Leica 35mm Summicron KOB copy by ‘Mandler’
p.3 #1Leica 35mm Summicron KOB copy by ‘Mandler’
ISO1600 wrote:
I would be first in line for a DJI full frame interchangeable lens camera. Well as long as it was at super competitive DJI prices to shake up the market.
Back to the topic of the thread, I did some side-by-side not super scientific testing at my house between the mandler and my 7A 35 1.4...
I prefer the 7A in almost every way.
A local buddy has first dibs on my mandler, but if passes it'll be going on the buy and sell.
What lens mount is your 7A?
algrove wrote
Even though some might disagree, if DJI (now part of the L mount alliance) made a small CL type of camera they would sell plenty if they could keep supply coming which seems to be a problem with the current X2Dii and new lens.Back to the topic of the thread, I did some side-by-side not super scientific testing at my house between the mandler and my 7A 35 1.4...
I prefer the 7A in almost every way.
A local buddy has first dibs on my mandler, but if passes it'll be going on the buy and sell.
What lens mount is your 7A?
Nov 13, 2025 at 06:30 PM
p.3 #2Leica 35mm Summicron KOB copy by ‘Mandler’
Z Mount 7A 35/1.4, first generation. I love the handling and images from it, and it was $100.
Desmolicious wrote:
I would be first in line for a DJI full frame interchangeable lens camera. Well as long as it was at super competitive DJI prices to shake up the market.
Back to the topic of the thread, I did some side-by-side not super scientific testing at my house between the mandler and my 7A 35 1.4...
I prefer the 7A in almost every way.
A local buddy has first dibs on my mandler, but if passes it'll be going on the buy and sell.What lens mount is your 7A?
Desmolicious wrote:
ISO1600 wrote
algrove wrote
Even though some might disagree, if DJI (now part of the L mount alliance) made a small CL type of camera they would sell plenty if they could keep supply coming which seems to be a problem with the current X2Dii and new lens.Back to the topic of the thread, I did some side-by-side not super scientific testing at my house between the mandler and my 7A 35 1.4...
I prefer the 7A in almost every way.
A local buddy has first dibs on my mandler, but if passes it'll be going on the buy and sell.
Nov 14, 2025 at 05:51 AM
p.3 #3Leica 35mm Summicron KOB copy by ‘Mandler’
Why are there so many showing up on the Buy and Sell? Is it not meeting expectations even with the lower price?
Nov 20, 2025 at 06:14 PM
p.3 #4Leica 35mm Summicron KOB copy by ‘Mandler’
From one of the ads it seems the actual results are not like the real thing:
While it definitely does not accurately imitate the image or handling of the original Summicron v4, it's a nifty and affordable little 35mm that I used as a walk around lens on my M3. I purchased this lens through an Asian website and unfortunately had to pay a steep price for the tariffs. Selling at a reduced rate since I'm selling off my entire Leica M system.
So basically it is an expensive Chinese lens that physically outwardly looks like a Leica lens, but does not recreate the image ‘quality’ of one.
Similar to my TTA 28mm f5.6.
While it definitely does not accurately imitate the image or handling of the original Summicron v4, it's a nifty and affordable little 35mm that I used as a walk around lens on my M3. I purchased this lens through an Asian website and unfortunately had to pay a steep price for the tariffs. Selling at a reduced rate since I'm selling off my entire Leica M system.
So basically it is an expensive Chinese lens that physically outwardly looks like a Leica lens, but does not recreate the image ‘quality’ of one.
Similar to my TTA 28mm f5.6.
Nov 20, 2025 at 06:21 PM
p.3 #5Leica 35mm Summicron KOB copy by ‘Mandler’
Is it wrong to hope they fail simply because they had the audacity to use Mandler's name on what appears to be a fairly lackluster effort?
Nov 20, 2025 at 11:39 PM
p.3 #6Leica 35mm Summicron KOB copy by ‘Mandler’
ISO1600 wrote:
https://www.instagram.com/naitounoi?igsh=cWtsZ3d5eHBzNnJ5
That's who I got the lens from.
They do ship worldwide.
I've read they're as low as 200 bucks in China.
Also found a guy on Instagram (in China) making LEICA SUMMICRON front rings for it, to further improve the carbon copy look.
Problem is importing it to the US will result in a whole bunch of extra charges due to tariffs.I am sure people would appreciate a link to that shop.
