Lenses under $3,000 Lenses

The Leica Hektor 135mm f/4.5 is a long, slow M-mount telephoto descended from a 1933 Leitz design, valued by collectors for its classic build and 15-blade iris.</parameter> <parameter name="long_description">## Leica Hektor 135mm f/4.5 Among the longest lenses in the classic Leica rangefinder catalogue, the Hektor 135mm f/4.5 is a modest-aperture telephoto whose lineage reaches back to a Leitz design first offered in 1933, after which the lens went through many revisions before reaching its later screw and bayonet forms [1]. The name Hektor was applied across several Leitz designs of the period, and on the 135mm it covers a comparatively simple optic that prioritized a long reach and a compact diameter over speed. Its slim barrel, 39mm filter thread, and fifteen-blade diaphragm are typical of the careful, conservative engineering that makes these lenses recognizable to collectors. Optically the Hektor 135mm uses four elements in three groups, a straightforward arrangement that suited the long focal length and the relatively dim f/4.5 maximum aperture. The lens is rangefinder coupled and focuses to a minimum distance of 1.5m, with a long focusing throw that aids precision at portrait and short-telephoto distances. The barrel is all metal in a two-tone finish, and at roughly 440g it is light for its 127mm length because the slow aperture keeps the front elements small. On the M mount it couples to the camera rangefinder directly, while the broader 135mm Hektor family was also produced in Leica thread mount and in short-mount form for the Visoflex reflex housing. Identification of a particular Hektor 135mm depends heavily on its production stage, since the design changed repeatedly over its long life. Examples were issued in screw mount and bayonet mount, in chrome and later black-trimmed finishes, and with front fittings that differ between the older A36 clamp-on size and the 39mm screw-in filter standard[2]. Some versions have removable lens heads, and on certain serial ranges these heads cannot be mounted on the Visoflex unless factory modified, so the head, focusing mount, and intended camera must be matched together rather than assumed compatible. Documented model and order codes for the line include HEFAR / 11035, HEFARCHROM, HEFARKUP, and OHEBO / 11040. --- ## Optical qualities **Rendering** Detailed published testing of the Hektor 135mm f/4.5 is limited, and it is best understood as a slow classic telephoto rather than a high-performance optic. Its four-element design and f/4.5 aperture place it among the gentler renderers in the Leica catalogue, and a contemporary review treated it as a usable vintage long lens rather than a modern performer [3]. Buyers should expect character consistent with an early-coated or uncoated design of its era, and individual results vary widely with the specific version and the condition of the glass. Because firm, repeatable data on sharpness, contrast, and flare is not well documented across sources, no detailed performance claims are made here. --- ## History **Development and Launch** The 135mm Hektor was introduced by Leitz in 1933 as a long telephoto for the 35mm rangefinder system, and it remained in the catalogue with numerous design changes into the 1960s. It served as the long end of the system alongside the faster and later 135mm Elmar, giving photographers reach for portraits, sports, and distant subjects within the constraints of rangefinder focusing. **Production Evolution** Over its long run the lens passed through many variations in optics, finish, and fittings, and a distinct silver-finished version was introduced in 1950. Front filter and accessory fittings shifted from the older A36 size to the 39mm screw-in thread, and barrels were produced in both screw and bayonet mounts with chrome and two-tone finishes. Lens-head removability also changed across serial ranges, with early lenses below serial 241000 and those from 245000 to 245800 carrying heads that cannot be used on the Visoflex without factory modification. **Special editions** No major factory special editions of the 135mm Hektor f/4.5 are widely documented beyond the standard mount, finish, and head variations noted above. **Collector Notes** Because so many versions exist, matching is the central concern when buying or assembling a Hektor 135mm: the lens head, focusing mount, and camera should be confirmed to focus correctly together, since heads from different serial ranges and mounts do not always interchange and some require factory work for Visoflex use. Owners on collector forums also note that screw-mount and short-mount heads can be confused with the similar 135mm Elmar, so the engraved focal-length marking near the infinity setting and the aperture markings are worth checking before assuming a head belongs to the lens. Haze inside the optical group is common on surviving examples and should be inspected, and originality of finish and fittings is worth verifying given the many factory variations. --- ## Sources * [1] Kamerastore. *Leica 135mm f4.5 Hektor (Silver, HEFAR)*. https://kamerastore.com/en-us/products/leica-135mm-f4-5-hektor-silver-hefar-ltm-m39-t134974 * [2] Leica Forum (l-camera-forum.com). *Hektor 135mm/f:4,5 LTM*. https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/54291-hektor-135mmf45-ltm/ * [3] Leica Rumors. *Leica's Ernst Leitz Hektor 135mm f/4.5 lens review*. https://leicarumors.com/2011/03/14/leicas-ernst-leitz-hektor-135mm-f4-5-lens-review.aspx/

