Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 35mm f/2.0 Lens for Leica M

The Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 35mm f/2.0 lens is a premium manual focus prime lens engineered specifically for Leica M-mount rangefinder cameras. This lens utilizes a sophisticated apochromatic optical design that corrects longitudinal chromatic aberrations, ensuring that color fringes are virtually eliminated even in high-contrast lighting conditions. With its compact form factor and robust build quality, it provides photographers with a reliable tool for capturing images with outstanding resolution, high contrast, and natural color reproduction across the entire frame.

Advantages

The primary strength of this lens lies in its exceptional optical performance, which is achieved through the use of high-refractive glass elements and precise manufacturing standards. The apochromatic design ensures that light of different wavelengths focuses on the same plane, resulting in superior sharpness and clarity that meets the demands of modern high-resolution sensors. Furthermore, the manual focus mechanism is calibrated for smooth and accurate operation, allowing for precise focus adjustments that are essential for rangefinder photography. The lens also features a 12-blade aperture diaphragm, which produces a pleasing and soft bokeh effect, enhancing the aesthetic quality of out-of-focus areas.

Suitable for

• Street photography
• Documentary and reportage work
• Travel and landscape photography
• Environmental portraiture

This lens may not be suitable for users who require autofocus capabilities, as it is a strictly manual focus optic. Additionally, it is not designed for macro photography due to its minimum focusing distance, and it may not be the optimal choice for sports or wildlife photography where rapid, continuous autofocus tracking is necessary.

Key specifications

• Focal length: 35mm
• Maximum aperture: f/2.0
• Minimum aperture: f/16
• Aperture blades: 12
• Focus type: Manual focus
• Lens mount: Leica M
• Optical design: Apochromatic

To use the Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 35mm f/2.0, mount the lens onto your Leica M-mount camera body until it clicks into place. Since this is a manual focus lens, you will need to use the rangefinder patch or live view magnification on your camera to achieve critical focus. Adjust the aperture ring on the lens barrel to control depth of field and exposure. Ensure that the lens is kept clean and stored in a dry environment when not in use to maintain the integrity of the optical elements.

What to consider before purchase

• Compatibility with your specific camera mount
• Preference for manual focus operation
• The need for a 35mm focal length for your specific photographic style
• The physical size and weight balance on your camera body

For the best results, use a lens hood to minimize flare and ghosting when shooting in bright light. Regularly clean the front and rear elements with a professional lens cleaning kit to ensure optimal image clarity.