The ultimate 35mm one-and-done lens in M mount
p.5 #1The ultimate 35mm one-and-done lens in M mount
RomanMF wrote:
The Light Lens Lab 35 APO is becoming my daily driver. I’m now looking for a more quirky, and hopefully ultra fast 35 to pair it with for M shooting. I think LLL did a commendable job with this lens.
Ultra fast and quirky? The LLL 35 f/1.4 AA or Leica 35 f/1.4 pre-ASPH v2 would fit that. Of course, what you probably want (need!) is the Leica 35 f/1.2 Noctilux, right?
The most quirky 35 M I've had in a while is the Mandler, but it's only f/2.
The Light Lens Lab 35 APO is becoming my daily driver. I’m now looking for a more quirky, and hopefully ultra fast 35 to pair it with for M shooting. I think LLL did a commendable job with this lens.
Ultra fast and quirky? The LLL 35 f/1.4 AA or Leica 35 f/1.4 pre-ASPH v2 would fit that. Of course, what you probably want (need!) is the Leica 35 f/1.2 Noctilux, right?
The most quirky 35 M I've had in a while is the Mandler, but it's only f/2.Oct 24, 2026 at 02:16 PM
p.5 #2The ultimate 35mm one-and-done lens in M mount
Yeah, the Noctilux is in my sights... for when I hit the lotto, lol. I'm investigating the 35 and 40mm Voigtlander Noktons since I like the 50mm F/1 I have, chromatic aberration be damned. I'm selling my Voigtlander 35 Vintage F/1.5, but I think I'll keep my brass Mandler because it definitely fits the quirky bill.
highdesertmesa wrote:
Ultra fast and quirky? The LLL 35 f/1.4 AA or Leica 35 f/1.4 pre-ASPH v2 would fit that. Of course, what you probably want (need!) is the Leica 35 f/1.2 Noctilux, right? The most quirky 35 M I've had in a while is the Mandler, but it's only f/2.
highdesertmesa wrote:
RomanMF wrote
The Light Lens Lab 35 APO is becoming my daily driver. I’m now looking for a more quirky, and hopefully ultra fast 35 to pair it with for M shooting. I think LLL did a commendable job with this lens. The most quirky 35 M I've had in a while is the Mandler, but it's only f/2.Oct 24, 2026 at 06:43 PM
p.5 #3The ultimate 35mm one-and-done lens in M mount
RomanMF wrote:
Yeah, the Noctilux is in my sights... for when I hit the lotto, lol. I'm investigating the 35 and 40mm Voigtlander Noktons since I like the 50mm F/1 I have, chromatic aberration be damned. I'm selling my Voigtlander 35 Vintage F/1.5, but I think I'll keep my brass Mandler because it definitely fits the quirky bill.
Ultra fast and quirky? The LLL 35 f/1.4 AA or Leica 35 f/1.4 pre-ASPH v2 would fit that. Of course, what you probably want (need!) is the Leica 35 f/1.2 Noctilux, right? The most quirky 35 M I've had in a while is the Mandler, but it's only f/2.
The way to justify the Noct is to pretend you're serious about buying an M11-P, then you decide to "save" about $1K and buy the lens instead. And bonus: it doesn't depreciate as much as the camera would
I had the previous version of the Voigtlander 35 f/1.2 before, and it didn't strike a chord with me for whatever reason. But I'm constantly tempted by the 40 f/1.2, especially the latest version. The review/photo thread here for that lens has the most appealing photos of any other lens photo thread on this site, IMO.
Yeah, the Noctilux is in my sights... for when I hit the lotto, lol. I'm investigating the 35 and 40mm Voigtlander Noktons since I like the 50mm F/1 I have, chromatic aberration be damned. I'm selling my Voigtlander 35 Vintage F/1.5, but I think I'll keep my brass Mandler because it definitely fits the quirky bill.
highdesertmesa wrote
RomanMF wrote
The Light Lens Lab 35 APO is becoming my daily driver. I’m now looking for a more quirky, and hopefully ultra fast 35 to pair it with for M shooting. I think LLL did a commendable job with this lens. The most quirky 35 M I've had in a while is the Mandler, but it's only f/2.The way to justify the Noct is to pretend you're serious about buying an M11-P, then you decide to "save" about $1K and buy the lens instead. And bonus: it doesn't depreciate as much as the camera would
I had the previous version of the Voigtlander 35 f/1.2 before, and it didn't strike a chord with me for whatever reason. But I'm constantly tempted by the 40 f/1.2, especially the latest version. The review/photo thread here for that lens has the most appealing photos of any other lens photo thread on this site, IMO.