Steinheil's Culminar 85mm f/2.8 VL is a Tessar-type LTM portrait lens from 1950s Munich, an uncoupled, budget-priced alternative to Leitz telephotos.

The KMZ Jupiter-9 85mm f/2 is a Soviet Sonnar-derived portrait lens produced in M39 and Contax/Kiev rangefinder mounts, combining a seven-element optical design with a rounded 15-blade diaphragm.

The Canon 50mm f/1.8 I is a compact six-element LTM rangefinder standard lens from 1951, a classic Serenar design popular with screw-mount collectors.

The KMZ Industar-50 50mm f/3.5 is a Tessar-derived M39 standard lens for Soviet rangefinders, valued by collectors as a cheap, sharp Elmar-style classic.

The Arco Tele-Snowva 135mm f/3.8 is a rare Japanese, rangefinder-coupled LTM telephoto with a chrome-brass barrel and twelve-blade diaphragm.

The Leica Elmar 90mm f/4 Collapsible is a compact M-mount telephoto whose locking collapsible barrel and modest, dependable rendering make it a collector favorite.

A late-1940s to early-1950s Steinheil 35mm f/4.5 wide-angle in coated, rangefinder-coupled Leica LTM form, with twin focusing tabs and chrome finish.

Canon 50mm f/1.4 I, a compact six-element LTM rangefinder lens of the late 1950s, the "Japanese Summilux" prized by collectors as an affordable fast fifty.

The Leica Tele-Elmar-M 135mm f/4 Type 1 is an M-mount telephoto valued by collectors as a sharp, affordable Walter Mandler design with a long production run.

The Canon 100mm f/3.5 III is a compact five-element LTM rangefinder telephoto, a 1960 update prized by Leica screw-mount collectors for clean rendering.

The Canon Serenar 100mm f/4 II is a lightweight LTM screw-mount triplet telephoto, a 1950 refinement of Canon's early rangefinder lens line.

The Nippon-Kogaku Nikkor-Q.C 13.5cm f/3.5 is a four-element LTM rangefinder telephoto from Nikon's S-system era, prized by classic Nikon collectors.

The TTArtisan 11mm f/2.8 is a diagonal fisheye for Leica M mount, notable as the first full-frame fisheye made for the rangefinder system.

The Konica M-Hexanon 90mm f/2.8 is a Leica M-mount short telephoto built for the Hexar RF, a well-made, collectible alternative to the Leica Elmarit-M 90.

The 7artisans 35mm f/2 WEN (Mark II) is a compact 8-element manual prime in Leica M mount, part of the street-oriented WEN series for rangefinder shooters.

The Yashica Super-Yashinon 50mm f/1.8 is a six-element LTM rangefinder lens from the 1959 Yashica YF, a scarce post-Nicca screw-mount collectible.

An August 1952 Canon Serenar 50mm f/3.5 standard lens with four elements in three groups, coupled LTM focusing and a collapsible barrel.

The Leica Elmarit-M 135mm f/2.8 II with OVU is an M-mount telephoto whose built-in magnifying goggles aid rangefinder focusing, a distinctive collector lens.

The 7artisans 50mm f/1.1 is a Sonnar-derived Leica M-mount lens whose ultra-fast aperture and budget price made it a popular entry into M-mount fast fifties.

The 7artisans 28mm f/1.4 is a fast manual wide-angle in Leica M mount, notable as an affordable alternative to the 28mm Summilux for rangefinder and adapter users.

The Canon 50mm f/1.4 II is a fast six-element LTM rangefinder lens prized by collectors as among the best Canon screw-mount fifties.

The Voigtländer Heliar Classic 50mm f/1.5 is an M-mount normal lens that revives the Heliar formula for a soft, vintage rendering wide open.