I bought from this IG account and I sprung the extra for the brass version. I haven't had a chance to take it out for photos yet but just wanted to give my experience with this seller. Purchasing was super easy and communication was stellar even with the language barrier. When I received the lens there appeared to be a decent sized fiber or scratch in the lens itself which was a bit of a bummer. I reached out to their IG and they asked if I could bring it in to a shop to check if it was a scratch or a fiber and if it was a fiber they would pay for the cleaning and if it was a scratch I could return/exchange. Took it in and got the lens cleaned (was a fiber) and true to their word they refunded the cleaning fee and were super awesome through the hassle. The linked IG profile is having some issues and they are working to get it back online but I was able to pick up my conversation with their other profile.
As far as the fit and finish (other than the fiber), the lens feels premium. The brass has a nice heft to it, aperture ring has decent clicks with a very slight roughness to it, and the focusing feels very slightly rough but is nicely dampened and feels nice in normal use. Hoping to get out and take some pics this weekend weather permitting.
https://www.instagram.com/naitounoi?igsh=cWtsZ3d5eHBzNnJ5
That's who I got the lens from.
They do ship worldwide.
Desmolicious wrote
ISO1600 wrote
I bought it from a shop in Bangkok that I found on Instagram. Was about $365 after card fees. Had them send it to my hotel in chiang Mai while here on vacation.I've read they're as low as 200 bucks in China.
Also found a guy on Instagram (in China) making LEICA SUMMICRON front rings for it, to further improve the carbon copy look.
Desmolicious wrote
I see it at $499 on ebay from Thailand.Problem is importing it to the US will result in a whole bunch of extra charges due to tariffs.
I bought from this IG account and I sprung the extra for the brass version. I haven't had a chance to take it out for photos yet but just wanted to give my experience with this seller. Purchasing was super easy and communication was stellar even with the language barrier. When I received the lens there appeared to be a decent sized fiber or scratch in the lens itself which was a bit of a bummer. I reached out to their IG and they asked if I could bring it in to a shop to check if it was a scratch or a fiber and if it was a fiber they would pay for the cleaning and if it was a scratch I could return/exchange. Took it in and got the lens cleaned (was a fiber) and true to their word they refunded the cleaning fee and were super awesome through the hassle. The linked IG profile is having some issues and they are working to get it back online but I was able to pick up my conversation with their other profile.
As far as the fit and finish (other than the fiber), the lens feels premium. The brass has a nice heft to it, aperture ring has decent clicks with a very slight roughness to it, and the focusing feels very slightly rough but is nicely dampened and feels nice in normal use. Hoping to get out and take some pics this weekend weather permitting.
Nov 21, 2025 at 01:55 AM
p.3 #7Leica 35mm Summicron KOB copy by ‘Mandler’
endergemini wrote:
That's who I got the lens from.
They do ship worldwide.
I've read they're as low as 200 bucks in China.
Also found a guy on Instagram (in China) making LEICA SUMMICRON front rings for it, to further improve the carbon copy look.
Problem is importing it to the US will result in a whole bunch of extra charges due to tariffs.I am sure people would appreciate a link to that shop.
I bought from this IG account and I sprung the extra for the brass version. I haven't had a chance to take it out for photos yet but just wanted to give my experience with this seller. Purchasing was super easy and communication was stellar even with the language barrier. When I received the lens there appeared to be a decent sized fiber or scratch in the lens itself which was a bit of a bummer. I reached out to their IG and they asked if I could bring it in to a shop to check if it was a...Show more →
Please do share some photos here. How do you contact them instead of IG? Thanks.
ISO1600 wrote
https://www.instagram.com/naitounoi?igsh=cWtsZ3d5eHBzNnJ5That's who I got the lens from.
They do ship worldwide.
Desmolicious wrote
ISO1600 wrote
I bought it from a shop in Bangkok that I found on Instagram. Was about $365 after card fees. Had them send it to my hotel in chiang Mai while here on vacation.I've read they're as low as 200 bucks in China.
Also found a guy on Instagram (in China) making LEICA SUMMICRON front rings for it, to further improve the carbon copy look.
Desmolicious wrote
I see it at $499 on ebay from Thailand.Problem is importing it to the US will result in a whole bunch of extra charges due to tariffs.
Please do share some photos here. How do you contact them instead of IG? Thanks.
Nov 21, 2025 at 04:21 AM
p.3 #8Leica 35mm Summicron KOB copy by ‘Mandler’
endergemini wrote:
That's who I got the lens from.
They do ship worldwide.
I've read they're as low as 200 bucks in China.
