MS-Optics Perar 35mm f/3.5

The MS-Optics Perar 35mm f/3.5 is a M-mount lens for Leica rangefinder cameras. Leica price index ↗

Reference maintained by Thomas Boots

Focal Length: 35mm

Aperture: 𝑓/3.5

Release Year (from): 2010

Diameter: 50 mm

Length: 13 mm

Minimum Focus Distance: 0.8m

Elements in Groups: 3/3

Aperture Blades: 10

Mount: M

Material Weight: Metal, 75g

Colors: Silver

Japancamerahunter.com

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 [1]. 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 [1][2]. 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 [1]. The barrel is collapsible to keep the profile minimal, and minimum focus is 0.8 m [1][2]. 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 [1]. 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 [1].

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 [1]. 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 [1].

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 [3]. 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 [1].

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 [1][2]. 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 [1]. 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 [2].

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 [1].

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 [1]. 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 [1]. 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 [1].