Shoten Kobo has unveiled a new manual-focus prime lens that pairs vintage optical character with a deliberately nostalgic appearance. The Lailens 50 mm f/1.1 KP is built around a split-tone barrel and a striking front element coating, offering photographers a distinct alternative to modern ultra-corrected optics.
Design and Optical Heritage
The lens draws its inspiration from the Hugo Meyer Kino Plasmat 5 cm f/1.5 of the 1920s, a collector’s item that now commands around €13,200 on the secondhand market. In contrast, the new lens is slightly larger at 62 millimeters in diameter and 44.5 millimeters in length, while weighing 308 grams. It is also a full stop faster than its historical counterpart. A golden sheen across the front glass, paired with an unusual octagonal lens hood, reinforces the retro aesthetic. The lens accepts 52 mm threaded filters and focuses down to 0.5 meters, with rangefinder coupling for Leica M cameras.
Image Rendering and Technical Signature
Shoten Kobo does not aim for clinical sharpness with this model. Sample images released by the manufacturer show a softly defined image circle, gentle bokeh transitions, and a dreamlike rendering across the frame. Photographers working in color should be prepared for visible purple fringing along high-contrast edges. A 13-blade aperture ensures out-of-focus highlights remain circular even when the lens is stopped down.
Availability and Cross-Platform Use
Production is strictly capped at 70 units globally. The Lailens 50 mm f/1.1 KP is priced at ¥138,800 (approximately $849) and is sold directly through the manufacturer’s online store, with international shipping supported via proxy services. It is offered natively in Leica M mount, though adapters make it compatible with Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and Leica SL-mount full-frame bodies.
Sources: www.stkb.jp, petapixel.com