Schneider-Kreuznach APO-Componon 45mm f/4

Schneider-Kreuznach APO-Componon 45mm f/4

The APO-Componon 45mm f/4 carries a name long associated with Schneider-Kreuznach's apochromatically corrected, high-resolution optics, here applied to a small lens built for the Leica M bayonet. It is a recent product, listed as entering production in 2025, and is offered in a silver finish. Compared with most M-mount optics it is notably light, around 174 g, and physically compact at roughly 53 mm long and 47 mm in diameter, using a small 41 mm filter thread.

The lens uses a five-blade aperture diaphragm and focuses to a minimum distance of about 0.7 m. It is not rangefinder coupled and does not carry Leica's six-bit coding, so on a Leica M camera it would be used without automatic rangefinder focus confirmation and without electronic lens recognition. The absence of rangefinder coupling makes it most practical on cameras that allow focusing by other means, such as live-view or electronic finders.

Beyond the verified specifications, documented information about this exact lens is limited, and no reliable, independently retrieved source could be confirmed for its design history, intended application, or production background during the preparation of this entry. Details such as optical formula, coating, and rendering character are therefore not described here rather than guessed.

Optical qualities

Rendering There is insufficient reliable published information about this specific lens to describe its rendering, sharpness, contrast, bokeh, flare behavior, distortion, or digital performance. No verified review or manufacturer optical data could be confirmed for it during research, so no rendering claims are made here to avoid presenting unsupported characterizations.

History

Documented history for this exact lens could not be confirmed from reliable sources during research, so no dated development, production-evolution, or special-edition narrative is provided. The APO-Componon name has historically been used by Schneider-Kreuznach for apochromatic, high-resolution optics, but its application to this particular Leica M-mount lens is not established here from a verified source.

Collector Notes The lens is silver finished, very light, and uses an uncommon 41 mm filter size, which is worth verifying before sourcing filters or a hood. Because it is uncoupled and uncoded, buyers should confirm how they intend to focus it on their camera body. As confirmed records for this specific model are scarce, prospective buyers should verify the exact model name, mount, and specifications directly with the seller, and treat any claimed history with caution until corroborated by a primary source.