Zhong Yi Mitakon Creator 28mm f/5.6

The Zhong Yi Mitakon Creator 28mm f/5.6 is a M-mount lens for Leica rangefinder cameras. Leica price index ↗

Reference maintained by Thomas Boots

Focal Length: 28mm

Aperture: 𝑓/5.6

Release Year (from): 2023

Diameter: 51 mm

Length: 44 mm

Minimum Focus Distance: 0.35m

Elements in Groups: 8/7

Aperture Blades: 5

Mount: M

Material Weight: Metal, 130g

Colors: 2-Tone

Zhong Yi Mitakon Creator 28mm f/5.6

Released in 2023, the Mitakon Creator 28mm f/5.6 was conceived by Chinese maker Zhong Yi Optics as an inexpensive reinterpretation of the Leica Summaron-M 28mm f/5.6, a slow wide-angle whose classic rendering and pocketable form Leica revived in 2016 [1][3]. Zhong Yi pitched its version as a faithful nod to that lens's character at a fraction of the cost, with the M-mount model priced at roughly 299 USD against the several-thousand-dollar Leica it echoes [1][2]. The result is a lens that appeals to rangefinder users who want the look and footprint of the old f/5.6 Summaron without the collector premium, although it shares only the concept and aperture rating, not the Leica optical formula.

The optical layout uses eight elements in seven groups, including one extra-low dispersion element intended to control aberrations and field curvature [1][2]. The barrel is all-metal with a manual aperture ring and a manual focusing collar fitted with a small focusing knob, or post, that aids handling on the compact body; focus runs down to 0.35 m for a maximum magnification near 0.11x [1][2]. At about 130 g with a 51 mm diameter, a 44 mm length and a 37 mm filter thread, it is among the smallest current 28mm rangefinder lenses [1][2]. The M-mount version is rangefinder-coupled for accurate focusing on Leica bodies [1]. One reviewer noted that the aperture ring has firm full-stop detents with near-clickless intermediate positions, and that the review sample arrived correctly calibrated from the factory, unlike some other low-cost Chinese M-mount lenses that ship with adjustment tools [4].

Beyond the Leica M, Zhong Yi produced the Creator 28mm f/5.6 in several mirrorless fittings, including Fujifilm X and GFX, Canon RF, Nikon Z, Panasonic/Leica L and Sony E, broadening its reach well past the original Summaron's coverage [1]. The M-mount lens is offered in black and silver finishes [1][4]. It does not carry Leica six-bit coding, though one reviewer observed milled detents on the mount that could be used to set a manual lens-correction profile [4].

Optical qualities

Rendering Documentation of this lens is limited and drawn mainly from early reviews. Hands-on impressions describe it as a capable rather than clinical performer that suits its intended street, travel and reportage use.

Sharpness One reviewer found the lens sharp and usable even wide open at f/5.6, with good detail, while noting it does not match the bite of premium Zeiss optics such as the 50mm f/2 Planar or 35mm f/2.8 Biogon [4].

Contrast and color The same review reported pleasing color and contrast in everyday shooting [4].

Flare resistance Shooting backlit and with the sun in the frame, the reviewer judged flare to be handled well [4].

Collector and user notes A minor handling criticism raised in the same review was that the focus ring could use more damping, occasionally allowing the user to overshoot focus [4].

History

Development and Launch Zhong Yi Optics announced the Creator 28mm f/5.6 in March 2023, explicitly positioning it as an affordable alternative to the Leica Summaron-M 28mm f/5.6 [1][2]. The original Summaron design dates to the 1950s, and Leica reissued a modern Summaron-M 28mm f/5.6 in 2016, reviving the slow, compact wide-angle as a deliberately classic option [3]. Mitakon's lens entered an already crowded 28mm M-mount field served by Leica, Zeiss and Voigtlander, aiming at buyers seeking the smallest, least expensive entry point [4].

Special editions No major factory special editions of the Mitakon Creator 28mm f/5.6 are widely documented beyond the standard black and silver finishes and the range of camera-mount versions [1][4].

Collector Notes This is a current production lens rather than a vintage collectible, so originality and coating-haze concerns typical of older glass do not apply. The principal points to verify before buying are the mount type, since the body is sold in many fittings, and the finish, offered in black or silver [1][4]. Buyers should not confuse this homage with the genuine Leica Summaron-M 28mm f/5.6, which is a separate and far more expensive lens with a different optical design [1][3].