The Mandler 35mm f/2 “Seven Elements” lens is now back in stock and open for pre-order (limited quantities). The Mandler 35mm f/2 is a complete reproduction of the optical formula of the original Leica Summicron 35mm f/2 seven-element lens. The name “Mandler” is a tribute to Walter Mandler, who designed many legendary Leica lenses.
See previous coverage of the lens here:
A Contemporary Interpretation of Classic Optics
Inspired by the classic optical structure, the Mandler 35mm f/2 combines contemporary precision manufacturing to create an optical product that blends traditional aesthetics with modern performance. It delivers high-level performance in color accuracy, flare control, and overall optical consistency, reflecting the reliability of its classic optical design and the advancement of modern optical manufacturing technology. The launch of this lens aims to break the traditional notion that high quality must come with a high price, offering photographers a choice that balances optical excellence with affordability.
Core Optical Characteristics
- Structure: Classic double Gaussian design (7 elements in 5 groups), featuring a purple-gold coating for flare resistance and rich color rendition.
- F2 Performance: Extremely sharp at the center, accompanied by dreamy swirling bokeh and vignetting with a sense of depth.
- Image Quality Progression: At F4, vignetting diminishes and image quality improves; at F8, sharpness is balanced across the entire frame, making it suitable for various types of creative work.
Lens specifications:
- Focal length: 35mm
- Maximum aperture: F2
- Minimum aperture: F16
- Mount: Leica M
- Lens structure: 5 groups, 7 elements
- Minimum focusing distance: 0.7m
- Viewing angle (diagonal/horizontal/vertical): 64°
- Focus mode: Manual focus (MF)
- Aperture blades: 10
- Filter size: 39mm
- Front diameter: Ø34mm
- Lens size: 53mm x 34.5mm
- Lens weight: about 139g
- Color options: Classic Black/Platinum Silver
- Material: Aluminum alloy
- Accessories included: 12504 metal round lens hood, 12526 plastic square lens hood, UV protection lens, metal lens cap, lens storage bucket
Field Curvature: Center Sharpness and Corner Control
The field curvature performance of the Mandler 35mm f/2 is commendable. At F2.0 wide open, the central area maintains excellent sharpness, while the corners exhibit a smooth progressive falloff. By F5.6, the field curvature becomes more uniform, with a significant improvement in corner sharpness. This sophisticated optical design offers both the artistic shallow depth-of-field expression at F2.0 and ensures detailed full-depth-of-field recording when stopped down. Overall, the optical performance of the Mandler 35mm f/2 meets professional standards.