Classic Canadian Leica 90mm f/2 Summicron: same sharp soul from 1959–1980, with changing looks, materials, blades, and handling over time.

Leica Summaron 35mm f/3.5 SOONC 11005 is the early Leica L39/LTM A36 screw-mount version of the classic 3.5cm Summaron.

The Leica Summaron 35mm f/3.5 is a compact six-element wide-angle lens in M mount, prized by collectors for its vintage low-contrast rendering and tiny size.

The MS-Optics Perar 35mm f/3.5 is a hand-built three-element triplet pancake for Leica M mount, the lens that made Miyazaki's MS-Optics a collector name.

The Minolta M-Rokkor 28mm f/2.8 is a compact M-mount wide-angle built for the Minolta CLE, prized by collectors as an affordable, capable 28mm rangefinder lens.

The Voigtländer Color-Heliar 75mm f/2.5 is a compact LTM short telephoto, one of Cosina's first Voigtländer lenses and a collector favourite for its size.

The Kobalux Avenon 21mm f/2.8 is a hand-built Japanese super-wide LTM lens by Y.K. Optical, prized by Leica screw-mount collectors for its compact size.

The Artralab 50mm f/1.1 Lunaelumen-M V3 is a fast manual M-mount prime, a low-cost large-aperture fifty drawing interest from Leica and mirrorless shooters.

The Leica Summicron-M 90mm f/2 (pre-ASPH), order numbers 11136 and 11137, is a fast Canadian-designed telephoto for the M rangefinder, prized by portrait shooters.

The Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.5 LTM is a fast, brass-bodied screw-mount 50mm from Cosina, prized by Leica rangefinder users for its sharp, characterful rendering.

The Voigtländer Color-Skopar 28mm f/2.8 Type I is a brass-bodied M-mount rangefinder lens, the nostalgic-styled variant of Cosina's compact 2023 wide-angle.

The MS-Optics Perar 28mm f/4 is a hand-built, ultra-thin three-element Leica M-mount wide-angle, prized by collectors as one of the smallest M lenses ever made.

The MS-Optics Hipolion 19mm f/8 is a two-element Hypergon-formula ultra-wide Leica M-mount lens, prized by collectors as among the smallest M lenses made.

The Voigtländer Heliar 40mm f/2.8 ASPH is a tiny brass M-mount and LTM pancake from Cosina, prized by collectors for its vintage styling and 40mm framing.

The Minolta M-Rokkor 40mm f/2 is a compact M-mount normal lens built for the Minolta CLE, sharing the Leica Summicron-C 40mm optical design and prized by collectors.

The TTArtisan M 35mm f/1.4 is a low-cost, all-metal Leica M-mount fast wide-angle prime, notable as one of the brand's first M lenses for digital and film bodies.

The MS-Optics Historio Prot 40mm f/6.3 is a featherweight Leica M-mount lens reviving Paul Rudolph's symmetrical Protar formula, prized by collectors.

The MS Optics 21mm f/4.5 Perar is arguably the most famous creation from Sadayasu Miyazaki’s basement lab in Japan. It’s a "Super Triplet", an ancient optical design resurrected in a package so thin (5.2mm) that it looks more like a lens cap than a piece of glass. It’s sharp in the middle, wild in the corners, and incredibly frustrating to use if you have large fingers. But despite the heavy vignetting and the fact that it turns digital sensors pink in the corners, it offers a specific, high-contrast look and a "pocketability" factor that makes you forgive its many mechanical eccentricities.

Voigtländer's LTM Ultra Wide-Heliar 12mm f/5.6 I was the widest rectilinear 35mm lens at its 2000 launch, a tiny screw-mount wide prized by collectors.

The TTArtisan APO-M 35mm f/2 ASPH is a manual-focus Leica M-mount lens that brings apochromatic, aspherical correction to rangefinders at a budget price.

The Voigtländer Super Wide-Heliar 15mm f/4.5 is an LTM screw-mount ultra-wide that revived the Voigtländer name and remains a collector favorite.

Voigtländer Color-Skopar 28mm f/2.8 Type II is a compact aspherical M-mount rangefinder lens, the modern aluminum-barrel variant in Cosina's trio.

The Voigtländer Color-Skopar 35mm f/3.5 ASPH. is a compact six-element M-mount wide-angle, a 2025 Cosina lens of interest to Leica rangefinder collectors.

