After the 35mm f/2 “Seven Elements”, Mandler will release a new 50mm f/1.4 PRE-ASPH “E46” lens for Leica M-mount based on the legendary Leica SUMMILUX‑M 1:1.4/50 PRE‑ASPH lens designed by Dr. Walter Mandler:
“In the world of Leica’s 50mm lenses, one optic has been the subject of conversation for more than half a century—the SUMMILUX‑M 1:1.4/50 PRE‑ASPH.
Back in the 1960s, when computers had yet to enter the realm of optical design and aspherical elements were still a rarity, a lens was born purely from the designer’s hand calculations and a deep, intuitive feel for glass. Such was the genesis of the Summilux‑M 1:1.4/50 E43.
As the gears of time turned into the 1990s, computer technology had become ubiquitous in optical design, and multi‑coating techniques had matured considerably. Through optimisation and refinement of the E43, Leica delivered its ultimate spherical answer to the standard 50mm Summilux: the 1:1.4/50 E46.
It carried forward the classic optical framework of the E43, yet introduced numerous thoughtful enhancements. In many ways, it struck a perfect equilibrium between sheer optical quality and distinctive character—achieving near‑aspherical resolution with a spherical construction, while retaining the uniquely alluring bokeh that spherical lenses are celebrated for.
To bring this legacy back to the hands of today’s photographers, we have meticulously refined it through four optical revisions and five rounds of prototyping, polishing every element until it sang.
The result is the Mandler 50mm f/1.4 E46 PRE‑A.
More details will unfold over the course of this month. The Mandler 50mm f/1.4 E46 PRE‑A will officially greet you in July—stay tuned.”
Mandler released a new metal square lens hood for their 35mm f/2 “Seven Elements” lens
