Mr.Ding Studio is working on a new M-mount rehousing/conversion kit for the Schneider Componon 50mm f/2.8 lens (see eBay listings). Here are the details:
After wrapping up our G35 and G45 conversion projects, we’ve been obsessed with finding a standard lens that can actually keep up with the 60MP sensor on the Leica M11. In 2024, we finally locked in our target: a German industrial beast – the Schneider-Kreuznach Componon-S 2.8/50.
But here was the catch: the Componon-S has several iterations, and we were specifically hunting for the “0018” version because of its superior optical performance. Finding these on the used market is a nightmare – it’s a mix of different versions, inconsistent conditions, and zero supply. Long story short: Luck was on our side. Earlier this year, we managed to acquire a batch of New Old Stock (NOS) units.
We will soon be developing a conversion kit for the Schneider Componon 2.8/50, and will also offer the lens as a complete, ready-to-use unit. What sets this particular batch apart from similar products on the market is its specialized coating: the frequency band features an integrated IR-cut. This ensures that outdoor photography remains unaffected by infrared light, preventing unwanted color shifts in the IR spectrum.
Beyond its color accuracy, the Componon 2.8/50 boasts extremely high resolution—more than enough to satisfy the demanding sensor of the Leica M11-P—and exceptional macro performance with a 1:1 magnification ratio.
We believe these features make this lens incredibly valuable. We are currently modifying it in line with the design philosophy of our Contax G series conversion kits. As for the pricing, we expect the final retail price for the complete lens to be consistent with our Noxlux series.
So, why bother rehousing an f/2.8 lens?
- APO-Level Color Correction: The technical data doesn’t lie. This lens features incredible correction for chromatic aberration. In real-world shooting, whether it’s high-contrast edges or micro-textures, you’ll see almost zero purple or green fringing. The purity of the image is right up there with Leica’s high-end APO series.
- Overkill Image Circle: 43.2mm – it has a massive 43.2mm native image circle. On a full-frame Leica, you are shooting through the absolute “sweet spot” of the glass. It even covers the Fujifilm GFX 4433 (Medium Format) without any vignetting. That extra headroom delivers the kind of edge-to-edge consistency you’d expect from a Leica AA lens.
- Industrial 1:1 Macro Heritage: Unlike consumer lenses that lose sharpness as you move closer, this optics was designed for 1:1 to 1:20 reproduction. We’ve redesigned the mechanical structure to push the minimum focus distance to 0.5m, allowing you to capture insane detail on an M body.
- Resolving 60MP with Ease: Schneider’s MTF charts are conservative. Even wide open at f/2.8, the sharpness from center to corner easily satisfies the extreme demands of the M11 sensor.
Previous coverage of Mr.Ding Studio lenses for Leica M-mount (check the official website for more information on their lenses):
The new Contax Planar 35/2 T* non-destructive lens conversion kit 2.0 for Leica M-mount
Officially released: Contax Biogon G28/2.8 for Leica M-mount conversion kit by Mr. Ding