The Voigtländer Heliar 50mm f/3.5, a five-element classic-design lens in Leica M mount, revived Cosina's vintage Heliar look for modern rangefinders.

The MS Optics 17mm f/4.5 Perar is an ultra-wide angle pancake lens designed and hand-assembled by Sadayasu Miyazaki in Japan. Weighing only 47 grams and measuring just 10.2mm in length, it is one of the smallest wide-angle lenses ever produced for the Leica M mount. While its retrofocus design manages to keep the center sharp, the lens is defined by its significant optical compromises, including heavy vignetting, wavy distortion, and corner color shifts on digital sensors, making it a specialized tool for enthusiasts rather than a general-purpose architectural lens.

The TTArtisan M 90mm f/1.25 is an affordable, very fast rangefinder-coupled M-mount portrait lens prized for its extreme shallow depth of field.

The Canon 50mm f/1.2 is a fast LTM rangefinder lens from the 1950s, prized by collectors for its compact build and distinctive vintage rendering.

The Voigtländer APO-LANTHAR 50mm f/3.5 Type I is a compact apochromatic M-mount rangefinder lens that revives a classic name with modern corrected optics.</parameter> <parameter name="long_description">## Voigtländer APO-LANTHAR 50mm f/3.5 Type I The APO-LANTHAR 50mm f/3.5 Type I revives one of Voigtländer's most prestigious names in a compact, slow-aperture standard prime built by Cosina for the Leica M mount. Announced in July 2024, it pairs a deliberately classical exterior with a fully corrected modern optical design, and the "APO-LANTHAR" engraving signals an apochromatic formula intended to suppress chromatic aberration across the visible spectrum [1][4]. Although its profile recalls older collapsible normal lenses, the Type I is a rigid, non-collapsing barrel despite a styling that some observers compare to vintage designs [2]. Optically the lens uses eight elements in six groups, four of which are made of anomalous partial-dispersion glass, an arrangement Cosina describes as delivering uncompromising performance with very little distortion. The aperture relies on ten straight blades, which produce ten-pointed sunstars from roughly f/4 to f/16, a trait common to Cosina-made lenses. The Type I focuses to 0.45 m by means of a linear all-metal helicoid that extends past the 0.7 m point where rangefinder coupling ends, with a tactile click marking the transition from the coupled range to live-view focusing on capable bodies [3][6]. The lens is rangefinder coupled, takes a 34 mm filter, and its compatible optical design makes it adaptable to mirrorless cameras through an M adapter[5]. The "Type" designation refers to barrel design rather than optics: the Type I is the slimmer, more compact variant with a 34 mm filter thread, while the Type II adopts a more traditional, slightly larger barrel with a 39 mm filter thread and a closer 0.35 m minimum focus. Within the Type I family Voigtländer offers two finishes, a two-tone black paint and chrome version of heavier brass construction and a lighter matte black version using aluminium, which accounts for the difference between the heavier and lighter recorded weights. None of these versions is six-bit coded for Leica bodies. --- ## Optical qualities **Rendering** Reviewers position the lens as a refinement of the long-running Voigtländer 50mm f/3.5 Heliar, a design noted for high resolution and contrast, with the APO-LANTHAR said to build on those qualities while keeping a broadly similar rendering. The apochromatic correction is intended to remove longitudinal and lateral chromatic aberration, and Cosina states there is effectively no visible distortion. **Flare resistance** The simple optical layout and small front element give the lens strong resistance to flare, which reviewers rate among the best of Cosina's lenses. **Bokeh and transitions** The ten-blade diaphragm is intended to keep the aperture nearly circular for smoother out-of-focus rendering, in addition to producing its characteristic ten-point sunstars when stopped down. --- ## History **Development and Launch** Voigtländer unveiled the APO-LANTHAR 50mm f/3.5 in Type I and Type II forms in July 2024, with pre-orders opening in September 2024. The lens reuses the historic APO-LANTHAR name, which Cosina applies to designs intended to demonstrate the highest level of optical correction, and it follows the company's long-produced 50mm f/3.5 Heliar in the slow-normal segment of the M-mount lineup. **Special editions** To mark 25 years of Cosina Voigtländer production, the company released a 25th Anniversary Limited Edition of the Type I in late 2024, totalling 750 lenses split across navy, gray, and olive painted finishes, with 250 of each colour [7][8]. Each carries an individually engraved limited-edition number and a matching colour pouch, and includes a heavy knurled brass hood, a chrome-finished brass hood cap, and an all-metal brass rear cap; the limited run reportedly sold out quickly. **Collector Notes** Buyers should distinguish the Type I from the Type II, since the two share optics but differ in barrel size, filter thread (34 mm versus 39 mm), and minimum focus, and they should confirm which Type I finish they hold, as the brass two-tone and aluminium matte black versions differ substantially in weight. The standard catalogue colours are the matte black and the two-tone black and chrome (sometimes referred to as a panda finish), while navy, gray, and olive indicate the numbered anniversary editions. As with most current Cosina lenses, the standard versions ship with a dedicated metal hood and caps worth verifying as present and matching on the used market. --- ## Sources * [1] PRONEWS. *Voigtländer APO-LANTHAR 50mm F3.5 Type I/II VM Unveiled*. https://en.pronews.com/news/2024071614288155.html * [2] Leica Rumors. *Voigtländer APO-LANTHAR 50mm f/3.5 Type I / II VM lens review*. https://leicarumors.com/2024/09/23/voigtlander-apo-lanthar-50mm-f-3-5-type-i-ii-vm-lens-review.aspx/ * [3] Mainline Photographics. *Voigtländer 50mm f3.5 APO-LANTHAR VM Type I Black Paint & Chrome Lens*. https://mainlinephoto.com.au/voigtlander-50mm-f3-5-apo-lanthar-vm-type-i-black-paint-chrome-lens/ * [4] PetaPixel. *Voigtländer's New APO-Lanthar 50mm f/3.5 Lenses Promise Vintage Vibes*. https://petapixel.com/2024/07/12/voigtlanders-new-apo-lanthar-50mm-f-3-5-lenses-promise-vintage-vibes/ * [5] Leica Rumors. *The new Voigtländer APO-LANTHAR 50mm f/3.5 Type I / II VM lenses are now available for pre-order*. https://leicarumors.com/2024/09/17/the-new-voigtlander-apo-lanthar-50mm-f-3-5-type-i-ii-vm-lenses-are-now-available-for-pre-order.aspx/ * [6] CameraQuest. *Voigtländer 50mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Limited Navy*. https://shop.cameraquest.com/voigtlander-leica-mount-lenses/voigtlander-50mm-f/3.5-apo-lanthar-limited-navy/ * [7] Robert White. *Voigtländer 50mm f3.5 APO-LANTHAR VM Type I Limited Edition Olive Lens*. https://www.robertwhite.co.uk/voigtlander-50mm-f3-5-apo-lanthar-vm-type-i-limited-edition-olive-lens.html * [8] Rangefinder Forum. *Voigtländer APO-LANTHAR 50mm F3.5 VM Limited coming in December 2024*. https://rangefinderforum.com/threads/voigtlander-apo-lanthar-50mm-f3-5-vm-limited-coming-in-december-2024.4817230/

