10 Top New M-Mount Lenses Not Made by Leica
Outstanding 3rd party optics for the greatest rangefinder cameras ever
By Jason Schneider
Some of the world’s leading optical companies not named Leitz or Leica have been offering lenses for 35mm Leica rangefinder cameras ever since the 1930s, when E. Leitz Wetzlar brought forth its first interchangeable lens screw-mount models, the Leica II (Model D) and Leica III (Model F). In Germany, Zeiss, Meyer, and Schneider produced pre-war uncoated lenses in Leica screw mount (LTM), the last mentioned often co-branded as Leitz Xenons. After WW II everybody, including Schacht, Steinheil, Nikon, Canon and countless others got into the act, offering compatible coated screw mount lenses for Leicas, Canons, and a welter of (mostly) Japanese and Russian Leica copies.
Today this trend continues unabated and it’s a tribute to the continuing success, excellence, and relevance of Leica M-series 35mm and digital rangefinder cameras that so many legendary optical companies including Zeiss, Voigtlander (Cosina), and the resurrected Meyer-Optik Gorlitz in Germany currently offer a selection of outstanding compatible M-mount lenses. In some cases (notably Voigtlander and Zeiss) these lenses have been tweaked to provide optimum performance with the sensors in Leica M-series digital cameras, but they also deliver impressive imaging performance on M-mount film cameras. Note: We’ve confined our selection to lenses that have received a preponderance of positive user and website test reviews online, and omitted lenses and brands that received mixed or negative reviews. Some of the lenses we haven’t covered do have interesting specs and enticing prices, but as with all things optical you generally get what you pay for.
Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 50mm f/2 Aspherical: Just released in Leica M-mount (it debuted in Sony E-mount in 2019), this audacious ultra-high-performance, manual focus, fast normal prime lens is based on an innovative 10-element, 8-group design that incorporates 2 anomalous dispersion glass elements, 2 double sided aspheric elements, and a floating optical group to achieve outstanding apochromatic color correction, exceptional imaging performance, and very high resolution across the entire field at all focusing distances, even wide open at f/2. Its inherently beautiful bokeh at wide apertures is maintained at smaller apertures down to f/5.6 thanks to its 12-bladed diaphragm. By adopting an all-metal helicoid that’s assembled and adjusted with high precision and lubricated with an advanced grease formulation, this beautifully made lens focuses smoothly and precisely with consistent torque values down to its minimum distance of 0.7m (27.6 inches). Its VM mount is directly compatible with Leica M rangefinder cameras and also maintains its excellent balance when mounted on other digital cameras using mount adapters. $999.00.
Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 50mm f/2 Aspherical in M-mount
Zeiss C Sonnar T* 50mm f/1.5 ZM: This high performance, wide aperture, manual focus prime was inspired by its acclaimed predecessor from the ‘30s and it employs an updated version of the classic 6-element 4-group Gauss design employing modern high-transmission T* coatings to control flare and ghosting and enhance clarity. Its f/1.5 maximum aperture facilitates low light work and depth of field control for pictorial effects, and its 10-bladed diaphragm enhances its beautiful natural bokeh and timeless vintage rendition. Beautifully made and finished, the lens focuses down to 3 feet, has a compact, handy form factor, measuring 2.2 inches in diameter and 1.8 inches long, and weighs in at a portable 8.8 ounces. $1.261.00 in black or silver.
Zeiss C Sonnar T* 50mm f/1.5 ZM in M-mount
Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Primoplan 58mm f/1.9 II: This well made “longish normal” fast prime lens is based on a classic 5-element 4-group formula pioneered by Meyer more than 80 years ago, but it’s been updated with Schott glass from Germany’s leading optical glass maker and enhanced with modern O-Hara Anti Reflex coatings. Because of its unusual focal length rangefinder focusing is not supported, but the lens can be focused on digital Leica M cameras via Live View or zone focused manually. Due to its distinctive optical design, it captures smoothly rendered “vintage look” images of notable clarity with some softness in the corners and edges of the field at its widest apertures. Its bokeh, which is enhanced by its rounded 12-bladed diaphragm, varies from “swirly” wide open to “creamy” with greater detail when stopped down. Flare and ghosting are well controlled, and the lens focuses down to just under 2 feet (1.97 ft.) for compelling close-ups. $899.00.
Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Primoplan 58mm f/1.9 II in M-mount
Voigtlander Nokton 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical: This masterfully crafted super-speed semi-wide-angle prime lens is ideal for street shooting, travel, and low light and night photography, and its ultra-wide f/1.2 aperture facilitates creative effects using shallow depth of field. Based on an advanced 8-element, 6-group design employing 2 aspheric elements to minimize spherical aberrations and distortion and enhance sharpness, it yields high-definition images of exceptional clarity and captures, accurate vibrant color. The lens is rangefinder coupled down to 2.3 feet, but it can focus manually or via Live View to just under 20 inches. Its rounded 10-bladed diaphragm enhances its inherently smooth, natural bokeh, and its form factor is conveniently compact and well balanced on Leica M or other cameras, measuring 2.4 inches in diameter, 1.7 inches in length, and weighing in at a portable 11.1 ounces. $799.00.
Voigtlander Nokton 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical in M-mount
Zeiss Biogon T* 35mm f/2 ZM: A versatile high-performance lens for general shooting, this sharp, high-res, high-speed wide-angle prime is based on an upgraded version of the classic 9-element, 6-group 35mm f/2 Biogon design, but now incorporates one anomalous partial dispersion element to virtually eliminate distortion, chromatic aberrations, and color fringing. Its beautiful classic rendition also benefits from the latest Zeiss T* anti-reflection coatings that enhance clarity, contrast, and color fidelity, and its 10-bladed diaphragm enhances its attractive natural bokeh. The lens focuses down to a commendably close 2.3 feet, and its form factor is handy and well balanced, measuring 2.02 inches in diameter, 2.2 inches n length, and weighing in at 8.5 ounces. $1,141.00 in black or silver.
Zeiss Biogon T* 35mm f/2 ZM in M-mount
Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Trioplan 100mm f/2.8 II: Renowned for its gorgeous bokeh, Meyer has offered this classic medium telephoto Cooke Triplet (3-element, 3-group) design for over 80 years. This updated version II uses modern Schott glass and contemporary coatings to achieve greater contrast, higher resolution, and more neutral color rendition while retaining its distinctive “soap bubble” bokeh character. A revised mechanical design provides smoother focusing along with a more streamlined form factor, its 15-bladed diaphragm enhances its out-of-focus image quality, and it focuses down to 3.28 ft (1 meter) for compelling close-ups and head shots. While it’s definitely pricey for a simple triplet design that's not rangefinder coupled, it may help to know that original uncoated versions of this lens currently fetch $400 and up on the used market, and the new version is a much better lens. $999.00.
Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Trioplan 100mm f/2.8 II in M-mount
Voigtlander Nokton 75mm f/1.5 Aspherical: An advanced high-tech iteration of a vintage Voigtlander wide-aperture portrait telephoto, this lens excels in all-around low light and night shooting and in portraiture where its f/1.5 aperture facilitates the creative use of shallow depth of field. Its innovative 7-element, 6-group optical design includes 3 anomalous partial dispersion elements and one aspheric element to minimize a variety of spherical and chromatic aberrations and enhance its impressive overall sharpness and color accuracy. Its 12-bladed diaphragm contributes to its smooth natural bokeh that’s especially noticeable when shooting at wide apertures, and its compact, mass- centralized form factor (2.47 inches in diameter x 2.49 inches long) and moderate weight (12.35 ounces) contribute to its excellent balance and handling. An included lens hood helps prevent flare and ghosting in backlit and intensely bright shooting conditions and its traditional black or silver finish complements past and present Leica M-series cameras. $899.00 on black or silver.
Voigtlander Nokton 75mm f/1.5 Aspherical in M-mount
Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Primoplan 75mm f/1.9 II: This well-made high- speed portrait telephoto prime lens is based on a classic Cooke triplet- derived 5-element 4-group formula pioneered by Meyer more than 80 years ago. Like the other lenses in the current Meyer line, it’s been updated with modern Schott glass and enhanced with modern O-Hara Anti Reflex coatings that enhance its sharpness, contrast, and clarity, but it's not rangefinder coupled and must be focused in Live View or manually. It excels in low light street shooting and portraiture, and due to its distinctive optical design, it captures smoothly rendered “vintage look” images of notable clarity with some softness in the corners and edges of the field at its widest apertures. Its acclaimed “dreamy, creamy” bokeh is enhanced by its rounded 14-bladed diaphragm, and it varies from “swirly” at wide apertures to “creamy” with greater out-of-focus detail when stopped down. Flare and ghosting are well controlled, and the lens focuses down to just under 2.5 feet (75 cm) for compelling close-ups. It features a durable, lightweight anodized aluminum barrel and it balances and handless very well on a variety of M-mount cameras. $899.00.
Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Primoplan 75mm f/1.9 II in M-mount
Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.5 Aspherical II SC: This strikingly beautiful, compact high-speed normal prime lens performs as well as it looks. Based on a classic 8-element, 7-group design, it incorporates one double-sided aspheric element that minimizes a variety of aberrations, thus enhancing sharpness and virtually eliminating linear distortion, but unlike many contemporary lenses it’s single coated. This enables it to capture a subtly vintage rendition thanks to its slightly lower contrast, making it a great choice for black-and-white imaging, low-light street photography, portraiture, and pictorial effects that rely on selective focus. A 12-bladed diaphragm contributes to its smooth, pleasing “dreamy” bokeh, and it focuses down to 2.3 feet for compelling close-ups. Its petite form factor (2.2-inch diameter x 1.5-inch length) and surprisingly light weight (7 ounces) make it a great walkaround lens for Leica M shooters. $949.00 in black or silver.
Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.5 Aspherical II SC in M-mount
MS Optics Elnomaxim 55mm f/1.2: This idiosyncratic super-speed normal lens in Leica M-mount is literally hand made in small batches by MS Optics based in Chiba, Japan. The founder and sole proprietor of this small artisanal firm is Sadayasu Miyazaki, a former designer for Pilot and Tomy, who creates limited batches of lenses in his small home workshop and works alone to create what are literally optical works of art. Indeed, each new model announcement has become an event for Leica enthusiasts and collectors who hold his lenses in the highest regard, not only for their bespoke character but for their distinctive classic rendition. The Elnomaxim lens shown is a Sonnar type based on a simple 4-element 4-group optical formula that’s been prioritized for gorgeous bokeh and super speed in a very compact form factor. It auto indexes the 50mm frame line in Leica M bodies, is rangefinder coupled to a minimum focusing distance of 31.5 inches, measures 1.97 inches in diameter, is only 1.69 inches in length, and weighs in at a feather-light 6.3 ounces. All MS lenses must be ordered directly from the company, paid for in advance (including shipping), and must be sent back to the factory if repairs are required. $1,200 plus shipping.
MS Optics Elnomaxim 55mm f/1.2 in M-mount
For more information on MS Optics go to:
https://www.japancamerahunter.com/2020/07/camera
Outstanding 3rd party optics for the greatest rangefinder cameras ever
By Jason Schneider
Some of the world’s leading optical companies not named Leitz or Leica have been offering lenses for 35mm Leica rangefinder cameras ever since the 1930s, when E. Leitz Wetzlar brought forth its first interchangeable lens screw-mount models, the Leica II (Model D) and Leica III (Model F). In Germany, Zeiss, Meyer, and Schneider produced pre-war uncoated lenses in Leica screw mount (LTM), the last mentioned often co-branded as Leitz Xenons. After WW II everybody, including Schacht, Steinheil, Nikon, Canon and countless others got into the act, offering compatible coated screw mount lenses for Leicas, Canons, and a welter of (mostly) Japanese and Russian Leica copies.
Today this trend continues unabated and it’s a tribute to the continuing success, excellence, and relevance of Leica M-series 35mm and digital rangefinder cameras that so many legendary optical companies including Zeiss, Voigtlander (Cosina), and the resurrected Meyer-Optik Gorlitz in Germany currently offer a selection of outstanding compatible M-mount lenses. In some cases (notably Voigtlander and Zeiss) these lenses have been tweaked to provide optimum performance with the sensors in Leica M-series digital cameras, but they also deliver impressive imaging performance on M-mount film cameras. Note: We’ve confined our selection to lenses that have received a preponderance of positive user and website test reviews online, and omitted lenses and brands that received mixed or negative reviews. Some of the lenses we haven’t covered do have interesting specs and enticing prices, but as with all things optical you generally get what you pay for.
Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 50mm f/2 Aspherical: Just released in Leica M-mount (it debuted in Sony E-mount in 2019), this audacious ultra-high-performance, manual focus, fast normal prime lens is based on an innovative 10-element, 8-group design that incorporates 2 anomalous dispersion glass elements, 2 double sided aspheric elements, and a floating optical group to achieve outstanding apochromatic color correction, exceptional imaging performance, and very high resolution across the entire field at all focusing distances, even wide open at f/2. Its inherently beautiful bokeh at wide apertures is maintained at smaller apertures down to f/5.6 thanks to its 12-bladed diaphragm. By adopting an all-metal helicoid that’s assembled and adjusted with high precision and lubricated with an advanced grease formulation, this beautifully made lens focuses smoothly and precisely with consistent torque values down to its minimum distance of 0.7m (27.6 inches). Its VM mount is directly compatible with Leica M rangefinder cameras and also maintains its excellent balance when mounted on other digital cameras using mount adapters. $999.00.
Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 50mm f/2 Aspherical in M-mount
Zeiss C Sonnar T* 50mm f/1.5 ZM: This high performance, wide aperture, manual focus prime was inspired by its acclaimed predecessor from the ‘30s and it employs an updated version of the classic 6-element 4-group Gauss design employing modern high-transmission T* coatings to control flare and ghosting and enhance clarity. Its f/1.5 maximum aperture facilitates low light work and depth of field control for pictorial effects, and its 10-bladed diaphragm enhances its beautiful natural bokeh and timeless vintage rendition. Beautifully made and finished, the lens focuses down to 3 feet, has a compact, handy form factor, measuring 2.2 inches in diameter and 1.8 inches long, and weighs in at a portable 8.8 ounces. $1.261.00 in black or silver.
Zeiss C Sonnar T* 50mm f/1.5 ZM in M-mount
Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Primoplan 58mm f/1.9 II: This well made “longish normal” fast prime lens is based on a classic 5-element 4-group formula pioneered by Meyer more than 80 years ago, but it’s been updated with Schott glass from Germany’s leading optical glass maker and enhanced with modern O-Hara Anti Reflex coatings. Because of its unusual focal length rangefinder focusing is not supported, but the lens can be focused on digital Leica M cameras via Live View or zone focused manually. Due to its distinctive optical design, it captures smoothly rendered “vintage look” images of notable clarity with some softness in the corners and edges of the field at its widest apertures. Its bokeh, which is enhanced by its rounded 12-bladed diaphragm, varies from “swirly” wide open to “creamy” with greater detail when stopped down. Flare and ghosting are well controlled, and the lens focuses down to just under 2 feet (1.97 ft.) for compelling close-ups. $899.00.
Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Primoplan 58mm f/1.9 II in M-mount
Voigtlander Nokton 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical: This masterfully crafted super-speed semi-wide-angle prime lens is ideal for street shooting, travel, and low light and night photography, and its ultra-wide f/1.2 aperture facilitates creative effects using shallow depth of field. Based on an advanced 8-element, 6-group design employing 2 aspheric elements to minimize spherical aberrations and distortion and enhance sharpness, it yields high-definition images of exceptional clarity and captures, accurate vibrant color. The lens is rangefinder coupled down to 2.3 feet, but it can focus manually or via Live View to just under 20 inches. Its rounded 10-bladed diaphragm enhances its inherently smooth, natural bokeh, and its form factor is conveniently compact and well balanced on Leica M or other cameras, measuring 2.4 inches in diameter, 1.7 inches in length, and weighing in at a portable 11.1 ounces. $799.00.
Voigtlander Nokton 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical in M-mount
Zeiss Biogon T* 35mm f/2 ZM: A versatile high-performance lens for general shooting, this sharp, high-res, high-speed wide-angle prime is based on an upgraded version of the classic 9-element, 6-group 35mm f/2 Biogon design, but now incorporates one anomalous partial dispersion element to virtually eliminate distortion, chromatic aberrations, and color fringing. Its beautiful classic rendition also benefits from the latest Zeiss T* anti-reflection coatings that enhance clarity, contrast, and color fidelity, and its 10-bladed diaphragm enhances its attractive natural bokeh. The lens focuses down to a commendably close 2.3 feet, and its form factor is handy and well balanced, measuring 2.02 inches in diameter, 2.2 inches n length, and weighing in at 8.5 ounces. $1,141.00 in black or silver.
Zeiss Biogon T* 35mm f/2 ZM in M-mount
Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Trioplan 100mm f/2.8 II: Renowned for its gorgeous bokeh, Meyer has offered this classic medium telephoto Cooke Triplet (3-element, 3-group) design for over 80 years. This updated version II uses modern Schott glass and contemporary coatings to achieve greater contrast, higher resolution, and more neutral color rendition while retaining its distinctive “soap bubble” bokeh character. A revised mechanical design provides smoother focusing along with a more streamlined form factor, its 15-bladed diaphragm enhances its out-of-focus image quality, and it focuses down to 3.28 ft (1 meter) for compelling close-ups and head shots. While it’s definitely pricey for a simple triplet design that's not rangefinder coupled, it may help to know that original uncoated versions of this lens currently fetch $400 and up on the used market, and the new version is a much better lens. $999.00.
Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Trioplan 100mm f/2.8 II in M-mount
Voigtlander Nokton 75mm f/1.5 Aspherical: An advanced high-tech iteration of a vintage Voigtlander wide-aperture portrait telephoto, this lens excels in all-around low light and night shooting and in portraiture where its f/1.5 aperture facilitates the creative use of shallow depth of field. Its innovative 7-element, 6-group optical design includes 3 anomalous partial dispersion elements and one aspheric element to minimize a variety of spherical and chromatic aberrations and enhance its impressive overall sharpness and color accuracy. Its 12-bladed diaphragm contributes to its smooth natural bokeh that’s especially noticeable when shooting at wide apertures, and its compact, mass- centralized form factor (2.47 inches in diameter x 2.49 inches long) and moderate weight (12.35 ounces) contribute to its excellent balance and handling. An included lens hood helps prevent flare and ghosting in backlit and intensely bright shooting conditions and its traditional black or silver finish complements past and present Leica M-series cameras. $899.00 on black or silver.
Voigtlander Nokton 75mm f/1.5 Aspherical in M-mount
Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Primoplan 75mm f/1.9 II: This well-made high- speed portrait telephoto prime lens is based on a classic Cooke triplet- derived 5-element 4-group formula pioneered by Meyer more than 80 years ago. Like the other lenses in the current Meyer line, it’s been updated with modern Schott glass and enhanced with modern O-Hara Anti Reflex coatings that enhance its sharpness, contrast, and clarity, but it's not rangefinder coupled and must be focused in Live View or manually. It excels in low light street shooting and portraiture, and due to its distinctive optical design, it captures smoothly rendered “vintage look” images of notable clarity with some softness in the corners and edges of the field at its widest apertures. Its acclaimed “dreamy, creamy” bokeh is enhanced by its rounded 14-bladed diaphragm, and it varies from “swirly” at wide apertures to “creamy” with greater out-of-focus detail when stopped down. Flare and ghosting are well controlled, and the lens focuses down to just under 2.5 feet (75 cm) for compelling close-ups. It features a durable, lightweight anodized aluminum barrel and it balances and handless very well on a variety of M-mount cameras. $899.00.
Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Primoplan 75mm f/1.9 II in M-mount
Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.5 Aspherical II SC: This strikingly beautiful, compact high-speed normal prime lens performs as well as it looks. Based on a classic 8-element, 7-group design, it incorporates one double-sided aspheric element that minimizes a variety of aberrations, thus enhancing sharpness and virtually eliminating linear distortion, but unlike many contemporary lenses it’s single coated. This enables it to capture a subtly vintage rendition thanks to its slightly lower contrast, making it a great choice for black-and-white imaging, low-light street photography, portraiture, and pictorial effects that rely on selective focus. A 12-bladed diaphragm contributes to its smooth, pleasing “dreamy” bokeh, and it focuses down to 2.3 feet for compelling close-ups. Its petite form factor (2.2-inch diameter x 1.5-inch length) and surprisingly light weight (7 ounces) make it a great walkaround lens for Leica M shooters. $949.00 in black or silver.
Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.5 Aspherical II SC in M-mount
MS Optics Elnomaxim 55mm f/1.2: This idiosyncratic super-speed normal lens in Leica M-mount is literally hand made in small batches by MS Optics based in Chiba, Japan. The founder and sole proprietor of this small artisanal firm is Sadayasu Miyazaki, a former designer for Pilot and Tomy, who creates limited batches of lenses in his small home workshop and works alone to create what are literally optical works of art. Indeed, each new model announcement has become an event for Leica enthusiasts and collectors who hold his lenses in the highest regard, not only for their bespoke character but for their distinctive classic rendition. The Elnomaxim lens shown is a Sonnar type based on a simple 4-element 4-group optical formula that’s been prioritized for gorgeous bokeh and super speed in a very compact form factor. It auto indexes the 50mm frame line in Leica M bodies, is rangefinder coupled to a minimum focusing distance of 31.5 inches, measures 1.97 inches in diameter, is only 1.69 inches in length, and weighs in at a feather-light 6.3 ounces. All MS lenses must be ordered directly from the company, paid for in advance (including shipping), and must be sent back to the factory if repairs are required. $1,200 plus shipping.
MS Optics Elnomaxim 55mm f/1.2 in M-mount
For more information on MS Optics go to:
https://www.japancamerahunter.com/2020/07/camera
