Light Lens Lab 35mm f/1.4 “11873” “Double Aspherical”

Light Lens Lab 35mm f/1.4 "11873" "Double Aspherical"

This lens takes its name and inspiration directly from one of the rarest objects in Leica history, the 35mm f/1.4 Aspherical "AA" that Leica catalogued as 11873 and produced for only a short period beginning in the late 1980s [1][3]. Light Lens Lab, the Chinese workshop associated with designer Mr. Zhou, treats the project not as a literal copy but as a reinterpretation, positioning it as the high-performance flagship of its 35mm line in the same way the firm regards its 50mm f/1.2 "1966" as the apex of its 50mm range [2]. Reviewers describe the result as a lens that feels both familiar and distinct, clearly drawing on the original double aspherical concept without being a frozen recreation of it.

The optical layout uses nine elements in five groups, with aspherical surfaces placed in the second and fifth groups [4]. Light Lens Lab states that it revised the classic double aspherical formula with newly developed extra-low dispersion and achromatic elements together with a new aspherical component, aimed at improving rendering, controlling distortion, and suppressing chromatic aberration. Aperture runs from f/1.4 to f/16 through a ten-blade preset diaphragm with half-stop lock settings, a clicked-and-locked preset arrangement rather than a conventional click-stopped ring. The lens takes E46 filters and a clip-on 12587 hood, mounts on Leica M cameras, and focuses to 0.7 m, closer than several classic 35mm f/1.4 Leica designs but not as near as Leica's most recent close-focusing 35mm optics[5]. One reviewer noted that the focus ring carries enough resistance to resist accidental shifts, with the titanium sample feeling slightly stiff. Note that some manufacturer and retailer listings describe the lens as rangefinder coupled [6]; LeicaLensList records it as not rangefinder coupled, and the verified specification takes precedence here.

The lens is offered in several finishes. The Black Paint and Chrome versions use 7075 aircraft-grade aluminium alloy for the body and accessories, while a Titanium Grey Limited Edition is built from titanium alloy. The aluminium versions weigh 278 g and the titanium version is heavier; the titanium edition shipped with additional accessories including matching caps, a titanium E46 hood, a grey leather pouch, and an exclusive titanium E46 UV filter during its launch sale period. At introduction the aluminium finishes were priced at USD 1,399 and the titanium edition at USD 1,699[7].

Optical qualities

Rendering Light Lens Lab presents the 11873 as a tribute to the rendering character of the original double aspherical while adding modern correction. The firm and reviewers attribute its updated behavior to new ED and achromatic glass plus a fresh aspherical element, intended to improve rendering, tame distortion, and reduce chromatic aberration relative to the vintage design. Independent reviews characterize the lens as a faithful homage that nonetheless behaves as its own optic rather than a mechanical clone of the Leica original. Detailed, consensus-level data on sharpness, bokeh, and flare across the aperture range remains limited at this stage of the lens's life, so specific performance claims beyond the manufacturer's stated design goals and reviewers' general impressions are best treated cautiously.

History

Development and Launch The reference point for this lens is Leica's 35mm f/1.4 Aspherical, catalogue number 11873, a low-volume design from the late 1980s that became one of the most sought-after and expensive Leica lenses among collectors. Light Lens Lab announced its own 11873 for M-mount in 2025, opening pre-orders in November of that year and describing it as both a tribute to the legendary design and the foundation of a new high-performance optics series. The company framed the project around refined aspherical element production, improved aberration control, and the use of aviation-grade aluminium and titanium alloys for durability.

Special editions At launch the lens was produced in Black Paint and Chrome aluminium versions alongside a Titanium Grey Limited Edition, the latter distinguished by its titanium alloy construction, higher weight, and an extended accessory package. No other major factory variants beyond these finish-based editions are widely documented.

Collector Notes Buyers should not confuse this modern Light Lens Lab product with the original Leica 11873 Aspherical, which is a far rarer and more valuable vintage lens that shares the catalogue number and "double aspherical" description. Among the Light Lens Lab editions, the titanium version differs in material, weight, and bundled accessories from the aluminium black paint and chrome versions, which is worth verifying when assessing a used example. The clip-on 12587 hood and E46 filter thread are the correct fitments to look for. Listings describing the lens as rangefinder coupled conflict with the value recorded by LeicaLensList; prospective buyers should confirm focusing behavior directly with the seller.