Oct 24, 2026 at 08:06 PM
p.5 #4The ultimate 35mm one-and-done lens in M mount
Weird lineup IMO. I'd expect to see the Leica 35 APO for modern vibes or something like the 35mm v4 KOB or Steel Rim for vintage.
Nov 11, 2026 at 06:54 PM
p.5 #5The ultimate 35mm one-and-done lens in M mount
highdesertmesa wrote:
Ultra fast and quirky? The LLL 35 f/1.4 AA or Leica 35 f/1.4 pre-ASPH v2 would fit that. Of course, what you probably want (need!) is the Leica 35 f/1.2 Noctilux, right? The most quirky 35 M I've had in a while is the Mandler, but it's only f/2.The way to justify the Noct is to pretend you're serious about buying an M11-P, then you decide to "save" about $1K and buy the lens instead. And bonus: it doesn't depreciate as much as the camera would
I had the previous version of the Voigtlander 35 f/1.2 before, and it didn't strike a chord with me for whatever reason. But I'm constantly tempted by the 40 f/1.2, especially the latest version. The review/photo thread here for that lens has the most appealing photos of any other lens photo thread on this site, IMO.
I was able to buy into the Leica M system, because I had budgeted for a Nikkor AF-S 600mm f/4E FL, or perhaps its 400mm f/2.8 stable mate, or the then-newly-introduced high-end zoom with built-in Tele-Converter. $12K+ to $14K+ US dollars, for the lens, alone. A left rotator cuff injury, however, interdicted my use of such might super-telephoto wonders, and with no assurance of complete rehabilitation, plus a sneaking suspicion that I might simply be getting too old to want to carry heavy gear very far, anymore, I let a pre-owned Leica M lens start speaking to me, from the Leica display case. (My shoulder was successfully rehabilitated, after about a year.)
I was able to buy the M lens, a new M10, and a Nikon-mount Zeiss Otus 85 ZF.2 for about what I might have paid for the Nikkor super-tele lens. (This was before Leica started escalating the prices of new M cameras. I think that the official Leica USA price, for a new M10, was $6895 USD, at the time.)
Thanks for your thoughts on the CV Nokton 35mm f/1.2. The CV Nokton 40mm f/1.2 does have my attention, though now that I have recently added a Nikon ZR, the dilemma is whether to acquire the VM or Z-mount version.
RomanMF wrote
Yeah, the Noctilux is in my sights... for when I hit the lotto, lol. I'm investigating the 35 and 40mm Voigtlander Noktons since I like the 50mm F/1 I have, chromatic aberration be damned. I'm selling my Voigtlander 35 Vintage F/1.5, but I think I'll keep my brass Mandler because it definitely fits the quirky bill.highdesertmesa wrote
RomanMF wrote
The Light Lens Lab 35 APO is becoming my daily driver. I’m now looking for a more quirky, and hopefully ultra fast 35 to pair it with for M shooting. I think LLL did a commendable job with this lens. The most quirky 35 M I've had in a while is the Mandler, but it's only f/2. I had the previous version of the Voigtlander 35 f/1.2 before, and it didn't strike a chord with me for whatever reason. But I'm constantly tempted by the 40 f/1.2, especially the latest version. The review/photo thread here for that lens has the most appealing photos of any other lens photo thread on this site, IMO.