The Canon 28mm f/2.8 is a compact, sought-after LTM screw-mount wide-angle, valued by rangefinder collectors as a faster, scarcer companion to the Canon 28mm f/3.5.

The Voigtländer Nokton 35mm f/1.2 I is the original f/1.2 aspherical M-mount 35, prized by collectors as the fastest production rangefinder 35mm of its day.

Leica Summicron 50mm f/2 M39 11619 is a rare 1999 silver chrome LTM lens made for Leica screw-mount collectors.

The Leica Summicron 50mm f/2 II Dual Range is a chrome M-mount near-focusing lens (1956 to 1968), prized by collectors for its build and rendering.

The MS-Optics Petz 57mm f/2 is a hand-built M-mount lens by Sadayasu Miyazaki reviving the 1840 Petzval portrait design for Leica rangefinders.

The Funleader Artizlab Classic 35mm f/1.4 is a Leica M-mount lens styled after the 1960s Summilux 35mm v2, drawing growing collector interest.

The Thypoch Ksana 21mm f/3.5 ASPH is a manual-focus 21 mm Leica M-mount wide-angle designed to be very small and light for everyday carry. A key feature is its Epoch Coating.73′, which is intended to create warm, amber flare when shooting into bright light, rather than removing flare entirely. Compared with the Leica Super-Elmar-M 21mm f/3.4 ASPH, the Ksana focuses more on compactness and a visible flare look, while the Leica is typically chosen for a more straightforward, corrected rendering. The Voigtländer Color-Skopar 21mm f/3.5 is another compact option with conventional behavior and similar slow speed. The Thypoch Simera 21mm f/1.4 is a different class, prioritizing low-light performance and shallow depth of field, but with much larger size and weight.