Also found a guy on Instagram (in China) making LEICA SUMMICRON front rings for it, to further improve the carbon copy look.
Problem is importing it to the US will result in a whole bunch of extra charges due to tariffs.I am sure people would appreciate a link to that shop.
I bought from this IG account and I sprung the extra for the brass version. I haven't had a chance to take it out for photos yet but just wanted to give my experience with this seller. Purchasing was super easy and communication was stellar even with the language barrier. When I received the lens there appeared to be a decent sized fiber or scratch in the lens itself which was a bit of a bummer. I reached out to their IG and they asked if I could bring it in to a shop to check if it was a...Show more →
Slightly off topic - which shop cleaned your lens?
ISO1600 wrote
https://www.instagram.com/naitounoi?igsh=cWtsZ3d5eHBzNnJ5That's who I got the lens from.
They do ship worldwide.
Desmolicious wrote
ISO1600 wrote
I bought it from a shop in Bangkok that I found on Instagram. Was about $365 after card fees. Had them send it to my hotel in chiang Mai while here on vacation.I've read they're as low as 200 bucks in China.
Also found a guy on Instagram (in China) making LEICA SUMMICRON front rings for it, to further improve the carbon copy look.
Desmolicious wrote
I see it at $499 on ebay from Thailand.Problem is importing it to the US will result in a whole bunch of extra charges due to tariffs.
Slightly off topic - which shop cleaned your lens?
Nov 21, 2025 at 12:08 PM
p.3 #9Leica 35mm Summicron KOB copy by ‘Mandler’
Desmolicious wrote:
That's who I got the lens from.
They do ship worldwide.
I've read they're as low as 200 bucks in China.
Also found a guy on Instagram (in China) making LEICA SUMMICRON front rings for it, to further improve the carbon copy look.
Problem is importing it to the US will result in a whole bunch of extra charges due to tariffs.I am sure people would appreciate a link to that shop.
I bought from this IG account and I sprung the extra for the brass version. I haven't had a chance to take it out for photos yet but just wanted to give my experience with this seller. Purchasing was super easy and communication was stellar even with the language barrier. When I received the lens there appeared to be a decent sized fiber or scratch in the lens itself which was a bit of a bummer. I reached out to their IG and they asked if I could bring it in to a shop to check if it was a scratch or a fiber and if it was a fiber they would pay for the cleaning and if it was a scratch I could return/exchange. Took it in and got the lens cleaned (was a fiber) and true to their word they refunded the cleaning fee and were super awesome through the hassle. The linked IG profile is having some issues and they are working to get it back online but I was able to pick up my conversation with their other profile.
As far as the fit and finish (other than the fiber), the lens feels premium. The brass has a nice heft to it, aperture ring has decent clicks with a very slight roughness to it, and the focusing feels very slightly rough but is nicely dampened and feels nice in normal use. Hoping to get out and take some pics this weekend weather permitting.Slightly off topic - which shop cleaned your lens?
Seawood Photo in San Rafael, CA. They have a good reputation and this being my first time working with them I can see why it is deserved. I also left them with an early silver version of the Helios 44 for a full CLA and am looking forward to getting that back.
endergemini wrote
ISO1600 wrote
https://www.instagram.com/naitounoi?igsh=cWtsZ3d5eHBzNnJ5That's who I got the lens from.
They do ship worldwide.
Desmolicious wrote
ISO1600 wrote
I bought it from a shop in Bangkok that I found on Instagram. Was about $365 after card fees. Had them send it to my hotel in chiang Mai while here on vacation.I've read they're as low as 200 bucks in China.
Also found a guy on Instagram (in China) making LEICA SUMMICRON front rings for it, to further improve the carbon copy look.
Desmolicious wrote
I see it at $499 on ebay from Thailand.Problem is importing it to the US will result in a whole bunch of extra charges due to tariffs.
As far as the fit and finish (other than the fiber), the lens feels premium. The brass has a nice heft to it, aperture ring has decent clicks with a very slight roughness to it, and the focusing feels very slightly rough but is nicely dampened and feels nice in normal use. Hoping to get out and take some pics this weekend weather permitting.
Seawood Photo in San Rafael, CA. They have a good reputation and this being my first time working with them I can see why it is deserved. I also left them with an early silver version of the Helios 44 for a full CLA and am looking forward to getting that back.
Nov 21, 2025 at 01:33 PM
p.3 #10Leica 35mm Summicron KOB copy by ‘Mandler’
endergemini wrote:
That's who I got the lens from.
They do ship worldwide.
I've read they're as low as 200 bucks in China.
Also found a guy on Instagram (in China) making LEICA SUMMICRON front rings for it, to further improve the carbon copy look.I am sure people would appreciate a link to that shop.
I bought from this IG account and I sprung the extra for the brass version. I haven't had a chance to take it out for photos yet but just wanted to give my experience with this seller. Purchasing was super easy and communication was stellar even with the language barrier. When I received the lens there appeared to be a decent sized fiber or scratch in the lens itself which was a bit of a bummer. I reached out to their IG and they asked if I could bring it in to a shop to check if it was a scratch or a fiber and if it was a fiber they would pay for the cleaning and if it was a scratch I could return/exchange. Took it in and got the lens cleaned (was a fiber) and true to their word they refunded the cleaning fee and were super awesome through the hassle. The linked IG profile is having some issues and they are working to get it back online but I was able to pick up my conversation with their other profile.
As far as the fit and finish (other than the fiber), the lens feels premium. The brass has a nice heft to it, aperture ring has decent clicks with a very slight roughness to it, and the focusing feels very slightly rough but is nicely dampened and feels nice in normal use. Hoping to get out and take some pics this weekend weather permitting.Slightly off topic - which shop cleaned your lens?Seawood Photo in San Rafael, CA. They have a good reputation and this being my first time working with them I can see why it is deserved. I also left them with an early silver version of the Helios 44 for a full CLA and am looking forward to getting that back.
Thanks! Good to know.
Desmolicious wrote
endergemini wrote
ISO1600 wrote
https://www.instagram.com/naitounoi?igsh=cWtsZ3d5eHBzNnJ5That's who I got the lens from.
They do ship worldwide.
Desmolicious wrote
ISO1600 wrote
I bought it from a shop in Bangkok that I found on Instagram. Was about $365 after card fees. Had them send it to my hotel in chiang Mai while here on vacation.I've read they're as low as 200 bucks in China.
Also found a guy on Instagram (in China) making LEICA SUMMICRON front rings for it, to further improve the carbon copy look.
As far as the fit and finish (other than the fiber), the lens feels premium. The brass has a nice heft to it, aperture ring has decent clicks with a very slight roughness to it, and the focusing feels very slightly rough but is nicely dampened and feels nice in normal use. Hoping to get out and take some pics this weekend weather permitting.
Thanks! Good to know.
Nov 21, 2025 at 02:16 PM
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p.3 #11Leica 35mm Summicron KOB copy by ‘Mandler’
https://www.instagram.com/mandlerfksummicrom?igsh=MXZ6Z3NuMWRvdmxzbQ==
This guy makes replacement parts for the mandler to "un-china" it.
This guy makes replacement parts for the mandler to "un-china" it.
Nov 24, 2025 at 06:47 PM
p.3 #12Leica 35mm Summicron KOB copy by ‘Mandler’
ISO1600 wrote:
https://www.instagram.com/mandlerfksummicrom?igsh=MXZ6Z3NuMWRvdmxzbQ==
This guy makes replacement parts for the mandler to "un-china" it.
A dood in China makes replacement parts to ‘un-china’ it?
https://www.instagram.com/mandlerfksummicrom?igsh=MXZ6Z3NuMWRvdmxzbQ==
This guy makes replacement parts for the mandler to "un-china" it.
A dood in China makes replacement parts to ‘un-china’ it?
Nov 24, 2025 at 08:03 PM
p.3 #13Leica 35mm Summicron KOB copy by ‘Mandler’
Did you follow the link or not? I personally think it's hilarious.
Desmolicious wrote:
This guy makes replacement parts for the mandler to "un-china" it.A dood in China makes replacement parts to ‘un-china’ it?
Desmolicious wrote:
ISO1600 wrote
https://www.instagram.com/mandlerfksummicrom?igsh=MXZ6Z3NuMWRvdmxzbQ==This guy makes replacement parts for the mandler to "un-china" it.
Nov 25, 2025 at 05:31 PM
p.3 #14Leica 35mm Summicron KOB copy by ‘Mandler’
ISO1600 wrote:
Did you follow the link or not? I personally think it's hilarious.
https://www.instagram.com/mandlerfksummicrom?igsh=MXZ6Z3NuMWRvdmxzbQ==
Is this too much? mandlerFKsummicron(vulgar handle) and also the Chinese name (Per translation - MFer Summicron V4)?