I was able to buy into the Leica M system, because I had budgeted for a Nikkor AF-S 600mm f/4E FL, or perhaps its 400mm f/2.8 stable mate, or the then-newly-introduced high-end zoom with built-in Tele-Converter. $12K+ to $14K+ US dollars, for the lens, alone. A left rotator cuff injury, however, interdicted my use of such might super-telephoto wonders, and with no assurance of complete rehabilitation, plus a sneaking suspicion that I might simply be getting too old to want to carry heavy gear very far, anymore, I let a pre-owned Leica M lens start speaking to me, from the Leica display case. (My shoulder was successfully rehabilitated, after about a year.)
I was able to buy the M lens, a new M10, and a Nikon-mount Zeiss Otus 85 ZF.2 for about what I might have paid for the Nikkor super-tele lens. (This was before Leica started escalating the prices of new M cameras. I think that the official Leica USA price, for a new M10, was $6895 USD, at the time.)
Thanks for your thoughts on the CV Nokton 35mm f/1.2. The CV Nokton 40mm f/1.2 does have my attention, though now that I have recently added a Nikon ZR, the dilemma is whether to acquire the VM or Z-mount version.
Nov 12, 2026 at 11:20 AM
p.5 #6The ultimate 35mm one-and-done lens in M mount
RexGig0 wrote:
Ultra fast and quirky? The LLL 35 f/1.4 AA or Leica 35 f/1.4 pre-ASPH v2 would fit that. Of course, what you probably want (need!) is the Leica 35 f/1.2 Noctilux, right? The most quirky 35 M I've had in a while is the Mandler, but it's only f/2.The way to justify the Noct is to pretend you're serious about buying an M11-P, then you decide to "save" about $1K and buy the lens instead. And bonus: it doesn't depreciate as much as the camera would
I had the previous version of the Voigtlander 35 f/1.2 before, and it didn't strike a chord with me for whatever reason. But I'm constantly tempted by the 40 f/1.2, especially the latest version. The review/photo thread here for that lens has the most appealing photos of any other lens photo thread on this site, IMO.I was able to buy into the Leica M system, because I had budgeted for a Nikkor AF-S 600mm f/4E FL, or perhaps its 400mm f/2.8 stable mate, or the then-newly-introduced high-end zoom with built-in Tele-Converter. $12K+ to $14K+ US dollars, for the lens, alone. A left rotator cuff injury, however, interdicted my use of such might super-telephoto wonders, and with no assurance of complete rehabilitation, plus a sneaking suspicion that I might simply be getting too old to want to carry heavy gear very far, anymore, I let a pre-owned Leica M lens start speaking to me, from the...Show more →
I would go with the Z-mount version due to both the closer MFD and the integration with Nikon focus confirmation without the need for a third party electronically-connected adapter. But then of course the main benefit of the M version is portability across platforms.
highdesertmesa wrote
RomanMF wrote
Yeah, the Noctilux is in my sights... for when I hit the lotto, lol. I'm investigating the 35 and 40mm Voigtlander Noktons since I like the 50mm F/1 I have, chromatic aberration be damned. I'm selling my Voigtlander 35 Vintage F/1.5, but I think I'll keep my brass Mandler because it definitely fits the quirky bill.highdesertmesa wrote
RomanMF wrote
The Light Lens Lab 35 APO is becoming my daily driver. I’m now looking for a more quirky, and hopefully ultra fast 35 to pair it with for M shooting. I think LLL did a commendable job with this lens. The most quirky 35 M I've had in a while is the Mandler, but it's only f/2. I had the previous version of the Voigtlander 35 f/1.2 before, and it didn't strike a chord with me for whatever reason. But I'm constantly tempted by the 40 f/1.2, especially the latest version. The review/photo thread here for that lens has the most appealing photos of any other lens photo thread on this site, IMO.
I would go with the Z-mount version due to both the closer MFD and the integration with Nikon focus confirmation without the need for a third party electronically-connected adapter. But then of course the main benefit of the M version is portability across platforms.
Nov 12, 2026 at 02:39 PM
p.5 #7The ultimate 35mm one-and-done lens in M mount
highdesertmesa wrote:
The most quirky 35 M I've had in a while is the Mandler, but it's only f/2.
Mandler is f/2.5 acturaly.
If you need a similar but faster lens, its brother is Mr.Ding Pactcron 35/1.8.
