The Chinese company Light Lens Lab recently released a new 35mm f/2 lens for M-mount based on the original 8-element Leica 35 f/2 Summicron classic from 1958, one of the greatest lenses ever made.

The original 8-element Leitz 35 f/2 Summicron from 1958 is now a legendary, classic lens still coveted for that “Leica glow” and its lack of distortion. As such it now commands exorbitant collector prices. Enter Light Lens Lab with this faithful replica coming in at a much more affordable $499.

The official model name of the lens is “V2LC”, where V2 is the lot number of the glass material, L is the abbreviation for Lead, and C is the abbreviation for single-layer coating. Apparently, flint lead glass is used for the lens just like the original that started production in 1958. Supply of the flint lead glass is limited since the raw material is getting scarcer even in China so once supplies are depleted they will be forced to switch to a more eco-friendly glass.

LIGHT LENS LAB 35MM F2 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

• 8 elements in 6 groups
• Classic Symmetrical Double-Gauss Design
• Number of aperture blades: 10
• Minimum focusing distance: 0.7m
• Filter size: 39mm
• Maximum aperture: f/2
• Minimum aperture: f/16
• Two types of single coating like the original one (Multi-coated as special request with extra cost, + $100 )
• Lens body crafted in brass
• Each lens will include brass made front and rear lens caps. The lens will also be stored in an aluminum alloy container (All metal, no plastic will be used in this project.)
• Three paint options: Black Paint / Chrome / Brass
• Free engraving service for each lens（Numbers/Alphabet, 8/9 spaces)
• Weight: 230 g
• Price : $499 *The replica lens hood will be sold separately. Around $20/each