The Voigtländer APO-LANTHAR 35mm f/2 is an apochromatic Leica M-mount lens prized by collectors for very high resolution and contrast wide open.

The Yasuhara MC 50mm f/2.8 is a rigid, rangefinder-coupled LTM normal lens for the T981, with four-element optics and 0.8m close focus.

The Konica M-Hexanon 50mm f/2 is a double-Gauss Leica M-mount standard lens from the Hexar RF system, prized by rangefinder collectors.

The Voigtländer Nokton 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical is a compact, ultra-fast manual-focus normal-wide prime in Leica M mount, prized for its rendering.

A solid lens for a really good price. Flat field curvature, good sharpness across the frame, golden coating. Brass build, 199 grams, easy recommendation!

The Artralab Similar 35mm f/1.4 is a compact silver Leica M-mount lens, a fast 35mm wide-angle of recent manufacture aimed at mirrorless and adapter users.

Voigtländer's Super Wide-Heliar 15mm f/4.5 III is a rangefinder-coupled M-mount ultra-wide whose redesigned optics tamed earlier digital corner problems.

The MS-Optics Apoqualia 35mm f/1.3 II Slim is a hand-built Leica M-mount lens, a fast, soft-by-design collector's piece from Japan's Miyazaki Optical.

The Voigtländer Nokton 35mm f/1.2 II is a fast aspherical M-mount rangefinder lens, long valued as the quickest 35mm option for the Leica M system.

Konica M-Hexanon 35mm f/2 is a Leica M-mount wide-normal lens built for the Hexar RF, a sleeper among collectors of non-Leica M glass.

The Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50mm f/2 ZM is a Cosina-built six-element double-Gauss standard lens in Leica M mount, prized for sharpness and flare control.

The Canon 19mm f/3.5 is a rangefinder-coupled LTM super-wide pancake from 1964, widely collected as Canon's widest and last screw-mount lens.

The Voigtländer Nokton 75mm f/1.5 Aspherical is a fast, compact M-mount short telephoto from Cosina's Vintage Line, prized by Leica rangefinder shooters.

The Voigtländer Color-Skopar 50mm f/2.2 is an ultra-light aluminum M-mount rangefinder lens, a compact modern 50 that draws growing collector interest.

The KMZ Russar MP-2 20mm f/5.6 is a compact, uncoupled Soviet M39 ultra-wide lens with six elements in four groups and scale-focus handling.

The MS-Optics Varioprasma 50mm f/1.5 is a Leica M-mount lens by Miyazaki that revives the Kino-Plasmat with an adjustable spherical-aberration ring.

Voigtländer Color-Skopar 28mm f/2.8 LTM is a 2023 screw-mount wide-angle, the lightest L39 version of Cosina's compact rangefinder-coupled 28.

The Leica Summicron-C 40mm f/2 is a compact M-mount rangefinder lens built for the Leica CL, prized by collectors as an affordable Summicron sleeper.

The Canon 35mm f/1.8 is a fast LTM screw-mount rangefinder wide-angle from the late 1950s, valued by collectors for its compact build and vintage rendering.

MS-Optics Sonnetar 50mm f/1.3 Slim, a compact Sonnar-type Leica M lens by Miyazaki, prized by collectors for vintage glow and tiny boutique build.

The Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2 is a compact, fast aspherical M-mount standard lens that gives rangefinder users an affordable alternative to Leica's fast 50s.

The Carl Zeiss Biogon T* 35mm f/2 ZM is an M-mount rangefinder lens prized for its near-symmetrical optics, low distortion, and neutral rendering.

The MS-Optics Xenomax 50mm f/3.5 is a Leica M-mount standard lens by Miyazaki Sadayasu, a compact Xenotar-type prized by collectors of his work.

The Voigtländer APO-LANTHAR 50mm f/3.5 Type II is a compact apochromatic standard lens in Leica M mount, prized for near-perfect optics in a classic body.

