Here are the latest updates on the upcoming Light Lens Lab 50mm f/1.5 Z21 lens for Leica M-mount (previously reported here):
- Light Lens Lab will continue to explore the development of the “Z21” series with additional focal lengths based on the same rendering and characteristics. Announcements regarding other focal lengths will be made at a later date.
- Sample photos from the lens can be found here and here
- Homage to the legendary 50mm f/1.5 “S21”
- Closely follows original element design and performance characteristics with improvements in rendering performance
- Six elements in a four-group design
- Newly developed rangefinder focusing mechanism for tighter tolerances and more accurate rangefinder focusing
- Support frame coverage up to 44x33mm on digital sensor, significant changes to the original design.
- Minimum focus distance (MFD) of 0.7 meters
- Lightweight aluminum alloy body construction
- In-house manufactured, Lanthanide-infused elements specifically designed for the 50mm f/1.5 “Z21”
- Available in High-Gloss Black Paint with Chrome Fittings.
- Each lens is handcrafted and assembled in limited quantities, with utmost quality control and tolerance.
- The lens is now in the production stage. A prototype has been completed and has arrived in North America for testing. This prototype is also available for reviewers worldwide. After several iterations, the current version has shown excellent results, with its rendering and performance closely resembling that of the original 50mm f/1.5 “S21.”
- Pricing, and availability will be announced on May 21st, 2025.
- Lens prototype photos (please note the lens engraving and black paint finish are not finalized) and MTF charts:
Side-by-side comparisonss with the original lens (selling on eBay for over $14k):
