A new 35mm f/2 lens designed for the Leica M-mount is set to launch from China under the name Mandler: a direct homage to Dr. Walter Mandler, the legendary optical designer behind many of Leica’s most revered lenses.

Interest in accurately recreated vintage lenses has been on the rise, particularly among Leica users and mirrorless shooters who appreciate the adaptability of M-mount glass. Mandler’s first product is a reproduction of the characteristic seven-element Leica Summicron lens, first introduced in the late 1970s, that holds a special status for its gentle contrast, smooth tonal transitions and classic rendering — qualities the Mandler lens seeks to replicate.

Built from aluminum alloy and weighing approximately 139 grams, the 35mm f/2 lens measures 53mm in length and 34.5mm in diameter. Its compact design incorporates 7 elements in 5 groups and a 10-blade aperture. The lens accepts 39mm filters. It also operates with manual focus, with a minimum focusing distance of 0.7 meters.

While Leica’s own modern Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH lenses retail for over $6,000, the Mandler is rumored to be priced around $678, offering a significantly more accessible option for those looking to emulate Leica’s signature rendering and bokeh. For comparison, Light Lens Lab offers a recreation of the earlier eight-element Summicron for $1,049, while 7Artisans provides a more affordable, simplified alternative starting at around $298.

The Mandler 35mm f/2 is expected to ship with a comprehensive set of accessories, including a 12504 metal round lens hood, a 12526 plastic square lens hood, a UV protection filter, a metal lens cap, and a storage container — an unusually generous bundle at this price point. Colour options include Classic Black and Platinum Silver.

According to sources such as Leica Rumors and The Phoblographer, the Mandler 35mm f/2 will officially debut in June 2025. The company also has plans to release three to four new lenses per year, suggesting a growing commitment to offering historically inspired optics for a new generation of photographers.