The Carl Zeiss Biogon T* 25mm f/2.8 ZM is a moderate wide-angle Leica M-mount lens prized for near record resolution and distortion-free symmetrical drawing.

The Thypoch Simera 50mm f/1.4 is a fast manual normal lens for Leica M mount, notable for floating elements and a 0.45 m close-focus that undercuts rival fast fifties.

The Leica Summicron-M 90mm f/2 II Type 2 is a Canadian-made M-mount portrait lens (11136/11137), the E55 pre-ASPH prized for its classic rendering.

The Leica Elmarit-M 21mm f/2.8 (11134) is a pre-aspherical M-mount ultra-wide prime made 1980 to 1997, prized by Leica rangefinder collectors.

The MS-Optics Sonnetar 73mm f/1.5 is a handmade Leica M-mount portrait lens, prized by collectors for its unusual focal length and a compact Sonnar design.

The MS-Optics Apoqualia 35mm f/1.4 is a tiny hand-built Leica M double Gauss by Miyazaki Sadayasu, a sought-after collector lens.

The Meyer-Optik Görlitz Trioplan 100mm f/2.8 II is a manual triplet telephoto in Leica M mount, prized by collectors for its signature soap bubble bokeh.

The Light Lens Lab 50mm f/1.9 "Rigid-ZS6" is a compact six-element M-mount rangefinder lens, a recent collector-oriented release from the Chinese maker.

The Tanaka Kogaku W Tanar 35mm f/2.8 is a six-element LTM wide-angle lens for Tanack rangefinders, a scarce 1950s Japanese collectible in Leica screw mount.

The Voigtländer APO-LANTHAR 50mm f/2 Aspherical VM is a modern apochromatic standard prime in Leica M mount prized for exceptional sharpness and color correction.

The Light Lens Lab 28mm f/2.8 "Nine Element" is an M-mount homage to Leica's rare first 28mm Elmarit, a collector-favorite recreation updated for digital.

The MS-Optics ISM 50mm f/1 is a handmade Leica M lens that packs a full-stop f/1 aperture into one of the smallest, lightest fast-fifty bodies made.

The Voigtländer Nokton 40mm f/1.2 ASPH. II VM is a fast, compact M-mount rangefinder lens, a 2025 refinement of Cosina's near-normal aspherical Nokton.

The Voigtländer Nokton 35mm f/1.5 Aspherical VM Type 2 is a compact brass-bodied M-mount lens prized for vintage rendering and Leica Summilux-rivaling value.

The Zeiss C Sonnar T* 50mm f/1.5 ZM is a fast standard prime lens manufactured by Cosina in Japan under license from Carl Zeiss AG. Part of the Zeiss ZM family for the Leica M-mount, it is distinguished by its adherence to a historic optical formula from the 1930s rather than modern computer-optimized designs. The "C" in its designation stands for both "Classic" and "Compact," referencing its vintage rendering characteristics and small physical form factor. It is noted for its high contrast, distinct bokeh, and a susceptibility to focus shift, a byproduct of its deliberate optical residue.

The Leica Summicron 50mm f/2 IV is a six-element M-mount standard lens designed by Walter Mandler's team, prized by collectors for its compact form and rendering.

