Report: Artizlab Classic 35mm f/1.4 lens for Leica M-mount by Funleader
The latest Artizlab Classic 35mm f/1.4 “Silver Edition” lens for Leica M-mount by Funleader is now back in stock, available in both black and silver (see previous coverage of the lens). This lens is inspired by Leica’s legendary 1960s 35mm f/1.4 V2 lens.
US buyers do not have to pay tariffs when they order directly from the official website:
- U.S. Customers – Prices shown already include tariffs, which the sender/manufacturer pays. There are no extra import fees or duties upon delivery. The checkout price is the final cost (excluding local sales tax, if applicable).
- Europe & Other Regions – Prices are adjusted accordingly to compensate for possible VAT. While tariffs are included, local VAT/GST may still apply. In most cases, the VAT due is modest, usually under £20.
You can also get 5% off your order with the coupon code LEICARUMORS:
Artizlab Classic 35mm f/1.4 lens for Leica M-mount report:
- Overview: The Artizlab Classic 35mm f/1.4 lens, produced by Funleader for Leica M-mount, is a 2025 homage to Leica’s iconic 1960s Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 V2, blending vintage aesthetics with modern optics.
- Build and Design: Compact and lightweight at 157g, measuring 52mm long and 28mm in diameter; constructed from aluminum and copper with a chrome or black finish. Build quality is solid and well-made, with tight tolerances and a satisfying mechanical feel.
- Infinity Lock: an infinity lock on the focusing tab.
- Optical Performance: Features a modern double-Gauss design (not an exact replica of the original Leica formula) with all-spherical elements, delivering strong center resolution wide open at f/1.4, with improvement towards the edges by f/2.8. Undercorrected spherical aberrations create a distinctive vintage glow and character.
- Bokeh and Rendering: Produces dreamy, smooth bokeh with a warm, Leica-like color rendition and pleasing micro-contrast, excels in low-light street photography, offering a “vintage character”.
- Sharpness and Resolution: Performs well wide open, improving significantly by f/2.8–f/5.6 where it rivals pricier alternatives. Corners show softness and coma artifacts, especially with point light sources, making it less ideal for high-resolution pixel-peeping but excellent for artistic, film-like results.
- Improved Sharpness Stopped Down: Sharpness improves significantly when the lens is stopped down, with f/2.8 being a sweet spot for a balance of character and detail. By f/11, the lens is capable of producing much sharper images.
- Flare and Distortion: Improved multi-coatings reduce flare effectively compared to true vintage lenses. The lens exhibits noticeable barrel distortion and heavy vignetting, which adds to the retro charm but may require correction in post.
- Coma and Aberrations: Poor coma correction results in prominent swirly artifacts around point light sources at wide apertures, making it less ideal for night scenes with stars or lights. Chromatic aberrations are minimal, but spherical aberration contributes to a soft, hazy wide-open look.
- Character Over Perfection: This is a “character lens” that prioritizes a vintage rendering over modern sharpness. Expect a softer, more atmospheric look, especially when shooting wide open at f/1.4.
- Soft Wide Open: At its maximum aperture, the lens exhibits noticeable softness, particularly towards the edges of the frame.
- Pros: Affordable entry to Leica-inspired optics; compact for everyday carry; addictive vintage rendering and bokeh; no import tariffs for US buyers.
- Cons: Significant vignetting and coma; softer corners at wide apertures; not a pixel-peeper’s lens – best suited for those embracing imperfections.
Sample photos from the Artizlab Classic 35mm f/1.4 lens for Leica M-mount taken with a Leica M9 camera – JPG files SOOC without any additional editing:
More information on the lens can be found here:
Released in January 2025, the Artizlab Classic 35mm f1.4 for M pays tribute to the iconic Leica M35/1.4 V2 from the 1960s. While the exterior faithfully mimics the timeless industrial design of the original, the optics have been completely reimagined for modern image standards.
This lens features a brand-new 6-element-in-8-group construction, incorporating high-refractive-index glass. Compared to the original Leica version (which used a 5/7 optical layout), this design effectively reduces flare and improves center resolution, while preserving the signature Leica-style color rendering and tonal smoothness.
One of the most distinctive aspects is the revival of the focusing lock mechanism, a beloved feature that only appeared in the earliest M35/1.4 V2 models and was later discontinued. This mechanism enhances the tactile experience of shooting — press to unlock, glide to focus, capture the moment, and let it return to infinity — creating a sense of quiet precision and ritual with every frame. This is not just a tribute — it’s a classic reborn, with modern refinement.
- Mount: M
- Focal Length: 35mm
- Format: Full frame
- Minimum Focus Distance: 1m (3.28ft)
- Maximum Aperture: F1.4
- Minimum Aperture: F16
- Body Material: Aluminum and Copper
- Weight: 157g（5.54oz）
- Dimensions Including Lens Hood: 64mm × 44mm (2.52’x 1.73’)
- Dimensions without Lens Hood: 52mm × 28mm (2.05’x 1.1’)
- Iconic Design: Vintage aesthetics meet modern craftsmanship
- Enhanced Optics: Advanced coatings for sharper images and better glare resistance
- Street-Ready: Compact, lightweight, and perfect for candid shots on the go
Key features of the Classic 35mm f/1.4 for M Lens include:
- Reduced Lens Flare: Improved optical coatings minimize flare for better clarity.
- Enhanced Resolution: Optimized central resolution ensures sharper, more detailed images.
- Leica-Style Rendering: Preserves the signature film-like quality with richer colors and refined textures.
- Dreamy Background Bokeh: The improved central sharpness, combined with the f/1.4 aperture, delivers beautifully soft and artistic background blur.
Official sample photos:
Additional pictures of the lens:
Previous coverage:
No tariffs when you order the new Artizlab Classic 35mm f/1.4 lens for Leica M-mount (plus 5% off coupon)
New Artizlab Classic 35mm f/1.4 “Silver Edition” lens for Leica M-mount by Funleader now available (inspired by Leica’s legendary 1960s 35mm f/1.4 V2 lens)
First reviews of the new Artizlab Classic 35mm f/1.4 lens for Leica M-mount by Funleader (inspired by Leica’s legendary 1960s 35mm f/1.4 V2 lens)
Now available for order: Artizlab Classic 35mm f/1.4 lens for Leica M-mount by Funleader (inspired by Leica’s legendary 1960s 35mm f/1.4 V2 lens)
Funleader to announce a new Classic 35mm f/1.4 lens for Leica-M mount
