Mandler Launches 50mm f/1.4 M-Mount Lens
Mandler has released the 50mm f/1.4 E46 Pre-A, a manual-focus Leica M-mount lens designed as a modern reinterpretation of the pre-aspherical Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4. The project reproduces several characteristics of the older lens while introducing changes to its optical construction, coatings and minimum focusing distance.
The lens uses an eight-element, five-group optical design, including two high-refractive-index elements. According to Mandler, the optical formula was developed to retain some of the rendering associated with older fast 50mm lenses, particularly at wide apertures, while improving contrast and reducing some aberrations. Modern multi-layer coatings are also used to control flare and maintain color consistency.
Its aperture ranges from f/1.4 to f/16 and uses 14 diaphragm blades, with the large blade count intended to maintain a relatively circular opening as the lens is stopped down. Minimum focusing distance is 0.7 meters, although rangefinder coupling operates only to 0.8 meters, meaning closer focusing requires live view or an electronic viewfinder on compatible cameras.
The exterior follows the proportions and control layout associated with classic Leica M lenses. It uses an all-metal barrel, a focusing tab and an E46 filter thread, while focus and aperture are entirely mechanical. The lens measures approximately 46mm in length and weighs around 250 grams, depending on the selected finish.
Here are some sample pictures, courtesy of Mandler:
Mandler offers the lens in several exterior versions, including black anodized aluminum, silver chrome and black paint. Despite its name, the manufacturer has no connection with Leica optical designer Walter Mandler or Leica Camera, and the lens is an independently developed third-party product for the M mount.
The first production run went on sale in September 2026 and sold out shortly after launch, but a second batch of units will be available to preorder on October 1 at 10 AM EDT (7 AM PDT). Pricing starts at $699 for the black anodized version, while the silver chrome and black paint variants are more expensive depending on finish.