Nov 26, 2025 at 06:42 PM
p.3 #15Leica 35mm Summicron KOB copy by ‘Mandler’
I was able to take some pics this last weekend using the lens on my M11-P Safari. All the pics should be at f2 focused using live view with Auto ISO/Shutter Speed and imported into LR then exported into JPG Large. I wish I had a polarizer with me for car pics but this is more accurate as to what the bare lens could do. Also I hope I upload/post these right; it's my first time posting pics to the forum so apologies if anything gets bungled. Overall I like the lens but not sure how often I will use it vs the LLL 8E, Leica FLE II, or even the Peace Lens 1.4 (which I need to shoot more with to see how much I really like it). Will continue to try it out in different situations to truly asses how I feel since one of the days I was shooting midday and lighting was harsh.
Nov 26, 2025 at 06:55 PM
p.3 #16Leica 35mm Summicron KOB copy by ‘Mandler’
It's finally available for purchase for $388. However, only the LTM is in stock at the moment.
https://mandler.shop/products/mandler-35mm-f2-7-elements-aluminum?option_values=5887087771943%2C5887087870247%2C5887087903015
https://mandler.shop/products/mandler-35mm-f2-7-elements-aluminum?option_values=5887087771943%2C5887087870247%2C5887087903015
Feb 18, 2026 at 02:10 PM
p.3 #17Leica 35mm Summicron KOB copy by ‘Mandler’
Can anyone confirm whether the tab on the brass and aluminum versions is brass, aluminum, or plastic? I'm considering getting this lens just to swap it onto my 35/1.4 Lux (v2) to replace the plastic tab.
Feb 18, 2026 at 02:36 PM
p.3 #18Leica 35mm Summicron KOB copy by ‘Mandler’
Fred Miranda wrote:
Can anyone confirm whether the tab on the brass and aluminum versions is brass, aluminum, or plastic? I'm considering getting this lens just to swap it onto my 35/1.4 Lux (v2) to replace the plastic tab.
Is there a way to tell the material without scraping the paint off? I have the brass version of this lens and the focusing tab feels like metal but I'm not sure if it is painted aluminum or brass.
The brass version being $538-618 (depending on accessories) with duties included is a lot more reasonable than the ~$800 I paid which did NOT include duties. I do like the lens and the build quality of mine feels solid, I just have six 35's and have choice paralysis when deciding which to bring with me. I'll try to bring this out with me this weekend so I can hopefully capture some more examples to help potential buyers now that Mandler seems to be interested in selling direct to more customers.
Can anyone confirm whether the tab on the brass and aluminum versions is brass, aluminum, or plastic? I'm considering getting this lens just to swap it onto my 35/1.4 Lux (v2) to replace the plastic tab.
Is there a way to tell the material without scraping the paint off? I have the brass version of this lens and the focusing tab feels like metal but I'm not sure if it is painted aluminum or brass.
The brass version being $538-618 (depending on accessories) with duties included is a lot more reasonable than the ~$800 I paid which did NOT include duties. I do like the lens and the build quality of mine feels solid, I just have six 35's and have choice paralysis when deciding which to bring with me. I'll try to bring this out with me this weekend so I can hopefully capture some more examples to help potential buyers now that Mandler seems to be interested in selling direct to more customers.
Feb 18, 2026 at 08:23 PM
p.3 #19Leica 35mm Summicron KOB copy by ‘Mandler’
No clue about the tab material, but I'm pretty sure I've seen another Chinese company selling replacement brass tabs, might have been Mr Ding.
Coming back to this thread reminds me how much I really did enjoy the photos from this lens. If only adapting M was more pleasant, but I simply prefer a native lens that focuses <.7m.
Coming back to this thread reminds me how much I really did enjoy the photos from this lens. If only adapting M was more pleasant, but I simply prefer a native lens that focuses <.7m.
Feb 18, 2026 at 10:00 PM
p.3 #20Leica 35mm Summicron KOB copy by ‘Mandler’
ISO1600 wrote:
https://www.instagram.com/mandlerfksummicrom?igsh=MXZ6Z3NuMWRvdmxzbQ==
This guy makes replacement parts for the mandler to "un-china" it.
That seems fraudulent in a bunch of ways.
https://www.instagram.com/mandlerfksummicrom?igsh=MXZ6Z3NuMWRvdmxzbQ==
This guy makes replacement parts for the mandler to "un-china" it.
That seems fraudulent in a bunch of ways.
Feb 18, 2026 at 10:10 PM