The most quirky 35 M I've had in a while is the Mandler, but it's only f/2.
Mandler is f/2.5 acturaly.
If you need a similar but faster lens, its brother is Mr.Ding Pactcron 35/1.8.
Nov 12, 2026 at 03:21 PM
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p.5 #8The ultimate 35mm one-and-done lens in M mount
RexGig0 wrote:
Ultra fast and quirky? The LLL 35 f/1.4 AA or Leica 35 f/1.4 pre-ASPH v2 would fit that. Of course, what you probably want (need!) is the Leica 35 f/1.2 Noctilux, right? The most quirky 35 M I've had in a while is the Mandler, but it's only f/2.The way to justify the Noct is to pretend you're serious about buying an M11-P, then you decide to "save" about $1K and buy the lens instead. And bonus: it doesn't depreciate as much as the camera would
I had the previous version of the Voigtlander 35 f/1.2 before, and it didn't strike a chord with me for whatever reason. But I'm constantly tempted by the 40 f/1.2, especially the latest version. The review/photo thread here for that lens has the most appealing photos of any other lens photo thread on this site, IMO.I was able to buy into the Leica M system, because I had budgeted for a Nikkor AF-S 600mm f/4E FL, or perhaps its 400mm f/2.8 stable mate, or the then-newly-introduced high-end zoom with built-in Tele-Converter. $12K+ to $14K+ US dollars, for the lens, alone. A left rotator cuff injury, however, interdicted my use of such might super-telephoto wonders, and with no assurance of complete rehabilitation, plus a sneaking suspicion that I might simply be getting too old to want to carry heavy gear very far, anymore, I let a pre-owned Leica M lens start speaking to me, from the...Show more →
I've used the 55mm ZF.2 Otus on the M EV1 ; optically it worked very well, but walking around carrying it was another matter.
The Nokton 40/1.2 works really well on the Nikon ZR; despite already having a VM version, I did buy the Z native lens to get the green box focus confirmation. The even smaller Voigtländer 35/1.4 is just as characterful in the Z variant as the classic M mount. Both Z lenses have however bloated in size as they are restyled to match the Z mount diameter.
I have on order a 35/1.4 Otus ML in Z-mount; on paper it seems better across the the frame than the latest Leica Summilux and Noctilux 35mm lenses; down side is it is the size of a SL lens.
highdesertmesa wrote
RomanMF wrote
Yeah, the Noctilux is in my sights... for when I hit the lotto, lol. I'm investigating the 35 and 40mm Voigtlander Noktons since I like the 50mm F/1 I have, chromatic aberration be damned. I'm selling my Voigtlander 35 Vintage F/1.5, but I think I'll keep my brass Mandler because it definitely fits the quirky bill.highdesertmesa wrote
RomanMF wrote
The Light Lens Lab 35 APO is becoming my daily driver. I’m now looking for a more quirky, and hopefully ultra fast 35 to pair it with for M shooting. I think LLL did a commendable job with this lens. The most quirky 35 M I've had in a while is the Mandler, but it's only f/2. I had the previous version of the Voigtlander 35 f/1.2 before, and it didn't strike a chord with me for whatever reason. But I'm constantly tempted by the 40 f/1.2, especially the latest version. The review/photo thread here for that lens has the most appealing photos of any other lens photo thread on this site, IMO.
I've used the 55mm ZF.2 Otus on the M EV1 ; optically it worked very well, but walking around carrying it was another matter.
The Nokton 40/1.2 works really well on the Nikon ZR; despite already having a VM version, I did buy the Z native lens to get the green box focus confirmation. The even smaller Voigtländer 35/1.4 is just as characterful in the Z variant as the classic M mount. Both Z lenses have however bloated in size as they are restyled to match the Z mount diameter.
I have on order a 35/1.4 Otus ML in Z-mount; on paper it seems better across the the frame than the latest Leica Summilux and Noctilux 35mm lenses; down side is it is the size of a SL lens.
Nov 12, 2026 at 03:34 PM
p.5 #9The ultimate 35mm one-and-done lens in M mount
highdesertmesa wrote:
Ultra fast and quirky? The LLL 35 f/1.4 AA or Leica 35 f/1.4 pre-ASPH v2 would fit that. Of course, what you probably want (need!) is the Leica 35 f/1.2 Noctilux, right? The most quirky 35 M I've had in a while is the Mandler, but it's only f/2.
Try the Zenit 35/1.0.
https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/313010-review-the-world-first-35mm-noct-zenit-zenitar-35mm-f1/
RomanMF wrote
The Light Lens Lab 35 APO is becoming my daily driver. I’m now looking for a more quirky, and hopefully ultra fast 35 to pair it with for M shooting. I think LLL did a commendable job with this lens. The most quirky 35 M I've had in a while is the Mandler, but it's only f/2.Try the Zenit 35/1.0.
https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/313010-review-the-world-first-35mm-noct-zenit-zenitar-35mm-f1/
Nov 12, 2026 at 05:55 PM
p.5 #10The ultimate 35mm one-and-done lens in M mount
FrozenInTime wrote:
Ultra fast and quirky? The LLL 35 f/1.4 AA or Leica 35 f/1.4 pre-ASPH v2 would fit that. Of course, what you probably want (need!) is the Leica 35 f/1.2 Noctilux, right? The most quirky 35 M I've had in a while is the Mandler, but it's only f/2.The way to justify the Noct is to pretend you're serious about buying an M11-P, then you decide to "save" about $1K and buy the lens instead. And bonus: it doesn't depreciate as much as the camera would
I had the previous version of the Voigtlander 35 f/1.2 before, and it didn't strike a chord with me for whatever reason. But I'm constantly tempted by the 40 f/1.2, especially the latest version. The review/photo thread here for that lens has the most appealing photos of any other lens photo thread on this site, IMO.I was able to buy into the Leica M system, because I had budgeted for a Nikkor AF-S 600mm f/4E FL, or perhaps its 400mm f/2.8 stable mate, or the then-newly-introduced high-end zoom with built-in Tele-Converter. $12K+ to $14K+ US dollars, for the lens, alone. A left rotator cuff injury, however, interdicted my use of such might super-telephoto wonders, and with no assurance of complete rehabilitation, plus a sneaking suspicion that I might simply be getting too old to want to carry heavy gear very far, anymore, I let a pre-owned Leica M lens start speaking to me, from the Leica display case. (My shoulder was successfully rehabilitated, after about a year.)
I was able to buy the M lens, a new M10, and a Nikon-mount Zeiss Otus 85 ZF.2 for about what I might have paid for the Nikkor super-tele lens. (This was before Leica started escalating the prices of new M cameras. I think that the official Leica USA price, for a new M10, was $6895 USD, at the time.)
Thanks for your thoughts on the CV Nokton 35mm f/1.2. The CV Nokton 40mm f/1.2 does have my attention, though now that I have recently added a Nikon ZR, the dilemma is whether to acquire the VM or Z-mount version.I've used the 55mm ZF.2 Otus on the M EV1 ; optically it worked very well, but walking around carrying it was another matter.
The Nokton 40/1.2 works really well on the Nikon ZR; despite already having a VM version, I did buy the Z native lens to get the green box focus confirmation. The even smaller Voigtländer 35/1.4 is just as characterful in the Z variant as the classic M mount. Both Z lenses have however bloated in size as they are restyled to match the Z mount diameter.
I have on order a 35/1.4 Otus ML in Z-mount; on paper...Show more →
I mounted my Otus 85 ZF.2 on my Nikon ZR, using the FTC adapter, so, I can relate.
Optically wonderful, but, walking around... THAT is what my Nikon D4S/D5 cameras are for! it is not just the "balance," but the extended grip provides a contact point against the heel of my upraised left hand.
I may well opt for the Z-mount, with its electronic contacts, when I order a Nokton 40/1.2, for the better AF confirmation and better sensor stabilization. That does not mean I won't add the VM version, too, but, I am probably about to start tanning my herd of M-mount lenses, so, may, on principle, decide against adding more CV VM lenses.
The Otus 35 ML has the potential to become a goal, if not a grail quest. I am trying to resist....
