MS-Optics Perar 35mm f/3.5

MS-Optics Perar 35mm f/3.5

Few modern rangefinder lenses are as extreme in form as the Perar 35mm f/3.5, a 13 mm deep pancake that hides a three-element optical design behind a 19 mm filter thread. It is the work of Sadayasu Miyazaki, the one-man operation behind MS-Optics R&D near Tokyo, and it was the first lens to carry the Perar name [1]. The Perar 35mm was widely credited with putting MS-Optics on the map among rangefinder collectors, and it has since acquired a cult following among both shooters and collectors. First released in August 2010, it remains in small-batch production made to order rather than as a mass-market product [2].

The optical formula is a classic triplet, three elements in three groups, which Miyazaki refined for compactness and stability rather than maximum speed. The lens uses a multicoated design and a 10-blade diaphragm, and it weighs only 75 g, dropping to about 55 g without its screw-on hood. The barrel is collapsible to keep the profile minimal, and minimum focus is 0.8 m. It is supplied in a native Leica M mount, so no adapter is required, but it is not six-bit coded because it was designed as a general M-mount lens rather than a Leica-specific product, and it is not rangefinder coupled in the conventional sense for through-the-finder focusing. Build is to the high hand-finished standard typical of Miyazaki's workshop output, with the small barrel and tiny controls that come with such an extreme pancake format.

The version most commonly seen is described as the Mark II, an updated release distributed through Japan Camera Hunter in a limited run with a native M mount and detail improvements over the earlier original. Because the lenses are made in small quantities and to order, serial numbers vary batch to batch and buyers are typically assigned whatever number is current rather than selecting one.

Optical qualities

Rendering For a three-element lens the Perar 35mm delivers a distinctive character rather than clinical perfection. Reviewers note that the corners are very soft wide open at f/3.5, tighten up considerably by f/5.6, and look strong by f/8 [3]. Despite being nothing like a modern Leica optic, it shows pleasing microcontrast and rendering that is regarded as impressive given its size and the simplicity of the triplet design. MS-Optics describes good color rendition and a smooth aperture action with the 10-blade diaphragm, consistent with the lens's reputation for character over outright sharpness wide open.

History

Development and Launch The Perar 35mm f/3.5 was Miyazaki's first Perar-series lens, released in August 2010, and it established MS-Optics as a sought-after name among Leica-mount enthusiasts. Miyazaki, working alone outside Tokyo, had already built a reputation for handmade lenses and lens conversions for Leica-mount cameras before the Perar line; the 35mm triplet became the design most associated with his early collector fame. Within the broader MS-Optics catalogue it sits as the compact triplet entry, alongside later Perar focal lengths and faster designs such as the Apoqualia and Sonnetar families.

Special editions The lens is best documented as the Super Triplet Perar 35mm f/3.5 in its Mark II form, produced in limited batches; no widely documented military, export, or major factory variant beyond the original and Mark II releases is established in the available sources.

Collector Notes Because the Perar 35mm is small, hand-made, and produced in limited runs, availability has always been constrained and units were sold made-to-order through specialist dealers. The screw-on hood is part of the package and is worth verifying as present, since the quoted weights distinguish the lens with and without it. Buyers should confirm the mount is the native M version and remember the lens is not six-bit coded, which is normal for this product and not a sign of tampering.