7Artisans has released a new prime lens for Leica M and Leica Thread Mount (L39/M39) systems: the M 35mm f/2.8. It is a manual-focus lens built around a double Gauss optical design — seven elements arranged in five groups — a configuration that has underpinned rangefinder glass for decades. Modern anti-reflection coatings have been applied to the classic layout, aimed at reducing flare and improving contrast relative to older lenses built on the same principles.

The lens covers a 61.8-degree angle of view on full-frame cameras. Its maximum aperture of f/2.8 is modest by current standards, where competing designs routinely open wider. The aperture closes to f/22, with a seven-blade diaphragm throughout the range. Minimum focusing distance is 0.7 meters on Leica M bodies; on some L39 cameras, rangefinder coupling may begin at approximately one meter, depending on the body.

At roughly 20 millimeters thick and 88 grams, the lens is among the lightest full-frame M-mount optics currently available, even though features an all-metal construction. A 34mm filter thread sits at the front, and two lens hoods are included: a larger unit for flare reduction and a smaller one that serves as a protective cap. The front nameplate ring does not rotate during focusing.

The lens ships with native dual-mount compatibility. The M bayonet can be removed to expose a native L39 screw mount, eliminating the need for separate adapters, making it usable with a range of bodies beyond current Leica M cameras, including Barnack-era screw-mount cameras and compatible rangefinders from other manufacturers, as well as modern mirrorless systems via third-party adapters. 7Artisans notes that rangefinder coupling performance and physical clearance may vary across older bodies.

Here are few sample pictures shot with the 7Artisans M 35mm f/2.8, courtesy of 7Artisans: