of the database, small wide-angle options include the Voigtländer 21mm F4 Color Skopar Pancake II at 136 g and the Leica Super-Elmar-M 21mm f/3.4 ASPH at 279 g, as well as the Leica Elmarit-M 21mm f/2.8 ASPH. The Ksana is faster than the Voigtländer and lighter than the Leica Super-Elmar. A faster Thypoch alternative is the Simera 21mm F1.4 at 428 g.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Very compact at 27 mm and 131 g
• F3.5 and 0.5 m minimum focusing distance
• 9-blade aperture with 18-point starbursts at F4
• 1 aspherical, 2 ED and 3 HRI elements

Cons

• Manual focus only
• Slower than the Simera 21mm F1.4 and the Elmarit 21mm
• Only for Leica M
• No weather sealing stated

Verdict

The Ksana 21mm F3.5 is a very small and light ultra-wide for Leica M with a vintage look. It suits street and travel photographers who want a compact lens above all.