Wahei Optical has released the Peace 35mm f/1.4 E41, a manual-focus prime lens for Leica M-mount, distributed in Japan through the retailer Shoten Kobo. The lens takes as its explicit reference the Leica 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim, a lens produced in 1961 and known for a rendering that differs substantially from the output of contemporary designs. It joins a growing category of M-mount lenses released in recent years with a declared intent to replicate or pay homage to specific vintage optical formulas — among them the Mandler 35mm f/2 “7 Elements,” which references a classic Leica 35mm f/2 design from the same era.

The optical construction uses seven elements in five groups in a double Gauss configuration, with a 10-blade aperture diaphragm. At maximum aperture, the lens produces a soft, low-contrast rendering with visible uncorrected aberrations; stopping down increases sharpness and reduces aberration progressively. This behavior is inherent to the original lens being referenced and is described by Wahei Optical as an intentional characteristic rather than a limitation. The front filter thread is 41mm — a narrow diameter consistent with the compact brass barrel and with the historical precedent of the Steel Rim original. The lens weighs 210 grams and, like all M-mount lenses, is adaptable to full-frame mirrorless cameras through standard adapters.

The rangefinder coupling is functional, allowing the lens to be focused through the split-image patch of compatible Leica M cameras in addition to live-view or electronic viewfinder use on adapted mirrorless bodies. The barrel finish is silver chrome with a classical profile that reproduces the general proportions of mid-century Leica glass. No autofocus version exists or has been indicated.

Here are some sample pictures, courtesy of Wahei Optical: