Title: Light Lens Lab Recreates Legendary Leica 35mm for Fractional Price
Light Lens Lab has opened preorders for its new 35mm f/1.4 Aspherical “11873” prime in M-mount. The lens is a modern recreation of the late-1980s Leica Summilux 35mm f/1.4 double-sided aspherical design, a vintage optic that can sell for nearly $18,000 in good condition. Light Lens Lab’s primes start at $1,399, positioning this lens as a much more accessible option for rangefinder shooters seeking that classic rendering.
The new 35mm is optimized for contemporary high-resolution sensors and uses precision-molded, manually polished aspherical elements. Its optical formula includes nine elements in five groups, with aspherical elements located in the second and fifth groups. Newly developed Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) and Achromatic elements are included to reduce distortion and diffraction, and lanthanide-infused optical glass is used to help reproduce the characteristic glow associated with the original Summilux at f/1.4. The aperture range spans from f/1.4 to f/16 and the diaphragm has 10 blades.
Light Lens Lab says the development of this lens has informed a new High-Performance Optics Project, a series intended to deliver the company’s highest levels of optical precision and image quality. The firm plans to continue producing legacy-inspired designs alongside original projects.
The lens is available in two versions for preorder. The aluminum version is priced at $1,399 and comes in black paint and chrome finishes. A limited Titanium Grey edition is priced at $1,699. The Titanium Grey model will begin shipping on December 1, 2025, and its preorders close on November 21 at 12 AM EST. The aluminum model is expected to start shipping on January 7, 2026. Both versions include matching front and rear caps, a lens pouch, and a lens hood; the Titanium Grey edition also ships with an exclusive E46 UV filter finished to match the titanium look.
For photographers, this release matters because it offers a close modern interpretation of a sought-after Leica optic at a fraction of the classic lens’s market price, with designs and coatings aimed at modern digital sensors and practical accessories included for immediate use on M-mount bodies.
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