Thypoch Simera 28mm f/1.4 II (Focus Tab)

Thypoch Simera 28mm f/1.4 II (Focus Tab)

The second iteration of Thypoch's fast 28mm grew directly out of user feedback on the original Simera 28mm f/1.4. Rather than reworking the optics, Thypoch reissued the lens with a redesigned focusing arrangement: the new model carries a focus tab and drops the infinity lock that divided opinion on the first version, and its packaging identifies it plainly as the "Focus Tab Version" [1][2]. According to the manufacturer's announcement, the Type II shares the same optical design as the infinity-lock version, with the focusing mechanism and pricing being the practical differences between them [3]. It was introduced in 2025 alongside a matching 35mm f/1.4 Type II for Leica M.

Optically the Simera 28mm f/1.4 uses 11 elements in 7 groups, including one extra-low-dispersion element, one aspherical element, and three high-refractive-index elements. The lens focuses internally, so the barrel does not extend as focus is racked closer, and it is built around an aluminum anodized barrel offered in black and silver, sharing the 49mm filter thread used across the Simera 35mm and 50mm lenses. A 14-blade diaphragm keeps the aperture notably round when stopped down and produces 14-point sunstars, and the aperture ring uses uneven detent spacing, with one-third-stop steps to f/5.6, half steps from f/5.6 to f/8, and full stops from f/8 to f/16; a switch on the ring de-clicks the aperture for video work. Two features stand out on the barrel: a mechanical depth-of-field indicator that uses small vents which change color as the aperture is set, and a tactile alert that signals when focusing moves beyond the rangefinder-coupled range into live-view territory, allowing the lens to reach roughly 0.4 m for close work. LeicaLensList records the lens as not six-bit coded and not rangefinder coupled; note that at least one detailed review describes rangefinder coupling out to about 0.7 m with a tactile cutoff before the close-focus range, so buyers should confirm coupling behavior against the specific copy and intended camera.

This Type II is a variant of an existing design rather than a new optical formula, so the principal points of identification are the presence of a focus tab and the absence of the infinity lock found on the first Simera 28mm. The Simera line is also sold in mirrorless mounts for Sony E, Nikon Z, Fujifilm X, and Canon RF, so the Leica M version should be confirmed by mount before purchase [4].

Optical qualities

Rendering Reviewers describe the Simera 28mm f/1.4 as a deliberately character-driven design rather than a clinically corrected one. It is not critically sharp at f/1.4, with the strongest resolution and contrast arriving on stopping down, while the wide-open behavior gives a softer, more atmospheric look.

Sharpness In testing on a 60MP body, center sharpness peaks around f/2.8, the mid-zone around f/4, and the extreme corners around f/5.6, with absolute edge-to-edge performance benefiting from stopping down further.

Bokeh and transitions The 14-blade diaphragm keeps highlights comparatively circular as the lens is stopped down, more so than competing designs with fewer, straighter blades, and the lens renders 14-point sunstars from around f/4.

History

Development and Launch Thypoch released the Simera 28mm f/1.4 Type II in 2025 as a revised version of its original fast 28mm, presented together with a 35mm f/1.4 Type II for Leica M mount. The redesign responded to criticism of the first version's focusing controls, replacing the infinity lock with a conventional focus tab while leaving the optics unchanged.

Production Evolution Because the Type II keeps the original optical formula, the documented changes are mechanical rather than optical: the new focus tab, removal of the infinity lock, and associated handling and pricing differences. The lens remains available in black and silver anodized aluminum finishes.

Special editions No major factory special editions of the Simera 28mm f/1.4 Type II are widely documented beyond the standard black and silver finishes.

Collector Notes The clearest way to distinguish this version is the focus tab and the lack of the infinity-lock switch of the first Simera 28mm; the packaging label "Focus Tab Version" confirms it. Buyers cross-shopping the mirrorless versions should verify that they are getting the Leica M variant rather than a Sony E, Nikon Z, Fujifilm X, or Canon RF copy. There is some inconsistency in published descriptions of rangefinder coupling versus the live-view close-focus range, so it is worth confirming coupling and infinity calibration on the actual lens and camera before relying on either.