RexGig0 wrote
highdesertmesa wrote
RomanMF wrote
Yeah, the Noctilux is in my sights... for when I hit the lotto, lol. I'm investigating the 35 and 40mm Voigtlander Noktons since I like the 50mm F/1 I have, chromatic aberration be damned. I'm selling my Voigtlander 35 Vintage F/1.5, but I think I'll keep my brass Mandler because it definitely fits the quirky bill.highdesertmesa wrote
RomanMF wrote
The Light Lens Lab 35 APO is becoming my daily driver. I’m now looking for a more quirky, and hopefully ultra fast 35 to pair it with for M shooting. I think LLL did a commendable job with this lens. The most quirky 35 M I've had in a while is the Mandler, but it's only f/2. I had the previous version of the Voigtlander 35 f/1.2 before, and it didn't strike a chord with me for whatever reason. But I'm constantly tempted by the 40 f/1.2, especially the latest version. The review/photo thread here for that lens has the most appealing photos of any other lens photo thread on this site, IMO.
I was able to buy the M lens, a new M10, and a Nikon-mount Zeiss Otus 85 ZF.2 for about what I might have paid for the Nikkor super-tele lens. (This was before Leica started escalating the prices of new M cameras. I think that the official Leica USA price, for a new M10, was $6895 USD, at the time.)
Thanks for your thoughts on the CV Nokton 35mm f/1.2. The CV Nokton 40mm f/1.2 does have my attention, though now that I have recently added a Nikon ZR, the dilemma is whether to acquire the VM or Z-mount version.
The Nokton 40/1.2 works really well on the Nikon ZR; despite already having a VM version, I did buy the Z native lens to get the green box focus confirmation. The even smaller Voigtländer 35/1.4 is just as characterful in the Z variant as the classic M mount. Both Z lenses have however bloated in size as they are restyled to match the Z mount diameter.
I have on order a 35/1.4 Otus ML in Z-mount; on paper...Show more →
I mounted my Otus 85 ZF.2 on my Nikon ZR, using the FTC adapter, so, I can relate.
Optically wonderful, but, walking around... THAT is what my Nikon D4S/D5 cameras are for! it is not just the "balance," but the extended grip provides a contact point against the heel of my upraised left hand.I may well opt for the Z-mount, with its electronic contacts, when I order a Nokton 40/1.2, for the better AF confirmation and better sensor stabilization. That does not mean I won't add the VM version, too, but, I am probably about to start tanning my herd of M-mount lenses, so, may, on principle, decide against adding more CV VM lenses.
The Otus 35 ML has the potential to become a goal, if not a grail quest. I am trying to resist....
Nov 12, 2026 at 09:56 PM
p.5 #11The ultimate 35mm one-and-done lens in M mount
Voigtländer just announced Nokton 35/1.2 ported to E and Z mounts:
https://youtu.be/B6OUKzN7zs0
https://youtu.be/B6OUKzN7zs0
Nov 13, 2026 at 02:55 AM
p.5 #12The ultimate 35mm one-and-done lens in M mount
35 Noct, or FLE close focus
Nov 13, 2026 at 07:48 AM
p.5 #13The ultimate 35mm one-and-done lens in M mount
FrozenInTime wrote:
Voigtländer just announced Nokton 35/1.2 ported to E and Z mounts:
https://youtu.be/B6OUKzN7zs0
I'm confused! What is this? They already have this lens for the Sony E mount since 2020. Did I miss something?
https://phillipreeve.net/blog/review-voigtlander-nokton-35mm-f1-2-se/
They did the same in 35mm, 40mm and 50mm f/1.2 "Still Edition"
Voigtländer just announced Nokton 35/1.2 ported to E and Z mounts:
https://youtu.be/B6OUKzN7zs0
I'm confused! What is this? They already have this lens for the Sony E mount since 2020. Did I miss something?
https://phillipreeve.net/blog/review-voigtlander-nokton-35mm-f1-2-se/
They did the same in 35mm, 40mm and 50mm f/1.2 "Still Edition"
Nov 13, 2026 at 04:59 PM