The Voigtländer Nokton 35mm f/1.2 III is a compact, all-metal M-mount manual lens, the smallest and lightest of Cosina's fast 35mm trio.</parameter> <parameter name="long_description">## Voigtländer Nokton 35mm f/1.2 III This is the third version of Cosina's fast 35mm Nokton for Leica M-mount, and it marks a clear break from the two designs that came before it. Where the original Nokton and its Mark II both used a ten-element optical layout, the III was rebuilt around a smaller nine-element, seven-group formula, allowing Cosina to shed bulk while keeping the f/1.2 maximum aperture that gives the line its reputation as one of the fastest 35mm rangefinder lenses available [1][2]. The result is a lens that is roughly 20 percent shorter and about 30 percent lighter than the Mark II, which makes it considerably easier to carry and to balance on a Leica M body than its predecessors. Build and handling follow the pattern collectors expect from modern Voigtländer M-mount glass. The barrel is almost entirely metal with engraved, paint-filled markings, the focus ring turns with firm resistance over roughly 130 degrees from the 0.5 m minimum focus distance to infinity, and the aperture ring uses half-stop click detents across its travel. The diaphragm has twelve straight blades, and the lens is rangefinder coupled, so it focuses through the optical finder on M cameras. It is not factory six-bit coded. Reviewers note that the III balances better on an M10 than the earlier versions, with only mild finder blockage, and that it shows essentially no focus shift, which is useful for rangefinder users who set focus wide open. The 52 mm filter thread is shared across this generation of Voigtländer fast primes, and as with most of Cosina's M-mount lenses a hood is not supplied in the box. The III should not be confused with the earlier Mark I and Mark II Noktons, which are heavier and use the older ten-element design, nor with the Nokton 35mm f/1.2 SE, a Sony E-mount lens that shares the III's optical formula but adds electronic coupling and focuses closer. Sources note that the M-mount III and the E-mount SE differ in how they are optimized for their respective sensor stacks, so corner rendering on a digital body can vary between them. --- ## Optical qualities **Rendering** The III is generally described as a lens built for atmosphere and shallow depth of field rather than clinical across-frame sharpness. The center is good wide open and improves quickly on stopping down, while the midframe and corners are soft at f/1.2 and need to be stopped down well, with f/8 recommended for best even sharpness at infinity. It appears to be a unit-focus design optimized for a middle distance, so at the close end wide open it is soft, again clearing up by around f/2. **Bokeh and transitions** Out-of-focus rendering is a strength. Close and mid-distance backgrounds are smooth, though cat's-eye shapes from optical vignetting become visible with point lights toward the edges, and at long distances the corner bokeh can suffer from the field-curvature effects common to fast rangefinder wide-angles on thick-sensor-stack cameras. **Flare resistance** Flare control is good, and reviewers found it hard to provoke strong ghosting even with the sun near the frame edge, which softens the absence of a bundled hood. **Distortion and vignetting** Distortion is described as pronounced and wavy, correctable with the E-mount version's profile in software, and light falloff wide open is strong at roughly 3.3 EV, easing as the lens is stopped down. **Aberrations** Coma correction is moderate, with astigmatism present until about f/4, and the lens shows spherical-aberration glow at f/1.2. Lateral chromatic aberration is moderate and easily corrected, while longitudinal CA and purple fringing wide open are notable, the latter being singled out as a weak point. --- ## History **Development and Launch** The Nokton 35mm f/1.2 III is the latest member of a line that Cosina has positioned as the fastest 35mm lens for the Leica M system. The design goal of this version was size reduction: by adopting newer optical glasses and a revised computation, Cosina cut both length and weight relative to the Mark II while retaining the established performance level of the previous model. It is sold as the Nokton 35mm F1.2 Aspherical III VM [3]. **Production Evolution** Across the three M-mount Noktons the most significant change is at the III, which moved from the ten-element, seven-group construction of versions I and II to a nine-element, seven-group layout, accompanied by the large drop in weight and length. The earlier Mark I also had a longer 0.7 m minimum focus distance, which was shortened to 0.5 m from the Mark II onward. **Special editions** No major factory special editions of the III are widely documented. Cosina did release an optically related Sony E-mount variant, the Nokton 35mm f/1.2 SE, but that is a separate E-mount product rather than a finish variant of the M-mount III. **Collector Notes** The chief point of confusion is version identification: the III is distinctly smaller and lighter than the heavier Mark I and Mark II, and buyers should confirm they are getting the nine-element III rather than an older ten-element copy. The lens is identified as the VM (M-mount) model and carries the manufacturer code BA355A in retail listings. Because no hood ships in the box, a hood is an accessory worth sourcing separately. --- ## Sources * [1] phillipreeve.net (Bastian Kratzke). *Review: Voigtlander VM 35mm 1.2 III*. https://phillipreeve.net/blog/review-voigtlander-vm-35mm-1-2-iii/ * [2] Adorama (manufacturer specifications and description). *Used Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.2 Aspherical III VM Lens*. https://www.adorama.com/used-voigtlander-nokton-35mm-f-12-aspherical-iii-vm-lens/p/us2000502 * [3] findingrange.com. *Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f1.2 Aspherical III Lens Review*. http://findingrange.com/2020/08/19/voigtlander-nokton-35mm-f1-2-aspherical-iii-lens-review/

The Voigtländer Nokton 35mm f/1.2 ASPH. IV is a fast, compact manual 35mm M-mount prime, the fourth generation of Cosina's high-speed 35.

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