Light Lens Lab Unveils 35mm f/1.4 Classic Remake
Light Lens Lab has announced the 35mm f/1.4 Aspherical “11873,” a new M-mount lens modeled after the Leica Summilux 35mm f/1.4 double-sided aspherical lens. The original lens, released during the late 1980s, was known for its optical rarity and characteristic rendering, and can now sell for as much as $18,000 on the used market.
Initially prototyped in 2023 and reviewed by Leica Society International, the “11873” has undergone two years of refinement: based on feedback from the review process, the Chinese company revised the optical design, production methods, and quality control procedures to better suit modern high-resolution sensors. Light Lens Lab describes the lens as the foundation of its new High-Performance Optics Project, which will serve as the basis for future lenses emphasizing precision manufacturing and optical fidelity.
The lens features nine elements in five groups, with aspherical components placed in the second and fifth groups. Newly developed extra-low dispersion and achromatic elements have been added to reduce chromatic aberration, distortion, and diffraction. Lanthanide-infused optical glass has also been employed to reproduce the subtle glow characteristic of the original lens when used at f/1.4.
The aspherical elements are produced using a molded and polished method to improve precision and consistency. Assembly tolerances and element spacing have been tightened to enhance optical alignment. The rear element has been slightly extended to improve overall image quality while maintaining compatibility with M-mount and adapted systems.
The aperture ranges from f/1.4 to f/16 and uses a 10-blade diaphragm.
Here are some sample pictures, courtesy of Light Lens Lab:
The lens will be available in three finishes: Black Paint, Chrome, and a limited Titanium Grey edition restricted to 300 units. The Black Paint and Chrome versions use 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, while the Titanium Grey edition is built from titanium. The aluminum models weigh approximately 278 grams, and the titanium version weighs 300 grams.
Each lens includes front and rear caps, a lens pouch, and a dedicated lens hood. The Titanium Grey edition adds an exclusive titanium E46 UV filter available only during the preorder period.
Preorders for the Titanium Grey version close on November 21, 2025, with shipping scheduled to begin on December 1, 2025. The standard aluminum models will ship from January 7, 2026. The Titanium Grey edition is priced at $1,699, while the Black Paint and Chrome finishes are listed at $1,399.
