MS-Optics Varioprasma 50mm f/1.5

MS-Optics Varioprasma 50mm f/1.5

Built by Yasuhara "MS" Miyazaki, the Varioprasma 50mm f/1.5 is a deliberate homage to Paul Rudolph's Plasmat lineage, specifically the Kino-Plasmat cine optics, reworked for the Leica M system [1][2]. Its defining feature is an adjustable spherical-aberration ring, a control that lets the photographer dial in a softer, glowing rendering or a more corrected look by shifting an element within the optical group [1]. Like the rest of Miyazaki's hand-built output, it is a niche, small-batch product aimed at photographers and collectors who value character over clinical correction [1].

The optical layout uses six elements in four groups with multicoating on all surfaces, packed into a compact barrel roughly 43 mm long and 50 mm in diameter and weighing only about 135 g [1]. Aperture runs from f/1.5 to f/16 across a high blade count of sixteen, and the lens takes 39 mm filters, focuses to 0.8 m, and is finished in black [1]. The aberration control sits at the front of the barrel, which makes it convenient to adjust while watching the effect on a mirrorless or live-view screen; on a rangefinder the lens is not coupled in the LeicaLensList record, so focus is set by scale or with an external aid rather than through the camera's rangefinder mechanism [2]. As is typical of Miyazaki designs, build is minimalist and light, with fine, tightly spaced controls that reward careful handling.

The lens has been offered in an unusually wide range of barrel colors. Beyond the standard black, documented finishes include silver chrome, black chrome, blue, red, green, brown, and gold variants, with matching metal lens caps sold alongside the colored versions [2][3]. There are no separate optical versions; the color choices are cosmetic rather than indicating a formula change [3].

Optical qualities

Rendering The Varioprasma is built around controllable spherical aberration rather than maximum correction. With the adjustment set to its standard position, it can produce a relatively sharp image even near wide open, while moving the control toward the soft end progressively increases glow and a dreamy softness around the subject [2]. This makes rendering highly dependent on how the user sets the aberration ring, and the Kino-Plasmat heritage points toward a vintage, painterly look at the soft settings rather than modern flat-field sharpness [1][2]. Detailed independent test data is limited, so specific claims about contrast, bokeh geometry, flare, and distortion are best treated as user-dependent and not firmly documented.

History

Development and Launch MS Optics, the one-person Japanese workshop of Miyazaki, announced the Varioprasma 50mm f/1.5 in 2019 together with the faster ISM 50mm f/1.0, both for Leica M-mount [1]. The Varioprasma was presented as a modern interpretation of the Plasmat designs Rudolph created in 1918, with Miyazaki adding refinements such as improved focus damping, a separate aperture, and the adjustable spherical-aberration ring [1]. It was distributed in part through Japan Camera Hunter and reached the market later in 2019 [1].

Production Evolution The most visible change after launch was the expansion of the color lineup. Initially shown in silver chrome and black chrome, the lens was soon offered in additional barrel colors including blue and red, then further metallic and painted finishes, accompanied by matching colored metal caps [2][3]. These are finish variations rather than optical revisions [3].

Special editions No formal limited or commemorative factory editions are widely documented; the practical variety in the market comes from the range of barrel colors offered rather than from distinct special models [2][3].

Collector Notes Buyers should be aware that published descriptions of this lens vary. Some sources, including a detailed Japanese-language review, list a five-element configuration, twelve aperture blades, a 0.5 m minimum focus distance, and rangefinder coupling to 0.8 m at the standard aberration setting, which differs from the six-element, sixteen-blade, 0.8 m, non-coupled record held by LeicaLensList [3]. Because the aberration control physically moves an element, focus and any rangefinder agreement shift with the setting, which likely explains some of the conflicting figures, so verify the exact configuration and behavior of a given example before purchase. As with all MS Optics lenses, the construction is delicate and finely machined; confirm that the aberration and focus controls move smoothly, that the multicoating is clean, and that the correct caps and any color-matched accessories are present.

Sources

• [1] Digital Photography Review. MS Optics unveils new Vario Prasma 50mm F1.5 and ISM 50mm F1.0 Leica M lenses. https://www.dpreview.com/news/2967788694/ms-optics-unveils-new-vario-prasma-50mm-f1-5-and-ism-50mm-f1-0-leica-m-lenses
• [2] Leica Rumors. The MS Optics Vario Prasma 50mm f/1.5 lens for Leica M-mount is now available also in blue and red colors. https://leicarumors.com/2019/11/07/the-ms-optics-vario-prasma-50mm-f-1-5-lens-for-leica-m-mount-is-now-available-also-in-blue-and-red-colors.aspx/
• [3] Shige's hobby. Kinoplasma homage VARIO PRASMA 50mm F1.5. https://shige-art.net/en/msop-vario-prasma-50sa/